INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS

Practical Information

Conference Information

Co-Organizers:
  Korea Agency for Digital Opportunity and Promotion (KADO)
  International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Host
Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) of the Republic of Korea

Thematic sessions
The Digital Opportunity Forum will hold sessions on 2 themes:
  Digital Opportunity Index 
  International Cooperation in ICT Development.

Conference Venue
The Digital Opportunity Forum will be held at the COEX InterContinental Hotel, in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Languages
All presentations and discussions will be held in English.

Working Hours
The hours of the thematic meeting were as specified in the programme.

Hotel accommodation 

  More information on hotels in Seoul 
  More information on the COEX InterContinental Hotel.                                                                                                       

Visa and Entry into Korea

Requirements for Entrance
Any foreign visitor wishing to enter the Republic of Korea should have a valid passport and a visa. Special visa exemptions exist between Korea and the countries listed below, provided their citizens do not participate in remunerative activities while visiting Korea.

Application for Visas
Visitors who plan to stay in Korea for longer than 90 days must obtain visas before entering Korea. Nationals of those countries that have visa waiver agreement with Korea can enter without visas, on the condition that they should not engage in remunerative activities during their stay in Korea. Canadians can also enter the Republic of Korea without visas for a stay of up to six months.

The visa application should be made at Korean Embassies or consulates abroad. It is required for the visa applicants to submit passport, application forms, a recent passport-style color photograph, and such other documents as determined by the status of stay.
Special visa exemptions exist between Korea and the countries listed below, provided their people do not participate in remunerative activities while visiting Korea.

Airport Information

Filling out Immigration Documents
When you enter Korea, you must fill out two documents, an E/D card and a custom declaration form. You have to return the E/D card at the time of your departure, so you keep it during your stay. When you leave, you have to present the E/D card and an Airport Tax receipt when showing your passport. For more information visit the web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Transportation
Incheon International Airport is 52km west of downtown Seoul. The city is conveniently accessible via buses and taxi service. You may get information on limousine and buses and purchase the bus ticket at the Transportation Information Counter (near the exit No. 2, 4, 9, 13) on the arrival floor (1st floor) of passenger terminal.
Transportation time from the airport to downtown Seoul is about an hour except during rush hours.

        Taxi information
        Information on express bus routes to Seoul from the airport

Airport Charge
Passenger service charges at Incheon will be 15,000 won (USD $12) for departing international passengers. 4,000 won (USD $3.20) for domestic flights.

Check-in Closing Time
International Flights: 40 minutes prior to scheduled departure
Domestic Flights: 40 minutes prior to scheduled departure

For information on departure and checking-in procedures, consult the airport guide.

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Business Hours

Government office hours are from 09:00 to 18:00, although from November through February they close at 17:00. Most private businesses open at anywhere from 08:30 to 10:00 and close in the evening. Banking business hours, however, are from 09:30 to 16:30 on weekdays, and from 09:30 to 13:30 on Saturdays.

Major department stores are open from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. including Sundays, but smaller shops tend to be open from early morning until late evening.

Currency and Credit Cards

The unit of Korean currency is the won. One US dollar is equivalent to about ￦ 989 as of March 3, 2005. Coin denominations are 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 Won, but 1 Won and 5 Won coins are rarely used. Notes are 1,000 won, 5,000 won and 10,000 won. Banks are open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Credit cards, including VISA, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and JCB, are accepted at major hotels, department stores, and the larger restaurants.

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Foreign Exchange

Foreign bank notes and traveler's checks can be converted into Korean won at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money changers. The exchange rate is subject to market fluctuations, so you may need to check the daily exchange rate. 

       The Exchange Rate ARS Service: +82-2-3709-8000 (code No. 351)
       Thomas Cook: +82-2-733-6601
       American Express Travelers Cheques: +82-2-399-2915

Communications

Cell Phones
Cell phones can be rented at the airport.

