Seoul, situated in a temperate climatic zone, has four distinct seasons. In August, temperatures range from 26℃ ~ 30℃ and the weather is hot with sunny clear skies and occasional rains.


Eating out is one of the great pleasures of visiting Korea, a country famous for its many native dishes. Korean cuisine will provide unique tastes for visitors. There is also a wide variety of American, Continental, Chinese and Japanese restaurants. Korean food is nutritious, well balanced and low in calories as it involves a wide variety of vegetables. Seasonings include garlic, red pepper, scallion, soy sauce, fermented bean paste, ginger and sesame oil.


The basic currency of Korea is won. Specifically, various notes and coins are used: Notes include 1,000 won, 5,000 won, and 10,000 won denominations, while coins include 10 won, 50 won, 100 won, and 500 won denominations.
＊US$1=KRW1,050 as of December, 2004


Credit cards, including VISA, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and JCB, are accepted at major hotels, department stores, restaurants, and retail outlets.


Foreign bank notes and traveler's checks can be converted into Korean won at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchange outlets. The exchange rate is subject to market fluctuations. The basic exchange rate as of December, 2004 is KRW 1,050 to 1 US dollar.


Government office hours are usually from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Banks are open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Major department stores are open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. including Sundays.


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

TAX Upon request, visitors can receive nearly 10 percent VAT refunds for purchases at "Duty Free Shopping" outlets. Goods must be taken out of Korea within three months of purchase to be eligible for a tax refund. Only foreign tourists in Korea can apply for this tax refund. Visitors can receive a refund on a receipt for a minimum purchase of KRW50,000 (around US$47). To receive this refund, present refund receipts with the purchased goods at the customs desk in the Incheon International Airport when departing. These receipts can be cashed in at the Cash Refund Office in front of the Airport Duty Free Shop.


All visitors to the Republic of Korea must have a valid passport and visa. Visitors with roundtrip tickets from countries who have a special agreement with Korea may be exempt from the visa requirement, and can stay in Korea Visa-free for periods up to thirty days, or ninety days, depending on the type of agreement between the two countries. For more information, please contact the local Korean consulate or embassy in your country, or refer to the website www.korea.net or www.moj.go.kr.

Countries under Visa Exemption Agreements (62 countries)
Nationals of countries which have the visa exemption agreement with Korea and of countries designated by the government can enter Korea without a visa on the condition that they do not engage in remunerative activities during their stay.



Designated countries allowed to enter Korea without a visa (41 countries)
Nationals of the following countries are permitted to enter without a visa according to the principles of reciprocity or priority of national interests up to 30 days.
※ With the exception of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Slovenia




Participants are advised to take out adequate travel and health insurance before leaving their respective countries. The Organizing Committee has no insurance coverage for the participants and will not be responsible for any accident that may occur during the Conference.


Korea uses both the 110 and 220-volt systems, although the use of the 220-volt system is more widespread. Because most new hotels have 220-volt wiring installed, it is advised to check beforehand. Most recently built houses are wired with 220-volt systems.


In relation to Greenwich Mean Time, Korea is + 9 hours.