General information

Currency
The South Korean unit of currency is the won (KRW), with KRW 10, KRW 50, KRW 100 and KRW 500 coins. Notes come in denominations of KRW 1000, KRW 5000, KRW 10,000 and KRW 50,000. The highest value note is worth only US$10 at the current exchange rate, so you will probably have to carry around a thick wad of notes (USD 1 = KRW 1,134 / as of March 2010).

Currency Converter

Tipping
Tipping is not necessary in Seoul, although a compulsory 10% service charge is added to the bill at some midrange and all top-end hotels and restaurants.

Credit cards
More and more upmarket hotels, shops and restaurants accept foreign credit cards, but plenty of places including budget accommodation, market stalls and restaurants require hard cash. Cash payment is still common in Seoul so always have a stash of KRW 10,000 notes handy as it will almost certainly be needed.

Climate
In common with the rest of South Korea, Seoul has a humid continental climate, despite the fact that the country is surrounded by water on three sides. Summers are generally hot and humid, with East Asian monsoon taking place from June until July. August, the hottest month, has an average temperature of 72 °F to 86 °F (22°C to 30°C) with higher temperatures possible. Winters are often very cold with an average January temperature of 19 °F to 33 °F (-7°C to 1°C) and are generally much drier than summers, although there are 28 days of snow in Seoul in each year on average.

Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 110 V / 220 V 60Hz.

Visa
With a confirmed onward ticket, visitors from nearly all West European countries, New Zealand, Australia and around 30 other countries receive 90-day permits on arrival. Visitors from the USA and a handful of countries receive 30-day permits, while 60-day permits are granted to citizens of Italy and Portugal, and Canadians receive a six-month permit. About 30 countries -including the Russian Federation, China, India and Nigeria - do not qualify for visa exemptions. Citizens from these countries must apply for a tourist visa, which allows a stay of 90 days.

Letter of Invitation
A formal letter of invitation can be applied for. Such an invitation is only intended to help potential delegates to raise funds or to obtain a visa. It does not imply a commitment from the conference to provide any financial or other support. Letters of invitation may berequested by individuals from the ISSM Executive Office by e-mail: office@issm2010.info.

Time
South Korea Standard Time is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+9).

Transportation between Incheon International Airport and COEX

Taxi
If you take a taxi from the airport, we suggest that you take one from a designated taxi stand, and ask for a receipt. Luxury taxis are black in color and are higher-priced than the grey-color general taxis. Estimated charges for a taxi from Incheon to COEX areapproximately KRW 50,000 (approx. USD 45,00) for a general taxi and KRW 90,000 for a luxury taxi. The passenger will also be required to pay the road toll fee of approximately KRW 7,000.

Shuttle bus
Most visitors choose to take an airport shuttle bus instead of a taxi. We recommend either the KAL Limousine Bus or the Korea City Air Terminal Limousine Bus. Both buses cost KRW 14,000 (approx. USD 13,00), and it usually takes about an hour, depending on traffic conditions. The red KCAT Limousine Bus will bring you to the City Air Terminal at the COEX Center. The blue KAL Limousine Bus goes directly to many 4 and 5-star hotels throughout the city. Note that both the COEX InterContinental and GrandInterContinental Hotels are located at COEX. You can take these buses from the arrivals section at Incheon Airport. Employees at information desks will be happy to direct you to the appropriate departure area.

Conference language
The official language of The 14th World Meeting of the International Society for Sexual Medicine is English. Symposia organised by the affiliated national societies during the first conference day may be held in the respective national language.

Conference registration
All conference materials and documentation will be available from the conference registration counter located at the main entrance of the conference, the foyer of Hall D2 of the COEX.

Preliminary opening hours
Sunday, 26 September 2010 09.00 - 20.00 hours
Monday, 27 September 2010 07.00 - 18.30 hours
Tuesday, 28 September 2010 07.00 - 18.30 hours
Wednesday, 29 September 2010 07.00 - 18.30 hours
Thursday, 30 September 2010 07.00 - 12.30 hours

Technical exhibition
A major technical exhibition will be organised in Hall D2 of the COEX next to the main meeting rooms. Coffee bars and catering stations for lunch will be located in the vicinity of the technical exhibition. Potential exhibitors can request exhibition material from theISSM Executive Office.

Preliminary opening hours
Sunday, 26 September 2010 19.00 - 20.00 hours
Monday, 27 September 2010 09.00 - 17.00 hours
Tuesday, 28 September 2010 09.00 - 17.00 hours
Wednesday, 29 September 2010 09.00 - 17.00 hours

Poster exhibition
Posters will be sited next to the main meeting rooms in Hall D2 where also the technical exhibition takes place. Information regarding poster format, set-up and dismantling will be sent to the authors along with their notification of acceptance