Public Telephones
There are three types of public telephones in Korea: blue telephones, grey telephones, and card telephones. Grey or blue telephones can be used for both local and long-distance calls. A local call costs 70 won for the three minutes. These telephones take 10 won, 50 won, and 100 won coins. Card telephones can be used to make overseas phone calls as well as local and long-distance calls.

Telephone cards come in 2,000 won, 3,000 won, 5,000 won, and 10,000 won units and are on sale in shops close to telephone boxes as well as in banks, telephone offices, and post office. Long- distance calls cost more and you must dial the area code including the zero prefix.

Long Distance and International Calls
When you make a long-distance call, dial the area code number, then the phone number. You can dial more than 80 countries directly. The international access codes are 001 (Korea Telecom), 002 (Dacom) and 008 (Onse Telecom). Just dial the international access code followed by the country code, area code, and phone number.

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Transportation in Seoul

The subway is the most efficient and convenient way for foreign travelers to get around in Seoul. Station names, ticket counters, and transfer signs are all clearly marked in English as well as Korean, the different lines are color-coded, and all trains have announcements in English and Korean.

The subways have automatic ticket dispensers and convenient bus connections. Fares vary depending upon where you want to go but are usually around 800 South Korean Won each way. (Less than $1.00 USD.) Check the cost for your destination before purchasing a ticket from the ticket counter or dispenser.  Subway map

The Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Hotel has a shuttle every 20 minutes to and from the Kangbyun and Kwangnaru Subway Stations from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Restaurants

Seoul has a large variety of foods to offer. Here you can find a list of restaurants by cuisine and restaurant recommendations.
 

Tax and Tipping

Value-added tax is levied on most goods and services at a standard rate of 10% and is included in the retail price. Tipping is not customary in Korea. In tourist hotels a 10% service charge is added to the bill.

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Medical Services

Hotel front desks can arrange for a doctor or an ambulance. If you need a doctor on the street, ask a policeman or passer-by for assistance. International SOS Korea, Ltd. provides a 24-hour emergency service for foreigners, acting as a link between the patient and the Korean hospitals regarding fees. If you are not fluent in Korean, it is best to go with a Korean friend who can help you with translation when you go to a hospital. Medical insurance cards are not recognized as a form of prepayment.

You can call 119 in any emergency situation (fire, injury, natural disaster, etc.). Once you call, your location is automatically identified and a rescue team will arrive quickly provide you with professional assistance.

International SOS Korea Ltd
Membership required / English and Japanese available
Tel. 82-2-790-7561, 6783 (24 hours)
 

Weather

Seoul belongs to the temperate zone, which is characterized by four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature of Seoul is 12.9° C. However, it has a wide annual temperature range, with the highest temperature in summer reaching 36.1° C, and the lowest temperature in winter falling to -13.7° C. During the summer, Seoul falls under the influence of the high-pressure air masses that develop over the Northern Pacific Ocean, and the weather turns hot and humid, with the mean temperature from June to September reaching 20° C. Also About 70 percent of the annual rainfall falls from June to September.  Pack light clothing along with a few waterproof clothing and an umbrella.

For current weather conditions, check out the homepage of the Korea Meteorological Administration.

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Cultural and Language Tips

Sightseeing
For information on cultural events, sights and museums in Seoul, visit the following links:
 

       Hi Seoul of the Seoul Metropolitan Government

       Korea Net

       Korean Culture

Salutation
It is very important to express salutations and appreciation to Korean people. When you say 'Kam - sa - ham - ni - da (Thank you)' or 'Annyonghaseyo ( 'Hi' in respectful mood)' , you should lower your head.

       Find out more about other cultural tips.

Language
The Korean language has ten vowel and fourteen consonant sounds, and it is written in a native phonetic alphabet, Hangeul, which was created in 1443. 

       Find out more about the Korean language.

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Electrical appliances

Korea uses both 110 and 220 voltage systems. Since only 220 volt wiring is installed in most of the new hotels, it is important to check beforehand. 
 

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