Busan, with a population of nearly 4 million people, is Korea's second largest city and the number one port city in Korea. That is why the city has a colorful international flair, always bustling with tourists from all over the world including China, Japan and Russia.

In the southern part of Busan there is Nampodong, the shopping and entertainment area, and at the center of the city, there is Seomyeon where government establishments are located and where the subways lines one and two intersect. In the eastern part, there are the beaches of Gwangalli, Haeundae and Songjeong, and in the north lie the ruins of mountain fortress Geumjeong. Gimhae Airport is located in the west.

Gimhae Airport (http://gimhae.airport.co.kr/eng/index.jsp) operates domestic flights and some international flights, including air routes to Japan and China and Bangkok.
One can use the airport limousine to get to the city for a flat rate of KW 5,000. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes (in good traffic) to get to various locations within the city.

The futuristic-looking Busan Station is situated between Nampodong and Seomyeon. There are numerous affordable motels and eateries in the vicinity.
The KTX express trains (http://ktx.korail.go.kr/eng/index.html) connect Seoul and Busan via Daegu and Daejeon in 160 minutes (KW 45,000). Trains that connect Busan and other major cities are also available, such as Saemaeul and Mugunghwa, which are more affordable but slower than KTX.

Gyeongbu Highway connects Busan and Seoul via Daejeon and Daegu.
Gumi Highway is an alternative highway that connects Busan and Daegu.
Namhae Highway connects Busan and Gwangju via Jinju and Suncheon.

There are two major bus stations in Busan. Dongbu Intercity Bus Terminal, Nopodong Station (Line 1) can be used to reach destinations in the north and east (eg. Daegu, Gyeongju, Seoul, Ulsan), and Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal, Sasang Station (Line 2) can be used to reach destinations in the west (eg. Jinju, Masan).

Busan, a major port city, offers regular international ferry services to Japan and China. Kanpu Ferry (http://www.kampuferry.co.jp) offers the most affordable services with daily runs to Shimonoseki. JR Kyushu's Beetle (http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp) hydrofoils to Fukuoka run five times a day and take less than 3 hours

The three main subway lines of Busan (http://www.subway.busan.kr) connect bus terminals and sights of interest. The subway fare is around KW 900 or KW 1,000 depending on the distance one travels.

One can easily catch a taxi in Busan. Taxis usually charge KW 1,800 for the first two kilometers, then the meter starts ticking at KW 100 for each 169 meters. Deluxe taxis charge more, KW 4,200 for the first 3 kilometers and then KW 200 for every 199 meters.

To make international calls, 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 service.

The basic currency of Korea is won (KW). Notes include KW 1,000, KW 5,000, and KW 10,000 denominations, while coins include KW 10, KW 50, KW 100, and KW 500 denominations. Foreign bank notes and traveler's checks can be exchanged into Korean won at foreign exchange banks, airports, hotels and other authorized money exchange outlets. Hotels usually exchange currencies such as the US Dollar, the Euro, UK Sterling and Japanese Yen. In the case of other currencies, visit commercial banks. The exchange rate is subject to market fluctuations. The basic exchange rate as of May 2005 is about 1,000 won to US$1.

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 from 09:00 to 18:00 during the week. The five-day workweek has been introduced in Korea and government offices are closed on weekends. Business hours for banks are generally from 09:30 to 16:30 on weekdays. All banks close on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Automated teller machines are widely accessible. Business hours for department stores are from 10:30 to 19:30.

Tipping is not a regular practice in Korea. Service charges are often included in the 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.

Upon request, visitors can receive nearly 10 percent VAT refunds for purchases at the "Duty Free Shopping" outlets. Goods must be taken out of Korea within three months of purchase to be eligible for a tax refund. Only foreign tourists in Korea can apply for this tax refund. Visitors can receive a refund on a receipt for a minimum purchase of KW 50,000 (around US$ 49). To receive this refund, present refund receipts with the purchased goods at the customs desk at the Incheon International Airport when departing. These receipts can be cashed in at the Cash Refund Office in front of the Airport Duty Free Shop.

Participants are advised to take adequate travel and health insurance before leaving their respective countries.

The standard electricity supply is 220-volts AC/60 cycles. However, outlets for 110 and 220 volts are available at hotels.

Korea is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and does not have daylight savings time.

In case of emergency, contact the hotel front desk and the conference registration desk. The conference hotel staff can arrange for a doctor or an ambulance. If you need assistance while out, ask a police officer.

- Police Station: 112 
- AEA (Asia Emergency Rescue): (02) 790-7561 
- Gas Accident: 82-51-646-0019 
- Fire, Rescue: 119 
- Directory Assistance: (Area Code) + 114 
- Directory Assistance for local and nationwide numbers for foreigners: 
  00794,080-211-0114 
- Directory Assistance for international Numbers: 00794 
- International Collect Call: 0077 
- International Telegram Service: 00795 

- Busan Travel Phone: 080-460-1001 
- Tourist Info in English, Japanese, & Chinese: 1330 
- Busan Tourist Complaint Center: 82-51-861-1101 
- Busan Metropolitan City Hall Tourist Information Center: 82-51-888-3527 
- Busan Metropolitan City General Tourist Information Center: 82-51-502-7399 
- Gimhae Airport Tourist Information Center: 82-51-973-2800 (International),
  82-51-973-4607 (Domestic) 
- Busan Station Tourist Information Center: 82-51-441-6565 
- International Ferry Terminal Tourist Information Center: 82-51-465-3471 
- Service Center for Foreigners: 82-51-462-2256/466-6362 
- Busan Information & Service Center for Foreigners: 82-51-441-3121 
- Dadaepo International Ferry Terminal Tourist Information Center: 82-51-266-1335 
- BEXCO Tourist Information Center: 82-51-749-4040 
- Busan Tourist Association: 82-51-246-2700 
- Tourism Promotion Division, Busan Metropolitan City: 82-51-888-3501 
- UN Memorial Cemetery Tourist Information Center: 82-51-625-1608 
- Haeundae Tourist Information Center: 82-51-749-4335 

- Time: 116 
- Weather: 131