Weather

Korea’s climate is regarded as a continental climate from a temperate standpoint and a monsoon climate from a precipitation standpoint. The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Essentially, the most tourist friendly seasons here are Spring between April and June, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom as well as Autumn from September to November when the skies are clear, sunny and warm. Spring and Autumn which are pleasant but short in duration provide a welcome relief from the extremes of summer and winter. The average temperature of June in between Spring and Summer, when the conference will be held, is 21.9°C

Time Zone

The time in Korea is 9 hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+9).

Currency & Exchange

The unit of the Korean currency is the Won (￦). Various notes and coins are used: notes include 1,000 won, 5,000 won, 10,000 won and 50,000 won denominations, while coins include 10 won, 50 won, 100 won and 500 won denominations. As of January 2013, the exchange rate is approximately USD 1to KRW 1,057. Foreign bank notes and traveler’s checks can be converted into the Korean won at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchange outlets. The exchange rate is subject to market fluctuations.

Taxes & Tipping

Tipping is not a regular practice in Korea. Service charges are included in your bill for rooms, meals and other services at hotels and luxurious restaurants. Koreans occasionally do tip when they are especially pleased with the service they receive.

Mobile Phone

Mobile phones can be rented at the airport or at main hotel. To apply for a mobile phone rental service, you will need an identification card (passport) and a credit card.

Passport & Visa

All foreign visitors entering South Korea must possess valid passports. Nationals of most countries may enter visa-free for a maximum duration of 30 days, given possession of confirmed return or alternate destination tickets. Nationals of EU countries may remain in South Korea for up to 3 months (2 months for Italian nationals) under the same conditions. All participants, regardless of nationality, are encouraged to contact their local Korean consulate for specific details and confirmation of requirements. For more information, visit
http://www.mofat.go.kr/english/visa/apply/index.jsp

Bank & Credit Card

Visa, Master, JCB and a variety of credit cards are widely accepted at major hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Electricity

The standard electricity supply is 220-volts AC/60 cycles. Most hotels may provide outlet converters for 110 and 220 volts. We advise you to check with the hotel beforehand.

Useful Websites

Website	URL
Korea National Tourism Organization	www.knto.or.kr
The Official Travel Guide to Seoul	www.visitseoul.net
Gateway to Korea	www.korea.net
Seoul Convention & Visitors Bureau	www.miceseoul.com
Seoul Metropolitan Government	english.seoul.go.kr
Korea Immigration Service	www.immigration.go.kr
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade	www.mofat.go.kr
Incheon International Airport	www.airport.or.kr