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About Korea
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Korea lies in the northeastern
part of the Asian continent.
It is located between 33 degrees
and 43 degrees in Northern Latitude,
and 124 degrees and 132 degrees
in Eastern Longitude. China,
Russia, and Japan are adjacent
to Korea. Local time is nine
hours ahead of GMT. Korean Culture
has blossomed over its 5,000-year
long history. Its rich cultural
heritage reflects the influence
of various Asian cultures on
the creative Korean spirit.
The outstanding cultural heritage
is evidenced by its arts and
crafts, and beautiful places
and temples. The unique and
highly scientific "Hangul"
(Korean language) is part of
the reason why the IT industry
has developed so rapidly in
Korea. The climate of Korea
is characterized by four distinct
seasons: spring, summer, fall,
and winter. Autumn lasts from
September to November, and produces
mild weather. It is the best
season for visiting Korea. Korea
has successfully hosted many
international events including
the Olympic Games and 2002 Korea/Japan
FIFA World Cup.
For more
information, please visit the
following website: http://english.tour2korea.com
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Dynamic Seoul
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Seoul has been
the center of politics, economy, culture
and transportation of Korea for six centuries
since Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty,
moved the capital here in the third year
(1394) of his reign. Today one quarter of
the nation's population lives in Seoul,
which serves as the broadband core of all
branches of knowledge. Seoul preserves numerous
relics of the Joseon Dynasty: Dongdaemun;
five extant palaces, namely Gyeongbokgung,
Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung
and Gyeonghyigung; royal tombs, including
Hongneung and Seonjeongneung; and Sung Kyun
Kwan, the Confucian educational institution.
The list of Seoul's cultural heritage is
endless. The city's legacy winds through
its labyrinthine alleys. At the same time,
Seoul has risen as a global landmark of
modernity with many must-see attractions:
Lotte World, an amusement park; Seoul Tower,
the symbol of Seoul, blazing the night through;
many parks and museums; department stores
and other emporiums; jazz bars, cafes, etc.
You will experience the historical and cultural sites
of Seoul and explore beauty of Republic of Korea.
Further details in regard with tour information will
follow soon.
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Visa & Passport
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Foreign
visitors to the Republic of Korea must have
a valid passport and obtain a visa before
arriving but citizens of 105 countries or
regions who want to visit Korea temporarily
are permitted to enter without a visa according
to visa exemption agreements or in accordance
with principles of reciprocity and national
interest.
For more information, please
visit the following website: Ministry of
Justice: www.moj.go.kr
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Currency & Credit Cards
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The unit of the Korean currency
is the Won (KRW, denoted by
£Ü). Coin denominations are
£Ü10, £Ü50, £Ü100, £Ü500. Banknotes
are £Ü1,000, £Ü5,000 and £Ü10,000.
Foreign banknotes and travelers
checks can be easily converted
into the Korean Won at foreign
exchange banks and other authorized
money exchangers. Credit cards,
including VISA,
American Express, Diners Club,
Master Card and JCB,
are accepted at most hotels,
shops and restaurants.
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Tipping
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Tipping is not a traditional
Korean custom. A 10% service charge is added
to your bill at all tourist hotels. It is
not necessary to tip a taxi driver unless
he assists you with luggage or provides
an extra service.
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Electricity
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Although the use
of the 220 volt system is more widespread,
Korea uses both the 110 and 220 volt systems.
Most hotels, including the Grand Hyatt Seoul
is wired with both 220 volt systems and
with 110 volt systems.
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Climate & Clothing
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The
weather in Seoul during the period of the
conference is the beginning of summer. It
lasts from May to June, and produces mild,
fair, and clear weather. The temperature
ranges in average between 20~27°C. It
is great to enjoy outdoor sport, activities
and sightseeing. We recommend you to bring
lightweight clothing for the daytime.
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SOS Emergencies
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Police [112]
/ Fire Department [119]
/ Medical Emergencies [1339]
In
case of an emergency, a hotel front desk
or manager can arrange for a doctor or an
ambulance. If medical attention is necessary
on the street, ask a policeman or passer-by
for assistance. Koreans generally respond
quickly to emergency situations. Police
boxes can be found on every major street
, and most public
telephones have a red
emergency button that can be
activated to contact emergency help. In
addition, International SOS Korea (Tel.
02-790-7561) provides a 24-hour emergency
service for visitors for free, acting as
a link between the patient and the Korean
hospitals.
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