10th World Symposium on Choral Music (WSCM10)

6-13 August 2014Seoul, Republic of Korea

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Dates: 6 - 13 August 2014 (8 days)Host country: Republic of KoreaHost city: SeoulMain venue: National Theater of KoreaHost organization: UNWTO ST-EP FoundationLocal partner: Korean Federation for Choral Music (KFCM)Local sponsors: Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism, Seoul Metropolitan Government

Basic Information The Republic of KoreaCapacity to Host Major International Events

During the 1980s, Korean choral music has been significantly influenced by the hosting of big international events such as the Asian Games in 1986 and the Olympics in 1988. Over the last years, the Republic of Korea has proved its ability to host major international events: • G20 Seoul Summit in 2010;• 4th High Level Forum in Busan, 2011;• 19th Session of the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) General Assembly in

Gyeongju, 2011.

In 2012, South Korea has hosted or will host several international events such as : • the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, • the 2nd Annual Conference of the Partners of the Global Partnership for Sustainable

Tourism,• the International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012 under the theme of “The Living

Ocean and Coast,”• the IUCN World Conservation Congress,• the Skal 2012 World Congress and the 2012 ICCN (Inter-City intangible cultural

cooperation network) Festival in Gangneung

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WSCM10 10th World Symposium on Choral Music

The Korean Federation for Choral Music, Hosting Partner of the WSCM10

Founded in 1973, the Korean Federation for Choral Music (KFCM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and spreading of choral music in Korea, providing opportunities for communication and knowledge exchange between choral musicians in Korea.

Every year, the KFCM holds two major events: • The Korean Choral Festival introduces various performances from each functional

association. It encourages the participating choirs to show their musical excellence, and offer them a place for learning and meeting.

• The other key event of the KFCM is the Korean Choral Symposium. This is the oldest, largest, and most authoritative choral symposium in Korea, providing lectures, seminars, and performances.

•The KFCM is organized according to regional and functional divisions. There are fifteen regional divisions, and the functional divisions includes nine groups – elementary, middle, high schools, and children’s, college, adults’, national/civic, composers, a cappella choirs. The KFCM encourage its divisions to carry out their own activities such as seminars and performances.

Korean Choral Music Today

Since the introduction of western music by the American missionaries in the 1880s, Korean choral music has significantly developed in terms of both its popularity and musical excellence.

• There are now over sixty civic professional choirs in major cities, each of which overall consists of 40 to 60 professional singers, selected from intense competition. Many of them have been invited to participate in the World Symposium for Choral Music (WSCM), and ACDA national/regional conventions.

• There are also many amateur choirs, including community, youth, women and school choirs in Korea.

• The past 30 years represent the so-called “Choral Boom” period in Korea, with many large Korean churches, primarily, having extremely large choral programs and even orchestras. Beyond the regular worship services, these churches have also held concerts of choral music or sponsored church music conferences.

• Contemporary Korean choral music can be defined with the term “Glocalism”, which expresses the notion of globalization with local considerations.

Read more about it in the International Choral Bulletin (ICB) Volume XXXI, Number 3, 3rd Quarter (http://icb.ifcm.net/)

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The National Theatre of Korea (President, Hosang Ahn) is surrounded by beautiful the beautiful park of Namsan (literally ‘Southern Mountain’), which is located at the exact center of Seoul city. The National Theater of Korea was opened in 1950 as the first national theater in Asia. Since then, it has been standing out as the leader of art performance in Korea, and has won a recent Presidential Award as the best responsible organization given by the Ministry of Administration and Safety. The theater hosts four performance groups: the National Drama Company, the National Changgeuk Company, the National Dance Company, and the National Orchestra Company. By supporting these performance troupes, the National Theater strives to globalize Korean traditional arts, modifying select pieces to reach a larger audience.

Structure Size: Main building: 52,326㎡ - Annex: 4,715㎡Main Facilities: There are 4 halls, an exhibition room, and many seminar rooms at the National Theatre of Korea. • Haeoreum Theater: has a seating capacity of 1563, and state-of-the-art lighting

and sound systems. The space between the seats is the widest of all domestic theaters, providing the audience maximum comfort.

• Daloreum Theater, the small hall, is furnished with 472 seats and hosts a series of regular performances.

• Byeoloreum Theater (capacity: 100) is unique because its stage and seats are changed to fit each performance. All components are moveable. Avant-garde or experimental performances are held here.

• KB Haneul Youth Theater is a domed theater with a capacity of 732. Since parts of its roof open and shut automatically, it provides natural lighting as well as stable performances regardless the weather condition. Aside from traditional performances, a range of programs such as experimental performances, youth madang, concerts, and festivals are held here.

www.ntok.go.kr/english/index.do

The National Theater of Korea, Official Host Venue of the 10th WSCM

The National Theater of Korea: Map

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WSCM10 10th World Symposium on Choral Music

The National Theater of Korea: Main Hall ‘HaeThe National Theater of KoreaRestaurant and Catering Facilities

As the representative performance hall of Korea, the main hall of the National Theater of Korea is an integrated theater capable of staging every genre of performance. The main hall has 1,563 seats and an easily adjustable stage along with advanced sound and lighting systems. In particular, the spacing between seats is among the most generous in Korea, providing the audience with a most comfortable environment in which to enjoy the performance.

The hall contains a 20m diameter revolving stage with large and small lift stages in the front and back. Movable stages can be operated either independently or in connection with the main stage from the center. The orchestra lift, which is divided into three sections, can function individually or in groups.

