Info

Accommodation

General Information

Climate & Weather Forecast for Seoul/Korea

Korea has four distinct seasons, though spring and autumn tend to be short. Spring comes in early April and lasts throughout May. The hot and humid summer begins in June and lasts about four months. The summer rainy season lasts from the end of June to mid of July. Summer ends in late September, giving way to crisp, clear autumn days that last until the end of October. It becomes colder in November, and a very cold, bleak winter sets in during December and lasts until the end of February.

[Weather forecast for Seoul from June 1st to June 4th] 

• Daily highs will range between 26°C and 29°C (79°F–84°F), bringing a warm, early-summer feel during the day. Nighttime lows will drop to around 16°C to 18°C (61°F–64°F), making the evenings relatively cool.

• The week will be mostly cloudy with intervals of sunshine. However, there is a possibility of scattered showers or brief rain during the first half of the week.

Light summer clothing for the daytime is recommended, and since conference venues can be heavily air-conditioned and evenings can get chilly, bringing a light jacket, cardigan, or long-sleeve shirt is highly recommended.

Electricity

• The standard electricity supply is 220 volts AC/60 cycles. Most hotels may provide outlet converters for 110 and 220 volts. Participants are recommended to check with the hotel beforehand.

Time Zone & Business Hours

• The Korean local time is 9 hours ahead of GMT with no daylight savings time.

• Government office hours are usually from 9:00 am to 06:00 pm on weekdays and closed on weekends. Banks are open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays and closed on weekends and public holidays. Major stores are open every day from 10:30 am to 08:00 pm including Sundays.

Currency and Banks

The Country's currency is the won (KRW). The exchange rates in recent months are around 1,500 KRW for 1 USD and 1,750 KRW for 1 EUR. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at airports and government-designated banks. Most of the stores in Korea only accept Korean currency, or KRW, so it is advised that visitors exchange to Korean currency at the airport. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and traveler's checks may be accepted by tourist-oriented shops and at most international tourist hotels and banks. Banks open from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays (Mon-Fri) and are closed on weekends and public holidays.

Rate of Exchange: 1 USD = 1,500 KRW   /   1 EUR = 1,750 KRW

ATM (Automated Teller Machines)

Travelers who carry internationally recognized credit cards can get a cash advance in Korea Won from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) installed at airports, major hotels, department stores, subway stations, and tourist attractions. ATMs are in operation 24 hours a day. Most large stores, hotels, and restaurants in Korea accept major international credit cards.

Tip & Tax

• 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.

• Visitors can receive a refund on a receipt for a minimum purchase of 50,000 KRW (around 33 USD and 29 EUR). To receive this refund, present refund receipts with the purchased goods at the customs desk at 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.

Emergency Phone Number

• Fire, Rescue & Hospital Services: 119

• Police Services: 112

• First Aid Services: 129

• Medical Emergency: 1339

• Korea Travel Phone: 1330

Useful Websites

• Visit Seoul   [Link] 

• Seoul BLEISURE   [Link] 

• Visit Korea   [Link] 

Contacts

For any enquiry, please send an email to the organizing committee(issw26@gmail.com).