Participants are required to prepare a "country report" as described in the course information received fro KCS, and submit it by e-mail 14 days before training begins. If unable to do so, participants are requested to submit the report to the training institute upon their arrival. participants must submit the original and bring copies for other participants when they come to korea. the country report will be used for comparative studies among the participants during the training course, and for lecture references. In order to make the presentation of the country report more effective, as instructed in the course information, it is helpful if participants prepare supplementary materials(wisual aids, etc.) and bring them to Korea
Travel Documents

participants wanting to enter the republic of korea must have a valid passport. those who have no nationality obtain an entry permission issued by a korean embassy orconsulate aborad in lieu of a passport. a laissez-passer issued by the U.N. is also recognized as valid.

Italy : Despite visa exemption for a stay of up to 60 days under agreement, the reciprocity principle allows a stay of up to 90 days from June 15, 2003. Japan: Visa exemption for a stay of up to 90 days for ordinary-passport holders based on exchange of note verbale.
(Visa exemption agreement concluded for diplomatic and official-passport holders)

[B. Nationals of countries or regions allowed for visa-free entry(up to 30 days unless noticed otherwise)]

note : (a) Many nationals are permitted visa exemptions on diplomatic or official passports, for further details it is advisable to contact the nearest embassy/cousulate before departure.
(b) If there is no korean diplomatic mission in their country, participants will need to obtain the visa from a third country. upon receiving the visa, please make sure that the "validity"is long enough to cover the entire duration of the designated course.
*for more information visit following web pages : ministry of foreign affairs http://www.mofa.go.kr

a person with a valid visa for korea who wishes to extend the visa must apply at the local immigration office at least 30 days before expiration of the visa. in general, tourist visas are not extended. visas for participants of long-term training programs should obtain long-term visas covering the entire duration of the programs before entering the country.

occasionally, participants visiting or leaving korea may be required to obtain visas for third countries due to stop-over flight schedules. in this case, it is the participant's responsibility to obtain and pay for the visa.

upon arrival in Korea, all visitors will be requested to fill out an embarkation/(E/D) card and a customs declaration card. these cards are issued on board before arrival and also may be obtained from the travel agent. the E/D card should be presented to Passport Control after disembarkation, and should be retained for the of stay. the customs declaration card will be collected after clearing customs.

- Animal quarantine
all live animals and animal products entering Korea must be accompanied by valid certificates issued by the exploring country's government.
- Plant quarantine passengers who carry any plants or soil including fruits(mango, orange, papaya, etc), vegetables, seeds, orchids, nursery stock or cut flowers, etc. must describe the items and declare them upon arrival. import restricted items and areas;
- fresh fruits, such as mango, orange, papaya, cherry, etc.: all countries
- nursery stock of apple, grape, etc.: most european countries
- walnut fruit and kernel : most countries
- soil or plants with soil : all countries

customs & declaration an oral or written declaration for baggage must be to customs officers upon entry. if you have no goods subject to declaration, follow the Green (nothing to declare) lane. If you have something to declare, please follow the Red (things to declare) lane . Your baggage maybe examined by the Customs whether you take the Green or the Red lane.

- Books, publications, drawings and paintings, films, phonographic materials, video work and other items of similar nature that may either disturb constitutional order or harm public security or customs.
- Goods which will reveal confidential information of the government or which are used for intelligence activities.
- Counterfeited, forged or imitated coins, currency, bank notes, debenture and / or other negotiable instruments.

- Animal, plant material or their derivatives
- Firearms, weapons and ammunition
- Protected wildlife
- Drugs (narcotics and psychotropic substances)

Travelers are allowed to bring into Korea the following goods duty/tax free. Goods bought overseas or bought duty/tax free before leaving Korea are included when determining your duty-free allowance. US $600 worth of goods will be allowed to enter Korea duty-free. It excludes tobacco or alcohol. For example, cameras, electronic equipment, leather goods, perfume concentrate, jewelry, watches, sporting goods, etc. Most personal items such as new clothing, footwear, articles for personal hygiene/ grooming. And 1 liter of alcoholic liquor(including wine, beer or spirits) for travelers aged 20 years and over. Tobacco -200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g tobacco products other than cigarettes, for travelers aged 20 years and older.

You must declare the possession of US $10,000 or more in either foreign or Korean currency that you take out of, or bring into Korea. If you are departing your country with expensive items (such as computers, cameras, and video cameras), and you intend to bring them back to our country, register these items when you are departing your country. Proof of ownership in the form of receipts for jewelry and other goods not readily identifiable might help you when you present the goods on return. Articles Subject to Declaration You must declare the possession of US $10,000 or more in either foreign or Korean currency that you take out of, or bring into Korea. If you are departing your country with expensive items (such as computers, cameras, and video cameras), and you intend to bring them back to your country, please register these items when you are departing your country. Proof of ownership in the form of receipts for jewelry and other goods not readily identifiable might help you when you present the goods on return. * For more details on Customs and Declaration, please visit Korea Customs Service website: http://www.customs.go.kr

Participants are advised to bring some money in US dollars for incidental expenses that may incur en route to Korea or upon arrival in Korea. The participant may have to pay the following incidental expenses: - Taxes levied during the trip such as airport taxes, departure taxes, transit airport taxes, etc. - Excess baggage charges

It is important that participants understand and follow the regulations set forth by KCS. They are as follows: Participants are required:
- to follow such instructions and abide by such conditions as may be stipulated by the Korean government in respect to the training program
- to follow the training program to the best of their ability and abide by the rules of the institution in which participants undertake training
- to refrain from engaging in political activities, or any form of employment for profit or gain
- to return to their home country upon completion of the training program and resume work in their country
- not to extend the length of the training program or their stay for personal convenience
- not to bring any family members (dependents) to Korea

