Situated in the central region of the Korean Peninsula, Seoul serves as the capital and the largest city in Korea. A lively metropolis teeming with both cultural heritage and modern attributes, it stands as the perfect locale to immerse yourself in both Korea's historical legacy and contemporary milieu. Notably, Seoul showcases numerous meticulously preserved historical treasures and sites, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace. These royal Joseon palaces carry an illustrious history spanning over 600 years, offering an immersive experience into Korea's past. Furthermore, Seoul takes the lead as a modern cultural epicenter propelling the global sensation known as K-pop.

In addition to its cultural significance, Seoul boasts captivating natural vistas, even within its urban confines. The majestic Han River courses through the city's heart, while the Namsan, Inwangsan, and Bukaksan mountains elegantly embrace its northern and southern boundaries. Notably, the Seoul Forest and the Hangang Citizens' Park sit in close proximity to bustling urban centers, affording citizens and visitors a chance to be in close communion with nature and to relish its myriad benefits. As the cultural, political, and economic hub of a vibrant and dynamic liberal democracy of 51+ million people, Seoul consistently ranks among one of the world's safest cities.

The Korean Peninsula in Northeast Asia shares borders with China, Russia, and Japan. Spanning approximately 1,000 km long and 300 km wide, with a total land area of 222,000 sq. km (100,364 sq. km for South Korea), it is characterized by mountainous terrain covering about three-fourths of the area. The eastern region is higher in elevation than the west, with tall mountains exceeding 1,000 m concentrated in the north and east. Surrounded by sea on three sides, Korea boasts a coastline stretching 17,000 km, with the East Sea known for its deep waters and the West and South seas featuring shallower waters, intricate coastlines, and numerous islands offering diverse oceanic environments.

Korea's unique alphabet and writing system, Hangeul, was created in 1446 during the reign of King Sejong the Great (r. 1418-1450). It consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels that can be combined into new letter clusters. Hangeul, recognized by UNESCO for its scientific principles and ease of learning, is the only writing system that was intentionally created, and it is capable of expressing a wide range of sounds. It holds the distinction of being inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World List and is associated with the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize. In recent years, Hangeul has gained global recognition for its aesthetic appeal, with its letters being widely used in various artistic expressions.

Spring, typically lasting from April to June, is often regarded as the optimal time to visit Korea, boasting an average daily temperature of 15°C-18°C. During this season, flowers burst into bloom, and green spaces are adorned with the delightful hues of pink cherry blossoms. The weather is least likely to be inclement, leading to numerous festivals and events taking place in Seoul and across Korea.

Korea is located within a single time zone. Korea Standard Time (KST) is Greenwich Mean Time +9 hours (UTC+9). Korea does not observe daylight saving time.

The standard electricity supply in Korea is 220 volts, AC/60 cycles. Most hotels in Korea have both 110- and 220-volt wiring. Also, an outlet converter will be available in each room. USB and USB-C plugs are also common.

The official currency of the Republic of Korea is the Korean won (KRW). Paper currency is available in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000 won bills. Coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 100, and 500 won denominations (1 and 5 won coins are not commonly used). Please click here for more information from the official website of the Bank of Korea. https://www.bok.or.kr/eng/main/contents.do?menuNo=400112

Major credit cards, such as Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Diners Club, are all widely accepted by merchants and businesses in Korea.

To call abroad from Korea, enter the international service provider number, country code, area code, and phone number.
International service provider prefixes: 001, 002, 005, 008, 00700. Mobile phone roaming/rental, SIM card purchase, and Wi-Fi router rentals are all available at Incheon International Airport in the Arrival Hall on the first floor.

Police: 112
Fire / Ambulance: 119
Medical Emergencies (COVID-19, etc.): 1339

Many of Korea’s large hospitals operate an international healthcare center that caters to international visitors. These centers offer top-notch medical services and have expert translators available to assist with the entire process, from reservations to treatment and follow-up appointments. The hospitals below are all relatively close to the Westin Josun Seoul Hotel.

For the safety of conference participants, it is highly recommended that they obtain medical and travel-related insurance. Conference organizer will not be liable for any medical expenses and/or losses or damages to personal property incurred during the 2024 BOK International Conference.

Please refer to the following websites for travel information.