Any foreign visitors wishing to enter Korea must have a valid passport. Tourists may visit Korea for 15 days without a visa, but proof of confirmed round air reservation is required. However, some countries require visas to enter the Republic of Korea. For more information, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade at http://www.mofat.go.kr.

The Korean currency unit is the WON (indicated £Ü). Bank notes are £Ü10,000, £Ü5,000, £Ü1,000 bills and coin denominations are £Ü500, £Ü100, £Ü50, £Ü10. One US dollar is about £Ü1,200. Money can be exchanged at Incheon International Airport, Seoul City Air Terminal (the closest terminal for the conference venue and hotel), banks, and hotels. Visa, Master, American Express, and Diners Club credit cards are move here.

In late June, the average temperature in Seoul is around 26¡ÆC. It is known for one of the most beautiful seasons in Korea.

The standard supply is 220 volts with AC/60 cycles. Outlets for 220 volts are available at the hotels.

A local calls cost £Ü70 for three minutes. To make an international call, first dial the international dialing code (001, 002 or 008), then the country code, area code, and the local telephone number. You may also rent a cellular phone at the Incheon International Airport.

If you would like to get some travel information on Korea in English, please dial 1330, a bilingual operator will help you for the detailed tourism information.

A complimentary shuttle bus to the Itaewon shopping district is available for guests of the Grand/COEX InterContinental hotel once a day. The shuttle bus departs from in front of the hotel with the drop-off and pickup point in Itaewon located in front of the McDonald's restaurant. Departure time may incur a small delay depending on traffic.

Contact the Concierge at the hotels for departure times for more details.

Itaewon, the international section of Seoul, is well known as shopping heaven for foreign travelers and has about 2,000 different shops. Itaewon is also famous for a vibrant night life with many exotic bars and night clubs. Most places stay open until dawn. When you walk down the street, you can see many street vendors selling the antiques. Please go and check it out. You may find real Korean treasure.

The major concern of Neungin Seonwon lies in modernization, popularization, and organization of Korean Buddhism through systematic missionary activities. It provides people with general and introductory lectures, practical meditation, and various ways of Buddhist worship. Neungin Seonwon in varying social, age strata, and from various parts of the country, endeavors to construct Buddhaland now and here.

Tel. Poi-dong: 577-5800 / Seocho-dong: 3482-8411
Main Service Time: Sunday 10:30 am
For more details, please visit www.gotobuddha.org

Located in the north of the COEX Center, Bongeun-sa offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of crowded city life in the midst of busy city district. Established in 794 by Ven. Yeon-hoe (the National Master Monk of unified Shilla at that time), the temple was originally called Gyeonseong-sa (meaning "Seeing true nature"). The temple was rebuilt in 1498 and renamed Bongeun-sa (meaning "offering benefit"). Destroyed by fires in 1592 and 1637, it has been repeatedly rebuilt and renovated.

Tel. 545-1448
Main Service Time: Sunday 10:00 am
For more details, Please visit
http://sca.visitseoul.net/korean/buddhism/i_buddhist_temple07001.htm

The Yoido Full Gospel Church, founded by pastor Cho Yonggi, grows day by day as the work of the Holy Spirit is manifested in the Church. Today, the Church is the largest church in the world, and it was recorded in the Guinness Book as such.
The Church also has an internet broadcasting system (www.fgtv.org), so it helps people to watch and listen any time and anywhere.

Tel. 782-4851
Main Service Time: Sunday 11:00 am
For more details, please visit http://yfgc.fgtv.com

The Korea Muslim Federation was propagated in 1955 by the Turkish army who was participated in the Korean War. Now, there are 6 sanctuaries in Korea, including the main sanctuary located in Seoul. If you want to attend service or have any questions about Korea Muslim Federation, please visit the web-site at www.koreaislam.org

Tel: (02)793-6908
Transportation: Line 6, Itaewon Station, Exit No. 3

Built in 1898, Myeongdong Cathedral Church is Korea's first Western-style brick building designed in a Neo-Renaissance style, with a 45-meter steeple. This beautiful Gothic church provides benches under a huge tree in its yard enabling tired tourists to take a rest.

Tel: (02) 02-774-3891
Transportation: Line 4, Myeongdong station/ line 3, Euljiro station exit No. 5 or 6

Asian tourists are flocking to 'Namiseom Island', a filming location of a popular Korean drama 'Winter Sonata' (Gyeoul Yeonga). The 'Korean Wave' that followed the broadcast of 'Winter Sonata' is now becoming a larger phenomenon sweeping Asia. Since it is not far from Seoul, many couples and families come to visit. It is a half moon shaped isle, and on it is the grave of General Nami, who led a great victory against the rebels in the 13th year of the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo (reign 1455 ~ 1468). Namido Island is 63 km away from Seoul in the direction of Chuncheon, and is famous for its beautiful tree lined roads. If you would like to visit this place, please feel free to contact the secretariat.