| Location |
The Korean Peninsula is located in North-East Asia. It is bordered by the Amnok River (Yalu River) to the northwest, separating Korea from China, and the Duman River (Tumen River) to the northeast which separates Korea from both China and Russia. The country itself is flanked by the Yellow Sea to its west and the East Sea to the east. There are several notable islands that surround the country including Jeju-do, Ulleung-do and Dok-do (Liancourt Rocks).
Because of its unique geographical location, this makes Korea very viable piece of land and an international hub of Asia. |
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| Climate |
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Korea has four seasons, with a wet monsoon/summer in the middle of the year, and a cold winter from November to March. The island of Jeju off the southern coast is the warmest and wettest place in the country. The most ideal time to visit Korea is |
| during the autumn months (September~November). During this time, the country experiences warm, sunny weather, skies that are cobalt blue and spectacular foliage that is perhaps the biggest draw. Winters are cold and dry and remain a good time if you are interested in winter sports as there are numerous ski resorts. Spring (April~May) is also beautiful with all the cherry blossoms in bloom. However, it is very busy and one needs to book in advance to ensure accommodation is available. The summer months are muggy and hot, and rather crowded. It is also when the monsoon begins so many activities are subject to the fluctuations of heavy rain. |
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| Korean Food |
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Eating out is one of the great pleasures of visiting Korea, a country famous for its diverse native dishes. Korean cuisine is nutritious, well balanced and low in calories as it involves a wide variety of vegetables and fermented foods. Bulgogi (Marinated, barbecued beef) and Bibimbap (Boiled rice mixed with vegetables) are the most famous. |
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| Exchange |
| Changing money in Korea is no problem. There are plenty of places to do so, including banks, authorized currency exchanges and major hotels. ATM machines are ubiquitous, although not all offer services for foreign cards. You`ll also find a list of banks in Seoul, including offices of several major foreign banks. |
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| Money & Currency |
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| * Buses and vending machines may only accept 1,000 won bills and coins. |
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| Credit cards |
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Diners Club, Visa, American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants in the larger cities. |
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| Insurance |
| 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 congress. |
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| Time Zone |
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Korean time is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+9). |
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| Telephone Call |
| For international calls, dial the international dialing code (001, 002, or 008), country code, area code, and the individual number. Domestic and international phone card are available for sale at most convenient stores, hotels and airports. |
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| Mobile Phone |
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Mobile phone can be rented at the airport or at major hotels. To apply for a mobile phone rental service, you will need an identification card (pass port) and a credit card. |
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| Business Hours |
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Government office hours are usually from 9:00am to 6:00pm on weekdays and closed on weekends. Banks are open from 9:30am to 4:30pm on weekdays and closed on Saturday and Sunday. Major stores are open every day from 10:30am to 8:00pm including Sundays. |
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| Mobile Phone |
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The standard electricity supply is 220-volts AC/60 cycles. Most hotels may provide outlet converters for 110 and 220 volts. It is advised to check with the hotel beforehand. |
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| Emergency Calls |
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International SOS Korea provides a 24-hour emergency service for participants, for a fee, acting as a link between the patient and the Korean hospitals. For Medical Emergencies dial 1339. |
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119 : Emergencies for fire / rescue & hospital services
112: Police
129: First Aid patient |
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| Electrical Outlet
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| The standard voltage in Korea is 220 volts and the outlet has two round holes as used in most of European countries and many others. We have prepared a limited number of multi convertible adapters as shown below for your convenience. However, we strongly recommend participants to bring their own in case of high demands and short supplies.
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| [ Korean Standard Electrical Outlet] |
[Multi Convertible Adapter] |
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| Wi-Fi
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| Free Wi-Fi is available in the Convention Hall of Hyundai Hotel during the GA meetings as well as at the Incheon Airport and on the KTX train.
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