August 23-29, 2009
Busan, S. Korea
The Korean peninsula extends southward from the eastern end of the Asian continent. The peninsula is roughly 1,030 km (612 miles) long and 175 km (105 miles) wide at its narrowest point. The Korean peninsula is divided just slightly north of the 38th parallel. The democratic Republic of Korea in the south and communist North Korea are separated by a demilitarized zone. South Korea's 99,500sq.km is populated by 47.9 million people (2003). Administratively, the Republic of Korea consists of nine provinces; the capital Seoul; and the six metropolitan cities of Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon and Ulsan. In total, there are 77 cities and 88 counties.
Situated on the most south-eastern portion of the Korean peninsula, Busan
is Korea's second largest city and the number 1 trading port. Korea's
first truly international city, Busan connects Asia, Europe, and North
America. This geopolitically situated harbor city sits adjacent to the
Korean Straits and Japan, bringing about an interchange of trade and tourism.
This intercultural current has made Busan into the international metropolis
it is today. Busan has hosted many international events and will be sure
to enhance its status worldwide through the hosting of the 2005 APEC Summit,
scheduled to take place in November. Its natural endowments and rich history
have resulted in Busan's increasing reputation as a world class city of
tourism and culture.
For more information: Busan City
Busan Exhibition & Convention Center (BEXCO) has been the venue for many
international conferences and exhibitions such as 2001 Busan International
Motor Show, the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final Draw Ceremony, the 2003 International
Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) General Assembly, the ITU
Telecom Asia 2004 and APEC Summit Busan 2005. Through the successful hosting
of those events, BEXCO has been recognized as a new emerging convention
and exhibition destination in the world.
For more information: BEXCO
Busan has a dozen hotel accommodations around the venue from five-star
hotels to youth hostel and condominiums to meet various customers' demands.
There are more than 2,300 super deluxe hotel rooms and 1,500 resort and
condominium rooms located within 5 to 10 minutes from the Venue, BEXCO.
For more information: Busan Hotels
Passengers arriving at the Incheon International Airport or the Gimpo International Airport can transfer to the Gimhae International Airport (Busan) by a domestic airline 3 times a day (from Incheon), or every 15 or 20 minutes daily from 06:40 to 20:40(from Gimpo).
Overseas: Japan - Busan
Participants can also come to Busan via 4 Japanese cities- Fukuoka, Osaka,
Nagoya, and Tokyo. The frequent daily flight operations(110 weekly operations
in total) connecting the Japanese international airports with the Gimhae
International Airport(Busan) add to the convenience of long-distance travelers.
Free shuttle buses will be in operation for 2009 ISN participants between
hotels and the venue, BEXCO.
For more information: Busan Transport
Busan is the perfect tourist destination with breathtaking natural surroundings such as its beautiful beaches and forest- covered hills and mountains. Various festivals held all year round and other events unique to Busan, entertain the eyes and ears of all who see them.
For more Information: Busan Tour Program
Korea has four distinctive seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Summer in Korea begins in late June and is relatively hot and humid. The hottest days are from late July to late August, reaching as high as 38. However, because Busan is adjacent to the east and south sea of Korea, it's a little bit cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Visitors from most countries may stay up to 15 days without visa with confirmed outbound tickets. However, those who plan to stay in Korea for longer than 15 days must obtain visas before coming to Korea.