Entry to Korea
Please check the entry requirements for your nationality well before travel at the official K-ETA website: k-eta.go.kr.
Many participants from visa-waiver countries have been temporarily exempt from the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization). This exemption is currently scheduled to end on December 31, 2026. Unless it is extended, travelers from these countries will need an approved K-ETA before boarding a flight to Korea in January 2027.
Apply only through the official website or the official K-ETA app. Third-party sites may charge much higher fees.
Apply at least 72 hours before departure, and earlier if possible.
Participants who need a visa and require an invitation letter should contact the organizers as early as possible.
Arriving in Seoul
Most international flights arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN). Some flights from Asia arrive at Gimpo International Airport (GMP), which is closer to the city.
From Incheon Airport to Korea University:
Subway (about 1.5 hours): Take the AREX Airport Railroad (all-stop train) to Gongdeok 공덕 Station. Transfer to Line 6 and get off at Anam Station.
Airport limousine bus No. 6102 (about 1 hour 15 minutes): Get off at Sungrye Elementary School 숭례초교 (Korea University 고려대). Buses run roughly every 1.5 hours. Please check the timetable.
Taxi (about 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic): Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. Fares are approximately KRW 55,000 or more, including tolls.
From Gimpo Airport to Korea University:
Subway (about 50 minutes): Take the AREX to Gongdeok 공덕 Station, then transfer to Line 6 to Anam Station.
Getting to the Venue
The workshop takes place at Yu Im-Soon Hall, College of Science, Korea University (Science Campus).
Nearest station: Anam Station, Seoul Metro Line 6
Take Exit 4. The Science Campus is a short walk from the station.
Getting Around Seoul
Seoul has an extensive, inexpensive, and easy-to-use subway and bus network.
T-money card: A rechargeable transit card that can be bought and topped up at convenience stores and subway stations. Top-ups at machines are usually cash only.
Navigation apps: Naver Map and KakaoMap work much better in Korea than Google Maps, especially for walking and transit directions. Both are available in English.
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. The Kakao T app is the most common way to call one.
Weather
Late January is the coldest time of the year in Seoul. Daytime temperatures are typically around −5 °C to 2 °C, and nights can fall below −10 °C. It is usually dry and sunny, but often windy. Please bring a warm winter coat, gloves, and a hat.
Money and Payments
The local currency is the Korean won (KRW).
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis, restaurants, and convenience stores.
Some cash is useful for small shops, markets, and topping up transit cards. ATMs marked “Global” or “Foreign Card” accept international cards.
Tipping is not customary.
Phone and Internet
Prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs, and pocket Wi-Fi can be purchased online in advance or at the airport.
Free Wi-Fi is widely available, including on the Korea University campus.
Electricity
Korea uses 220 V, 60 Hz, with Type C/F (European-style, two round pins) sockets. Please bring an adapter if needed.
Useful Numbers
Police: 112
Fire and ambulance: 119
Korea Travel Hotline (English, 24 hours): 1330
Seoul combines centuries-old palaces with modern neighborhoods, and most sights are easily reached by subway. Line 6 from Anam Station connects directly to several areas listed below. Opening days vary, so please check before you go.
Palaces and Historic Sites
Gyeongbokgung Palace: The largest of Seoul’s royal palaces, with the National Folk Museum on its grounds. Closed on Tuesdays.
Changdeokgung Palace and the Secret Garden: A UNESCO World Heritage site. The Secret Garden can only be visited on guided tours, so please book ahead. Closed on Mondays.
Changgyeonggung Palace: A quieter palace close to Korea University, with a glass greenhouse. Closed on Mondays.
Jongmyo Shrine: The royal ancestral shrine and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Closed on Tuesdays.
Bukchon Hanok Village: A neighborhood of traditional Korean houses between the palaces. It is a residential area, so please keep quiet and observe the posted visiting hours.
Traditional Streets and Markets
Insadong and Ikseon-dong: Narrow streets with tea houses, galleries, crafts, and small restaurants in renovated hanok houses.
Gwangjang Market: One of Seoul’s oldest markets, famous for street food such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and gimbap.
Gyeongdong Market: A large traditional market for herbs, produce, and food, a short ride from campus.
Museums
National Museum of Korea: Korea’s largest museum, covering history and art from prehistory to the modern era. Admission is free.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) Seoul: Contemporary exhibitions next to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Leeum Museum of Art: A major private collection of traditional Korean and contemporary art.
City Views
N Seoul Tower (Namsan): Panoramic views over the city, especially at night. You can reach it by cable car or bus.
Lotte World Tower – Seoul Sky: The observation deck of Korea’s tallest building.
Cheonggyecheon Stream: A walking path along a restored stream through downtown. It is beautifully lit at night.
Modern Neighborhoods
Myeongdong: Shopping and street food in the city center.
Itaewon: An international neighborhood with diverse restaurants and bars. Direct on Line 6.
Hongdae and Yeonnam-dong: A lively university area with cafés, live music, and the Gyeongui Line Forest Park. Direct on Line 6 (Sangsu or Hapjeong Station).
Gangnam and COEX: Home to the Starfield Library, a large indoor mall, and an aquarium. Good for a cold day.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): A landmark designed by Zaha Hadid, surrounded by late-night shopping.
Day Trips
DMZ (Demilitarized Zone): Guided tours to the border with North Korea. A tour must be booked in advance, and you need your passport.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: An 18th-century fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site, about one hour from Seoul.
Food to Try
Korean barbecue, bibimbap, naengmyeon (cold noodles), samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), tteokbokki, and fried chicken with beer (“chimaek”). In winter, look for street snacks such as hotteok (sweet pancakes) and bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries). The streets around Korea University (Anam-dong) offer many inexpensive restaurants popular with students.