Time
Live Business City Clocks
Business Hours Overlap
India: Mon–Sat 9:30 AM–6:30 PM IST | South Korea: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM KST
South Korea (KST, UTC+9) is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead of IST. Korea does not observe daylight saving time. There is a 5-hour business overlap in India's morning.
IST ↔ South Korea Quick Reference
| 🇮🇳 IST | KST |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM IST | 9:30 AM KST |
| 9:30 AM IST | 1:00 PM KST |
| 12:00 PM IST | 3:30 PM KST |
| 2:30 PM IST | 6:00 PM KST |
| 6:00 PM IST | 9:30 PM KST |
| 9:00 PM IST | 12:30 AM KST+1 |
Key Commercial Ports
🇮🇳 India
| Port | City | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai Port | Chennai | 24×7 | Primary port for Korean auto components & electronics imports; vehicles export |
| JNPT / Nhava Sheva | Mumbai | 24×7 | Chemicals, iron ore & pharma exports to Korea |
| Mundra Port | Gujarat | 24×7 | Steel & industrial goods from Korea |
🇰🇷 South Korea
| Port | City | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Busan | Busan | 24×7 | World's 5th busiest container port; primary gateway for India–Korea sea trade |
| Port of Incheon | Incheon | 24×7 | West coast port; near Seoul; free trade zone |
| Incheon International Airport | Incheon | 24×7 | Asia's top air cargo hub; electronics & high-value goods |
* Most major international ports operate 24×7 for vessel operations; customs clearance and gate hours vary. Always verify with the port authority or your freight forwarder.
Top Traded Goods
🇮🇳 India Exports to South Korea
- Iron ore & pellets
- Cotton & cotton yarn
- Pharmaceuticals
- Organic chemicals
- Engineering goods
- Petrochemicals
- Seafood & marine products
🇮🇳 India Imports from South Korea
- Automobiles (Hyundai & Kia)
- Consumer electronics (Samsung, LG)
- Machinery & industrial equipment
- Steel & iron products
- Plastics & synthetic resins
- Chemical raw materials
- Display panels & semiconductors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between India and South Korea?
South Korea Standard Time (KST, UTC+9) is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30). South Korea does not observe daylight saving time, so the difference is constant year-round.
What are the best business hours to contact South Korea from India?
Call between 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM IST (1:00 PM–6:00 PM KST). This 5-hour window covers the second half of Korea's business day and is the most productive time for India–Korea calls.
Which Korean companies have major manufacturing in India?
Hyundai Motor India (Chennai) is South Korea's largest India investment — among India's top car manufacturers. Kia also has a plant in Anantapur. Samsung manufactures smartphones and appliances in Noida. LG, Lotte Chemicals, and POSCO Steel have significant India operations.
Is there a free trade agreement between India and South Korea?
Yes. The India–Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) entered into force in January 2010. It covers goods, services, and investment. Both sides are in ongoing review/upgrade talks to address India's trade deficit concerns.