If a participant fails to observe the above-mentioned regulations or behaves in an inappropriate manner during the course, his/her status as a participant may be terminated.
Departure

- Arrive at the Airport (at least 2 hours before departure)
- Fill out a departure statement
- Check-in baggage & receive seat assignment
- Purchase the (PCS) ticket and exchange foreign currency at the bank
- Go to the Departure area (3rd floor) → PSC ticket collection → Security check for departure(passenger, carry-on baggage)
- Emigration check (ticket, passport, departure statements)
- Wait at the gate area before boarding
- Board (with passport and boarding pass)

The Korean Peninsula extends southward from the northeastern part of the Asian continent between 33˚ and 43˚ North Latitude and 124˚ and 132˚ East Longitude. The standard meridian of the peninsula is 135˚, nine hours ahead of GMT. The Amnokgang and Dumangang Rivers border both China and Russia to the north, and Japan is just across the East Sea. Since 1945, as a by-product of the Cold War, the peninsula has been divided at 38 North Latitude into the Republic of Korea, or South Korea, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, more commonly known as North Korea.

The Korean Peninsula extends southward from the northeastern part of the Asian continent between 33˚ and 43˚ North Latitude and 124˚ and 132˚ East Longitude. The standard meridian of the peninsula is 135˚, nine hours ahead of GMT. The Amnokgang and Dumangang Rivers border both China and Russia to the north, and Japan is just across the East Sea. Since 1945, as a by-product of the Cold War, the peninsula has been divided at 38 North Latitude into the Republic of Korea, or South Korea, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, more commonly known as North Korea.

Koreans, like many other Asian peoples, are descendants of Mongolian Tungus stock. They differ from the neighboring Japanese and Chinese however, in that Koreans are a homogeneous ethnic group with their own language, culture, and customs. Korean people are characterized by their generosity, warmth, and kindness, and are renowned as one of the hardest working people in the world. Population : South Korea - 51 million (2015.07)

The Korean flag is called Taegeukgi. Its design symbolizes the principles of yin and yang in Oriental philosophy. The upper red section represents the positive cosmic forces of yang. Conversely, the lower blue section represents the negative cosmic forces of yin. The two forces together embody the concepts of continual movement and balance and harmony that characterize the sphere of infinity. The circle is surrounded by four trigrams in each corner. Each trigram symbolizes one of the four universal elements : heaven, earth, fire, and water.

The capital city is Seoul, which is the political, cultural, commercial, financial, and educational center of Korea. Seoul also offers many tourist attractions.

* Korea consists of 7 metropolitan cities and 9 provinces

Government offices are open between the hours of 09:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Friday. Most private businesses open at 08:30 and close in the evening. Banks are a major exception. Their business hours are from 9:00 to 16:00 on weekdays, and are closed on Saturdays. Foreign diplomatic missions in Seoul generally maintain strict business hours. They are usually open from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Major department stores are open from 10:30 to 20:00, including Saturdays, but smaller shops tend to be open from early morning until late evening every day of the week.

Like most countries located in the temperate zone, Korea has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Located in the East Asian monsoon belt, Korea has a hot, humid summer (June-August) and a long, dry, cold winter (November-March). Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are rather short, but very pleasant with crisp weather and many days of sunshine. Participants are advised to bring suitable clothing considering the training period and the climate.
- Spring Late March through May : Periods of cold weather can be expected, but normally temperate conditions prevail. Cherry blossoms, forsythia, azaleas, magnolias, and lilacs bloom in April. - Summer June to early September : Hot and humid. Half the annual rainfall occurs during the monsoon months of late June to July. Mid-July through mid-August is the hottest period and also the most popular Korean vacation season.
- Autumn September through November : Warm days and clear weather make the fall months the most pleasant time of the year. The temperature varies greatly between day and golden and red autumnal leaves, contrast with the clear blue sky and present a grand spectacle.
- Winter December to mid-March : Cold and dry with an average cycle of three cold days followed by four warm ones. Heavy snow in the north and east makes for good skiing conditions. * For Korea's latest weather conditions visit the Korea Meteorology Administration website at http://www.kma.go.kr

- Greetings and Common Courtesy
Hello! (on the phone)---여보세요.[Yoboseyo]
Good morning. Good afternoon. Good evening.---안녕하세요[Annyonghaseyo]
Glad to meet you.---만나서 반가워요[Mannaso ban-gawoyo]
Good-bye.---안녕히 가세요.[Annyonghi gaseyo]
Yes.---예.[Ye]
No.---아니오.[Aniyo]
Thank you.---감사합니다.[Kamsa-hamnida]
You are welcome.---천만에요.[Ch'onmaneyo]
Excuse me.---실례합니다.[Shille-hamnida]
I'm sorry.---미안합니다.[Mian-hamnida]
Please help me.---도와주세요. [Towajuseyo]

- Transportation
Will you show me the way to (Toksugung Palace)
-> (덕수궁) 가는 길을 알려주세요.
[(Toksugung) kanun kirul allyeo chuseyo]
Where is...?
-> 어디 있습니까?
[... odi issumnikka?]
Where can I get the taxi?
-> 어디서 택시를 탈 수 있나요?
[Odiseo taeksileul tal su itnayo?]
Please take me to the...
-> ...로 가주세요
[... ro ka-juseyo]

- Currency (US$ = \1,185.20 / August 27 2015) The unit of Korean currency is the won(indicated as \).
Coin denominations are \10, \50, \100, and \500. Bank notes are \1,000, \5,000, \10,000 and \50,000.
Foreign bank notes and traveler's checks can be converted into Korean won at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money changers.