Korea has four distinct seasons. Jeju has a mild subtropical climate with less annual range and is famous for beautiful landscape in harmony with mountains and sea and many tourist attractions. The temperature for the hottest summer months has been recorded no more than 34.7℃and no less than -1.5℃ for winter. The annual average temperature reaches 11.7 degrees Celsius, with Seogwipo boasting the highest and the summit of Mt. Hallasan the lowest. The annual average temperature of Jeju is relatively low, compared with those of other places at the same latitude of the earth.
WHCR 2014 is scheduled to take place in May, when the maximum temperature is 24.5℃, the minimum temperature is 13.5℃, and the average precipitation is 36.2mm of normal with about 7 days of rain. Indeed, it is the most comfortable season to visit Korea, while it is the ideal season to witness cherry blossoms, forsythia, azaleas, magnolias, and lilacs blooming; in particular, yellow rapeseed flowers in the springtime makes Jeju Island, the venue for our Congress a more magnificent and spectacular place.
For more detailed information about the weather, please visit the website (http://web.kma.go.kr/eng/index.jsp).
Time Zone
Korean time is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+9).
Clothing
In May, the weather on Jeju Island gets warmer and warmer entering into summer. So, it is fine to wear short shirts and pants. But after sunset, the temperature may drop. Therefore, a light outerwear is essential in May.
Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
Travelers who carry internationally recognized credit cards can get a cash advance in Korean won at ATMs installed at airports, major hotels, department stores and tourist attractions. Cards with the Plus and Cirrus logos are the easiest to use and most widely accepted in Korea. Some places also accept international cards such as China UnionPay, Maestro, Electron, and JCB cards.
Business Hour
Most government offices are open between the hours of 09:00 and 18:00 and closed on weekends. Most private businesses open anywhere from 08:30 to 10:00 and close at 18:00 or 19:00. Banks are open from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and they are closed on weekends. Major department stores are usually open from 10:30 to 20:00 including Sundays.
Currency and Credit Cards
Coin denominations
Bank notes
￦10
￦50
￦100
￦500
￦1,000
￦5,000
￦10,000
￦50,000
The Korean unit of currency is the won.
Bank checks are circulated in denominations of ￦100,000 and over. Foreign currency and traveler's checks can be converted into Korean won at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money changers. One U.S. dollar is equivalent to about KRW 1,084 as of February 2013.
Credit cards including VISA, AMEX, Diner's Club, Master Card and JCB are accepted at major hotels, department stores and larger restaurants.
Electricity
The standard voltage in Korea is 220 volts.
The outlet has two round holes and is the same type used in France, Germany, Austria, Greece, Turkey, and many other countries.
If you do not have a multi-voltage travel adapter, you can borrow one from your hotel's front desk. If you want to buy one in Korea, you can do so at a duty-free shop, convenience shop at the airport.
Emergency & Useful Phone Numbers
Police
112
Fire and Ambulance
119
Local Directory Assistance
114
Tourist Complaint Center
02-735-0101
Tourist Information
1330
Insurance
Participants are advised to get adequate travel and health insurance before leaving their respective countries.
Tax
Value-added tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services at a standard rate of 10% and is included in the retail price. At tourist hotels, this 10% tax applies to meals and other services and is added to the bill.
Telephone/Mobile Phone
To make international calls, please dial the international dialing code (001, 002, 00700) + country code + area code + phone number. Most convenient stores, hotels, and airports sell domestic and international phone cards. Mobile phones can be rented at the airport or at major hotels. You need your identification card (passport) and credit card to access mobile phone rental services.
Tipping
Tipping is not a traditional Korean custom. A 10% service charge is added to your bill at all tourist hotels and some restaurants.
