Workshop of Global Producing Centers of Long-range forecasts

(Jeju, Republic of Korea, 10-14 October 2005)

GENERAL INFORMATION

A venue of the Workshop

The Workshop of Global Producing Centers of Long-range forecasts will be held at the conference hall of the Ramada Plaza Jeju Hotel, Jeju City, Jeju Island, Korea, from 10 to 14 October 2005.

Ramada Plaza Jeju Hotel (http://www.ramadajeju.co.kr/Default_english.asp) is located in Jeju City and reached in just five to ten minutes from Jeju International Airport. Jeju-do, or Jeju Island is one of the nine provinces of Korea and it is only an hour’s flight south of Seoul. As a result of its isolated location and romantic tropical image, Jeju Island is a favorite vacation spot for honeymooners and tourists. The island has a mild marine climate. It has four distinct seasons and an average yearly temperature of 15.5°C. In October, temperatures range from 14.5°C to 21.1°C.

How to come to Jeju

Arrival Route to Jeju

There are three ways to fly to Jeju Island: a) direct international flight, b) transfer to Jeju directly from Incheon International Airport, c) transfer by bus to Gimpo Airport (in Seoul) and then to Jeju (most common way: please see below for more information).

•Transfer to Jeju at Gimpo Airport

On arrival at Incheon International Airport, take an airport limousine bus to Gimpo Airport in Seoul. It takes about 30 minutes and the fare is 6,000 Korean won (US 6$). The airport limousine bus runs everyday from 05:00 to 21:30 at 5 to 10 minute intervals. The national carriers Korean Air and Asiana Airlines flying to Jeju operate at 15 to 20 minute intervals from 06:55 to 20:50. Flight time is about 50 minutes.

•Related Sites

For your more information including fight schedule and transportation, please visit the following websites:

Incheon International Airport: http://www.airport.or.kr/Eng/home.jsp

Gimpo International Airport: http://gimpo.airport.co.kr/eng/index.jsp

Jeju International Airport: http://jeju.airport.co.kr/eng/index.jsp

Hotel Reservation

Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) will make the arrangements of the hotel accommodation for the participants and pay the room charges (including breakfast) of all participants for their stay of six days in advance, which will be around 105 USD per day/each participant (90 USD for room plus 15 USD for breakfast), as part of the KMA’s contribution to the WMO science and technical programme. But, unfortunately, due to the limited KMA funds available to support to the Workshop, KMA would have only to cover the cost of the room for the participants for six days. Therefore, each participant is kindly requested to reimburse KMA the total cost of breakfast for six days respectively, amounting to 90 USD (15 USD＊6 days), before/during the Workshop.

Language

The Workshop will be conducted in English.

Entry Formalities

Foreigners wishing to enter the Republic of Korea should possess valid passports. Most visitors with confirmed round-tickets can stay for 15 days without visas, although this does not apply to certain nationalities. Meanwhile, any visitors from countries that have no diplomatic relations or no special visa exemption with Korea should obtain entry visa before coming to Korea. When uncertain as to the requirements for entry visa to Korea, please contact the Korean Embassy or a consulate nearest in your area as early as possible.

For more information, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea at http://www.mofat.go.kr/en/index.mof

Foreign Exchange and Credit Cards

Foreign currency and traveler's checks can be converted into Korean won at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money changers. The exchange rate is subject to market fluctuations. One U.S. dollar is equivalent to about 1,037 won as of July 15, 2005. Credit cards, including VISA, American Express, Diner's Club, Master card and JCB, are accepted at major hotels, department stores, and larger restaurants.

Electricity

In Korea, power outlets of 220 volts are dominant. Always check the power supply before using your equipment.

Emergencies

Dial 112 for the police and 119 for the fire and disaster department (though spoken in Korean). A hotel front desk or hotel manager can arrange for a doctor or an ambulance. If you need a doctor on the street, ask a policeman or passerby for assistance. Police boxes can be found on every major street.

Insurance and Liability

The Organizing Committee will not be responsible for medical expenses, accidents, losses or other unexpected damage to property belonging to Workshop participants during the Workshop and all tours. Participants are strongly advised to arrange their own insurance for health, accident, lost luggage and trip cancellation

Weather

Climate data for the period of the session in Jeju are listed below:

Second ten-day period of October

Mean precipitation: 25.7 mm

Mean humidity: 71 %

Mean temperature: 18.0 °C

Maximum temperature: 21.2 °C

Minimum temperature: 14.7°C

Contacts

Local Workshop Director

Mr. Yun-Ang Chung

Director of the International Cooperation Division

Korea Meteorological Administration

460-18 Shindaebang-dong Tongjak-gu, Seoul 156-720, Republic of Korea

Tel: +82 2 836 2385

Telefax: +82 2 836 2386

E-mail: