IFEZ opens up to euros and dollars in stages

The economic zone in Songdo, Incheon, is stepping up its foreign currency exchange service to make life more convenient for foreign residents and visitors.

Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) officials said they began distributing a new logo in September indicating that certain stores or services are accepting and transacting foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars and euros. Such transactions can also be made using credit cards, they added. Already 40 stores within the economic zone have applied for the logo.

Since last month, the IFEZ has also been promoting the logo through its Web site (www.ifez.go.kr) and booklets. “The logo is aimed at helping foreigners find stores that accept foreign currencies and foreign credit cards more easily,” said an IFEZ official.

“It will help transform the IFEZ into a more international environment where foreign currencies are easily traded.”

Additionally, the zone plans to create a standardized system so restaurants can more easily create their own English-language menus.

The IFEZ’s global service center has been offering translation service for more than a year.

The translation service center is located in front of the University of Incheon Subway Station. Subway employees have also been receiving English training since July to offer a better service to foreigners.

By Lee Ho-jeong [ojlee82@joongang.co.kr]