General Information

Seoul is both the capital and the heart of the Republic of Korea, containing about 11 million of the nation's 45 million people. It was a seat of government in the Paekche Kingdom more than 1,500 years ago, but the city's true genesis occurred in 1394, when it became the capital during the Choson Dynasty (1392-1910). Standing at the crossroads of a glorious past and a promising future, it is noted for its major historical as well as cultural and natural attractions. Visitors to modern Seoul can still experience the essence of the ancient Orient which lingers in and around the old palaces, the imposing city gates and the serene temples in the midst of the skyscrapers and modern architecture of the thriving international city of today. The ceremonial and social components of the conference will provide participants with the opportunity to enjoy some of the city's fascinating attractions.

Korea is truly remarkable place - a land that deserves to be better known. There are so many things to see and do in Korea that you are sure to find the attraction that is the perfect match with your needs. Korea's rugged mountainous terrain and hundreds of miles of coastline provide unlimited scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities all throughout the year. But scenic wonders are not the only attraction of Korea. Evidence of Korea's unique 5,000-year-old history and culture can be found everywhere. Every city and village has their share of traditional festivals which preserve the old ways of life, but have been updated to cater to the comforts of foreign visitors. For the more leisure-minded, Korea's world-class resorts offer the ultimate in leisure facilities. Shopping opportunities are abound in Korea, from the local specialty, arts, and crafts available at the traditional festivals and town markets to the bargain-priced designer fashions and leather goods in Itaewon. And the unique Korean cuisine has flavor sure to please every palate.

Korea lies in the Temperate Zone and has four distinct seasons. In late March or early April, the trees burst into leafy splendor to mark the beginning of spring. Cherry blossoms, forsythia, azaleas, magnolias and lilacs bloom in April. The weather will be generally sunny and the average temperature in Seoul in April is 18¡É (64¢µ). You may bring warm jacket or sweater, for the weather gets chilly in the evening.

The unit of Korean currency is Won (£Ü). Currencies of major nations, foreign notes, and traveler's checks can be exchanged into Korean Won at any banks or major hotels. The exchange rate is subject to vary. As of January 1998, US$1 is equivalent to approximately £Ü1500. Many Korean stores, major hotels, department stores and restaurants will accept major credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard and American Express.

The Organizing Committee will be pleased to send an official letter of invitation to those making the request. It is understood, however, that such an invitation is intended to assist potential participants to raise travel funds and/or to obtain visa. It is in no way to be construed as a commitment or intent on the part of the Conference to provide any financial support or assistance.

Kimpo International Airport, the main gateway to Korea, can easily be reached as most major international airlines maintain a regular flight service, with over 500 flights per week between Seoul and other major cities of the world.

Citizens of countries which have reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with Korea are not required to have a visa to enter Korea for a short stay. Usually visitors with confirmed outbound tickets might stay in Korea for up to 15 days without visas. Citizens of all other countries must obtain a visa from a Korean embassy or consulate prior to entering Korea. When uncertain as to the requirement for an entry visa to Korea, please consult with nearby Korean Embassy or Consulate Office. If there are anyone who has trouble obtaining a visa, please submit the following information to the Secretariat in order to initiate the visa application procedures:

The conference venue, Hotel Inter-Continental Seoul is located approximately 38 kilometers from Kimpo International Airport. There are several convenient ways of transportation from the Airport including Airport Limousine Bus, KAL Limousine Bus, and taxi.

KAL Limousine Bus (Line 5) departs terminals 1 and 2 of the Kimpo International Airport every 20 minutes from 6 44 a.m. to 9:44 p.m. It makes stops at Hotel Riviera Seoul, Hotel Inter-Continental Seoul and Hotel New World. The fare is £Ü5,000 (approximately US$3.25). The non-stop Airport Limousine Bus service to the Korea City Air Terminal (KCAT), located next to the Hotel Inter-Continental Seoul, is another convenient mode of transportation. It runs every 10 minutes between the hours of 07:00 and 22:10 from the airport with an average travel time of one hour. The fare is £Ü4,500 one way.

There are two types of taxis in Seoul. One is deluxe taxi which is black with a yellow sign on the roof, named "Mobum Taxi". Deluxe taxis are more comfortable but more expensive, charging a basic fee of £Ü3,000 for the first 3km and £Ü200 for each additional 250m and 60 seconds if the speed drops below 15km per hour. The regular taxis charge a basic fee of £Ü1,000 for the first 2km and 100 for each additional 279km or 67 seconds.

Hotel New World:	Take KAL Limousine Bus (Line 5).
Hotel Riviera Seoul:	Take KAL Limousine Bus (Line 5).
Clover Tourist Hotel:	Take KAL Limousine Bus (Line 5) and get off at Hotel Riviera Seoul. Clover Tourist Hotel is across the street from Hotel Riviera Seoul.
Samjung Hotel:	Take KAL Limousine Bus (Line 3) and get off at Novotel Ambassador, then walk approximately 5 minutes to east.
Kumsong Inn:	Take KAL Limousine Bus (Line 5) and get off at Hotel Inter-Continental Seoul. It is within walking distance from Hotel Inter-Continental