About KOREA

Korea , the Land of Morning Calm , is a truly remarkable place. There are so many things to see and do in Korea that you are sure to find attractions of interest. Korea 's rugged mountainous terrain and hundreds of miles of coastline provide unlimited scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities year-round. But scenic wonders are not Korea 's only attractions. Evidence of Korea 's unique 5,000-year-old history and culture is everywhere. Every city and village has its share of traditional festivals that preserve the old ways of life, but have been updated to accommodate foreign visitors. And Korea 's unique cuisine has flavors sure to please every palate. The Korean peninsula extends southward from the eastern end of the Asian continent.

The peninsula is roughly 1,030 km (612 miles) long and 175 km (105 miles) wide at its narrowest point. Mountains cover 70% of Korea 's land mass, making it one of the most mountainous regions in the world. The lifting and folding of Korea 's granite and limestone base has created breathtaking landscapes of scenic hills and valleys. The mountain range that stretches the length of the east coast plunges steeply into the East Sea , while along the southern and western coasts, the mountains descend gradually to the coastal plains that produce the bulk of Korea 's agricultural crops, especially rice. The Korean peninsula is divided just slightly north of the 38th parallel. The democratic Republic of Korea in the south and communist North Korea are separated by a demilitarized zone. South Korea 's 99,500sq.km is populated by 47.9 million people (2003). Administratively, the Republic of Korea consists of nine provinces; the capital Seoul ; and the six metropolitan cities of Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon and Ulsan . In total, there are 77 cities and 88 counties.

About Changwon City

As the first planned city in Korea , the fourth in the world, and based on a long tradition and culture, Changwon became the best city for living and business in Korea . Now, Changwon is making preparations to be the leading city with a global competitiveness that is economically and environmentally sustainable.

Due to the excellent industrial infrastructure and abundant, skilled manpower, advanced multinational companies such as Volvo, GM, Alcoa, Kraft, Praxair, Philips, FAG, Denso, Fanuc, SKF, Esab, and Delphi have selected Changwon city as their production base in the circum-pan-pacific region.

Changwon, a great where nature is alive, is a comfortable eco-city where broad parks and forests, clean rivers, lakes, and the sea harmonize in the city. In 2008, the RAMSAR Convention ?with communities, NGOs, international environmental research bodies and experts- will be a debut for Changwon, the eco-capital, implementing the infrastructure and system of an ecological environment.

About Jinhae

A port city with the vision toward the 21st century
“The great spirit of Admiral Lee Sun-shin still lives in the beautiful city of Jinhae”  

Greetings!

Dear citizens of Jinhae and netizens,
I am pleased to welcome you to the cyber Mayor's office.

Jinhae, filled with the spirit of Admiral Lee Sun-shin, is a strategically important place for the Republic of Korea Navy protecting the ocean around Korea and a place of blessed scenic beauty located at the southernmost tip of the Korean Peninsula. It is also the Mecca of cherry blossoms hosting 'Gunhangje (Naval Port Festival)' in spring every year.

In addition, it is a city with the vision of expanding toward the world in the 21st century since the largest new port in Northeast Asia and the free economic zone is located in the city.

Furthermore, I will open up the bright future of Jinhae with all my efforts for the next 4 years under the administrative goal of “Jinhae, a city with the vision of dream and hope” and the policy of “citizen-oriented, balanced development, environment and welfare, competitiveness.”

I look forward to better acquaintance with you through the cyber mayor's office which can be accessed at all times.

Thank you.

VISA

Most foreigners visiting Korea for just a short-term tour or transit are permitted to enter Korea with no visa or, according to the principles of reciprocity or priority of national interest, with a tourist/transit visa status (B-2, 30 days).

Participants requiring an official Letter of Invitation in order to obtain a visa and authorization to attend ISEPD 2008 should contact the secretariat before December 10, 2007. This letter of Invitation is NOT a commitment on the part of ISEPD 2008 to provide financial assistance to any participant or accompanying persons. Expenses incurred are the sole responsibility of the participant.

Currency Exchange

Korea 's currency unit is the won; there are 1,000-, 5,000- and 10,000-won bills, and 10-, 50-, 100-and 500-won coins. Banks are generally open 09:30 - 16:30 Monday to Friday, and automated teller machines are in operation 24 hours a day. Most large stores, hotels and restaurants in Korea will accept major international credit cards. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, since many smaller establishments and stores are unlikely to accept any credit cards.

Tax and Tipping

Tipping is not customized in Korea , but it is appropriate for the excellent service. In major tourist hotels, 10% VAT and 10% service charge are added to the bills for rooms, meals and other services.

Climate

Korea has four distinctive seasons and the average temperature in January is 3ºC.

Electricity

Standard electricity is 220 volts AC/60 cycles. It is advisable to bring adapters for 110 and 220 volts for your electronic equipment.

Time Difference

Korean time is +9 hours in relation to Greenwich Mean Time.

Telephone Calls and 1330 Korea Travel Phone

For English assistance or travel information, dial 1330 for a bilingual operator who will provide detailed tourism information. To make an international call, first dial the international dialing code (001, 002 or 008), then the country code and area code, and finally the individual number. Cell phones can be rented at the airport.