Gyeonggi-do belongs to the Temperate Zone featuring four distinctive seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. The yearly average temperature of Gyeonggi-do is 12.2 degrees Celsius. Temperatures in Gyeonggi-do show large seasonal variation, reaching as high as 38.4 degrees Celsius in the summer and dropping as low as minus 19.2 degrees Celsius in the winter. October is in the middle of fall. The average daytime temperature in Gyeonggi-do during the conference will be around 14°C, which will be nice and cool at this the continental high atmospheric pressure. We recommend bringing light jacket for late night and early morning.

Eating out is one of the great pleasures of visiting Korea, a country famous for its many native dishes. Korean cuisine will provide unique tastes for visitors. There is also a wide variety of American, Continental, Chinese and Japanese restaurants. Korean food is nutritious, well balanced and low in calories as it involves a wide variety of vegetables. Seasonings include garlic, red pepper, scallion, soy sauce, fermented bean paste, ginger and sesame oil.

The basic currency of Korea is won. Specifically, various notes and coins are used: Notes include 1,000 won, 5,000 won, and 10,000 won denominations, while coins include 10 won, 50 won, 100 won, and 500 won denominations.

Foreign bank notes and traveler's checks can be converted into Korean won at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchange outlets. The exchange rate is subject to market fluctuations

Credit cards, including VISA, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and JCB, are accepted at major hotels, department stores, restaurants, and retail outlets.

Government office hours are usually from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Banks are open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Major department stores are open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. including Sundays.

Tipping is not a regular practice in Korea. Service charges are included in your bill for rooms, meals, and other services at hotels and upscale restaurants. Koreans occasionally do tip when they are especially pleased with the service they receive.

Participants are advised to take out adequate travel and health insurance before leaving their respective countries. The Organizing Committee has no insurance coverage for the participants and will not be responsible for any accident that may occur during the Conference.

Korea uses both the 110 and 220-volt systems, although the use of the 220-volt system is more widespread. Because most new hotels have 220-volt wiring installed, it is advised to check beforehand. Most recently built houses are wired with 220-volt systems.

In relation to Greenwich Mean Time, Korea is + 9 hours.