ESWC 2025

Host City, Seoul We are proud to invite you to Seoul, the capital city of South Korea with about 2,000 years of history. Once the capital of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), it has since expanded and changed greatly with the modern development of the country. Home to K-Pop, great food, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you will be able to experience both the old and the new in this iconic city. Seoul is also well known for its highly efficient public transportation which greatly enhances the accessibility of the city’s many attractions. With its extensive subway system, taxis, and many buses that run in between, you can reach the conference venue from virtually anywhere in the city. Who do I contact in case of emergency? In case of an emergency, immediately contact local emergency services in South Korea by dialing 119 for medical, fire, or police assistance. The 1330 Korea Travel Helpline is also available for tourists both within and outside of Korea, providing travel information via telephone and real-time chat. For further support, you may contact us at secretariat@eswc2025.org, or reach out to your hotel staff. It is highly recommended to purchase medical travel insurance in advance for added security during your trip. Area Code The area code for South Korea is +82. When dialing from abroad, you would use this country code followed by the local area code (without the leading zero) and the phone number. For example, to call Seoul, you would dial +82 2 followed by the local number. Population As of 2023, the population of Seoul is approximately 9.4 million people and the population of South Korea is approximately 51.6 million people. This number has seen a slight decline in recent years due to factors such as low birth rates and an increasing number of people moving to surrounding areas like Gyeonggi Province. However, Seoul remains the largest city in South Korea and one of the most densely populated cities in the world. What is the time zone? South Korea is in the Korea Standard Time (KST) time zone, which is UTC+9. South Korea does not observe Daylight Saving Time. What is the official currency of Korea? The official currency of South Korea is the South Korean Won (KRW). The symbol for the won is ₩. The South Korean won is available in various banknotes, including: ₩1,000 ₩5,000 ₩10,000 ₩50,000. Common coin denominations include: ₩10 ₩50 ₩100 ₩500. Foreign currencies are exchangeable at airports, major hotels, bank branches, and foreign exchange booths. What are the applicable taxes in Seoul and on what goods do I pay them? The standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is 10%, applied to most goods and services, and included in the total payable amount. Some upscale restaurants and hotel facilities may also charge an extra 10% service charge, which is included in the bill. Foreigners may benefit from VAT refunds on eligible purchases. Goods must be taken out of the country within three months from the purchase date to qualify for a tax refund. A minimum purchase of ₩30,000 is required for a VAT refund, which can be claimed either at the airport or on-site at certain stores. What is the rule for tipping? Tipping is not customary in South Korea. Service charges are often included in bills at restaurants and hotels. However, if you receive exceptional service, leaving a small tip is appreciated but not expected. Credit and debit cards Credit and debit cards including Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card, JCB, and Union Pay are widely accepted throughout South Korea, including in restaurants, shops, and hotels. Credit card surcharges for uses in overseas may be incurred. Seamless payments For seamless payments, it is recommended to use a combination of these services along with credit or debit cards, which are universally accepted. Samsung Pay is widely accepted, as Samsung is a domestic company, and its mobile payment service is integrated with most local retailers and payment systems. Apple Pay is available, but not as widely accepted as Samsung Pay. However, its availability is expanding, especially in larger stores, supermarkets, and some franchises. Alipay is commonly accepted in places frequented by Chinese tourists, such as major department stores, duty-free shops, and some large retailers. However, it is not as widely used in smaller stores and local businesses. What are the opening hours of shops? Most shops in Seoul typically open around 10:00 AM and close around 9:00 PM. Some convenience stores operate 24 hours, while larger department stores may have varying hours. Government office hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. What is the system of weight and measure and what type of electrical current is used? What is the temperature in Seoul? The temperature in Seoul varies significantly throughout the year. Winter (December to February) can be quite cold, with average lows around -6°C (21°F), while summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, with average highs around 30°C (86°F). Always check the forecast for specific temperatures during your visit. What is the appropriate attire for traveling to Seoul in August? August in South Korea is hot and humid, as it’s the peak of summer. Temperatures often range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), and the humidity can make it feel even warmer. Here’s what to wear: light & breathable clothing like opt for light and loose-fitting, sunscreen and a hat, comfortable shoes, umbrella or rain coat, and sunglasses. The key is to stay cool and comfortable while being prepared for occasional rain. Basic Korean Phrases

English	Korean	Pronunciation
Hello. / How are you?	안녕하세요?	an·nyeong·ha·se·yo
Thank you.	감사합니다.	kam·sa·ham·ni·da
Excuse me.	실례합니다.	shil·lye·ham·ni·da
It’s okay.	괜찮습니다.	kwaen·chan·seum·ni·da
How much is it?	얼마예요?	eol·ma·ye·yo

Smoking In Seoul, smoking is generally allowed in designated outdoor areas, but regulations are strict in public places. Smoking is banned in most indoor spaces, including restaurants, cafes, and public buildings, as well as some outdoor areas like bus stops, parks, and certain streets. Violating these rules can lead to fines. However, many buildings and public areas have designated smoking zones, and convenience stores commonly sell cigarettes. E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are also regulated under these laws.