arrival in seoul (3/22)
• Scheduled arrival time: 4:55 p.m. at Kimpo International Airport
• Things to do at the airport
– Currency exchange
∙∙ Official Korean currency: Won (approximately 1,200 won = $1)
∙∙ Exchange booth at the airport
∙∙ Can exchange remaining Won back to dollar when we leave (so change enough!)
-- Downside: may lose bid-ask spread (app. 10%)
∙∙ Other places to exchange currency: bank & hotel
∙∙ Things to consider:
-- All meals are covered
-- Credit cards are widely used
-- If you want to shop, plan on using cash
– Cell phone rental
∙∙ Organizers will rent cell phones in case of emergency (we will distribute the numbers)
∙∙ If you would like one as well, please let us know
things to consider
• English is usually understood, but English-speakers may be hard to find!
• Streets, even late at night, are usually very safe
• Transportation
– Subway system
∙∙ Approximately 50 cents per ride
∙∙ Modern and efficient
∙∙ Closes at midnight
– Public buses: do not use! (very complex)
– Taxi
∙∙ Two types: regular and luxury
-- Regular taxis are white and luxury taxis are black
-- Luxury taxis are more expensive (about same as Boston taxis) but you can get help in English, so use luxury taxis!
∙∙ Sometimes hard to catch, especially during rush hour
schedule for thursday night
• Bus transfer to hotel
• Check-in at Ramada Olympia (www.olympia.co.kr)
– 2 people per room
– You will be responsible for any incidental charges (movies, in-room bar, etc.)
• Dinner
– Korean barbecue (very delicious!)
– Restaurant also serves other traditional Korean dishes – please let us know in advance if you do not want barbecue
• Late night recommended options
– Itaewon area
∙∙ Near U.S. military base
∙∙ Very popular with foreigners (lots of English speakers)
∙∙ Tons of bars, clubs, cafes, shopping, etc.
– J.J. Mahoney's (at Grand Hyatt Seoul)
∙∙ Western style: pool table, bar, dance floor – very hip!
∙∙ Good mix of locals and foreigners
∙∙ Expect to spend around $50/person
– Seduce (most popular Korean club in Seoul – at the Marriott hotel)
∙∙ Very young & hip crowd – mostly Koreans (dress to impress!)
∙∙ Peculiar set-up system
∙∙ Expect to spend $100/person
– Others
schedule for friday (3/23)
• Breakfast at hotel
– Buffet (both western and Korean) – included with your room (please charge to your room)
• Visit to Samsung
– Transportation provided by Samsung (bus)
– Dress code: business casual
– Lunch at Samsung's employee cafeteria
• Afternoon: visit to Korean Folk Village
– Good introduction to traditional Korean culture
– Visited by many foreigners
• Dinner
– Traditional Korean meal (multi-course) & show (fan dance, etc.)
– After dinner, visit to flee market via subway – very interesting experience! (lots of bargain goods & souvenirs)
• Late night activities
– Please choose based on prior night's experience
– We can make additional recommendations if you feel more adventurous!
schedule for saturday (3/24)
• Breakfast at hotel
– Buffet (both western and Korean) – included with your room (please charge to your room)
• Visit to Korea Telecom
– Business casual
• Lunch – buffet (western, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) at local hotel
• Afternoon: free-time
– Shopping
– Sightseeing
• Leave for airport at 4:00 p.m.
• Dinner at the airport
• Flight departs at 7:40 p.m.
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