Travel Information for South Korea
AAAM’s 68th Annual Scientific Conference
November 11-14, 2024
The COEX Center, Seoul, South Korea
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Seoul, South Korea, for AAAM’s 68th Annual Scientific Conference. This vibrant city masterfully weaves a tapestry of ancient traditions and cutting-edge advancements, offering more than just an academic gathering. This travel information guide is designed to help you plan your visit and prepare for your travel. Let Seoul captivate your senses and enrich your experience, promising an immersion into a city that’s a living, breathing testament to the harmony of past and future.
Visas & Passports
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in South Korea.
- Visa Requirements: Visa requirements vary by country. Please check with the Korean Visa Portal or your local embassy for specific guidelines.
- Visa Waiver Program: Many countries are eligible for South Korea’s Visa Waiver Program, allowing stays of up to 90 days without a visa. Confirm your eligibility here and begin the process with the Korean Visa Portal.
More information on Visas can be found on Seoul’s Convention and Visitors Bureau
Arriving in Seoul
- Airport: Incheon International Airport serves as the primary international gateway to Seoul, with excellent global connections.
- Transport to City: A range of options, including express trains, buses, and taxis, are available for convenient transfers to the city.
More information on transportation can be found on Seoul’s Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
Accommodations
- Hotel Information: Details on our hotel block will be available soon. Stay tuned for exclusive rates and room availability.
- Diverse Options: Seoul offers a variety of accommodation choices to suit different preferences and budgets.
Local Transportation and Safety
- Public Transit: Utilize Seoul’s efficient public transportation network, including subways and buses, for easy city navigation.
- Emergency Services: Dial 119 for medical emergencies and 112 for police emergencies. Major hospitals in Seoul offer English-speaking services.
- Safe Travel: Seoul’s Convention and Visitors Bureau has an easy-to-navigate Safe Travel Guide on their website, including information on Lost and Found services and Seoul’s Ansimi app for safety escort services and emergency reporting.
Language and Currency
- Language: Korean is the primary language, but English is commonly used in tourist areas.
- Currency: South Korea’s currency is the Won (KRW). ATMs and currency exchange are widely available.
- Global Tax-Free: A 10% VAT is added to the price of many purchases. Though there are stores that may display a “Tax Free” sign, which indicates foreigners are eligible for a tax refund on purchases greater than 30,000 won.
- Tipping: Tipping for service or a meal is not customary or expected in Korea. Note that many major hotels and upscale restaurants add a 10% service charge in addition to the 10% VAT to bills.
More information on currency can be found on Seoul’s Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
Cell Phone and Internet Connectivity
- Cell Phones: Phone rental services and prepaid SIM cards are available for purchase or reservation before travel and can be picked up at Incheon International Airport upon arrival. Prepaid eSIM data plans are available for purchase and do not require in-person pick-up.
- Internet: Free access to the Internet is widely available at nearly 10,000 WiFi hotspots. Hotels, tourism information centers, subway and rail stations, and many restaurants have WiFi, LAN, or both. Internet cafés, called “PC Bangs” or PC rooms, can be found in most commercial and residential areas.