Define the equipment you need
Before arranging a loan or rental, list the chair type, seat dimensions, support requirements, total weight and any transfer or bathroom equipment you need. A basic manual chair may not be a suitable replacement for a customised chair.
Confirm delivery, collection, return deadlines, costs and what happens if the equipment fails. Ask for written confirmation of the actual model rather than relying on a general promise of “a wheelchair”.
Ask about short loans at airports and attractions
Incheon Airport provides mobility-assistance information and wheelchair-loan options. Contact the airport or airline about stock, collection points and how far a loaned chair can travel.
Some palaces, museums and tourist information centres also lend wheelchairs. Check availability and whether a reservation, identification or deposit is required. A loan for use inside an attraction is not necessarily available for the rest of the trip.
Arrange longer rentals in advance
Accessible-tourism operators and specialist equipment providers may arrange multi-day hire. The Korea Tourism Organization's accessible-travel resources can help identify contacts.
WheelShare offers powered add-on equipment through a loan programme. Contact 1670-7988 or the programme website to confirm current eligibility, locations, loan periods and compatibility. An add-on kit requires a suitable manual chair and is not a substitute for every powered wheelchair.
Public loan and subsidy schemes can have residency, insurance or disability-registration requirements. Ask the provider about your circumstances; do not assume every scheme is available or unavailable solely because you are visiting Korea.
Prepare for repairs
Bring the manufacturer's model number, battery specifications, operating instructions and photographs of important connectors or components. Ask the manufacturer about service contacts before travelling if a particular part is difficult to replace.
Medical-equipment shops, assistive-technology centres or specialist operators may be able to help, but not every provider repairs every model. Confirm parts, turnaround time, payment and temporary replacement options.
Resident repair subsidies and a provider's willingness to do paid repair work are separate questions. Ask about both where relevant.
Charge with compatible equipment
Bring the correct charger and check its input voltage. A publicly listed wheelchair charging point may not have the right connector or specifications for your chair.
Ask before connecting unfamiliar equipment, and follow the chair manufacturer's instructions. Plan enough battery range for detours, hills and longer accessible routes.
Arrange airline handling before departure
Tell every operating airline the chair's dimensions, weight, battery type and whether the battery is removable. Provide the manufacturer's isolation and handling instructions and confirm assistance at connections as well as departure and arrival.
Mobility-device batteries have rules separate from ordinary power banks. Limits and packaging depend on battery type and how it is installed or removed; a blanket “300 Wh for every wheelchair” rule is not sufficient.
Ask the airline to confirm acceptance and the required handling in writing. Explain how to switch off or isolate the chair safely, and keep detachable essential parts with you where the airline permits.