It is a multipurpose space, which accommodates up to 80 performers, and displays various productions. A sound reflection board can be installed in the hall by measuring the amount of reverberation of the concert. The sub facilities and the main facilities, including 23 installation poles, create an automated system that can be used to check graphic images of operations and adjust operations in accordance with stage production.

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Country name Republic of Korea (South Korea) Capital City Seoul (10.4 million inhabitants, 2010)Time Zone Standard time zone is UTC/GMT +9 hours.Language Korean (Writing system: Hangeul), English, Japanese and Chinese are also spokenPopulation 50.5 million (2011 census) About one-fifth of South Korea's Currency Korean won (1 USD = 1.100 KRW)

Climate in AugustThe climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. August is usually hot and humid.South Korea I is a relatively safe country with reported crime rates significantly lower than in Western countries.

Welcome to the Republic of Korea(South Korea)

How to Get to Seoul

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Passports and visas• Before leaving their home country, all participants should complete all applications

regarding entry and transit visas, which they may require for the trip to Republic of Korea.

• Any foreign visitors wishing to enter the Republic of Korea must have a valid passport.

• Foreign nationals are mostly granted up to 30 days of visa-free sojourn for tourism or visitation. Some are granted longer stays than others.

• Check the list of countries with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: http://www.mofat.go.kr

• Foreign nationals who need to apply for visa issuance can do so at an R.O.K. embassy or consulate. Each applicant will need his/her passport, visa issuance application, and other required documents depending on their applied visa status. It is recommended to contact the Korean embassies or consulates of your country before applying for a visa.

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WSCM10 10th World Symposium on Choral Music

Transfer from Incheon International AirportTo Seoul - Buses

Your Arrival at the Incheon International Airport

Seoul is one of the world’s best-connected cities. With two international airports and an extensive airport-to-city transportation network, Seoul has all the resources to welcome large numbers of visitors from all over the world.

Incheon International Airport www.airport.kr/eng

Awarded best international airport for 7 years, Incheon International Airport is the biggest airport in Korea and serves as the main entrance gate for travelers visiting Korea. Incheon International airport houses over 64 airline offices and manages over 450 inbound and outbound international and domestic flights every day. It is one of the most technologically advanced airports in the world.

Location: Incheon-si Jung-gu Unseo-dong / Tel: +82-2-1577-2600, 1577-2600Distance from Seoul: 52 km (32 miles) about one hour

Immigration clearanceSince Jan. 2012, any inbound foreign visitor aged 17 or older who is arriving at any port or airport in Korea is required to go through a mandatory fingerprint and facial recognition registration process. The mandatory information registration process is waived for the following persons: foreign government officials and international organization representatives, as well as their families; and visitors on official invitation by the heads of the nation’s central government.

Customs clearanceAll visitors who enter Korea must submit a written baggage declaration to a customs officer upon entry. If a passenger declares non-duty-free articles voluntarily, the declared amount will be accepted and the clearance procedure will be expedited, unless the declared price of articles is questionable. Check http://www.customs.go.kr

There are many ways to get from Incheon International Airport to Seoul. Most travelers find that airport limousine buses and AREX (Airport Railroad Express) are the most convenient, but taxis, subways, and car rentals are also available.

Airport buses run from Incheon International Airport to various parts of Seoul. Tickets may be purchased at the ticket desk on the Arrivals Floor (F1).

Detailed inquiries on bus routes and bus stops can be made at the Airport Information Desk, also conveniently located on the first floor.

Night buses are available for those arriving late at night, but hours vary depending on flight schedules.

For more information and to check availability, please call +82-032-741-6400 before your arrival in Korea.

Standard and Deluxe (Luxury) Airport Limousine BusesThere are two classes of airport limousine buses: standard and deluxe (luxury). Deluxe buses are KAL limousines that go straight to major hotels in Seoul. These buses make fewer stops (for a shorter travel time) and have comfortable, more spacious seats. Standard limousine buses stop at more locations along their route, so you may be able to

get closer to your final destination. Bus fares

Deluxe limousine busThe fare for most routes to downtown Seoul is 14,000-15,000 wons.

Standard limousine busThe fare for most routes to downtown Seoul is 9,000-10,000 won.

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AREX http://english.arex.or.kr/jsp/eng/index.jsp

The Airport Railroad Express (AREX) subway linen is a highspeed railway service that links Incheon International Airport with Gimpo International Airport and Seoul Station in the heart of the city. It also connects with Seoul Subway Lines 5 & 9, and Incheon Subway Line 1.

Recently completed, AREX offers the visitors to Seoul another convenient option for traveling between Incheon Airport and Seoul.

The AREX is comprised of two lines: an express line that runs directly from the Incheon Airport to Seoul Station with no stops in between (a 43-minute ride) and a commuter line, which runs parallel to the express line and makes stops at major subway stations in the downtown area (a 53-minute ride).

To take the AREX from the Incheon International Airport, follow the signs down to the Airport Transportation Center on B1. Free electric cart services are available for passengers with heavy baggage, senior citizens, and the disabled. Service hours are 7:00 to 19:00 and are offered 365 days a year.

FaresIncheon International Airport -> Seoul station • Express train: Adult 13,800 won / Children (4-12) 6,900 won • Commuter train: 3,700won

Among amenities currently offered for travelers using AREX are the airport check-in services at the City Airport Terminal at Seoul Station (as of Feb. 2012, check-in and luggage services are only available for passengers traveling on Korean Air, Asiana Air, or Jeju Air international flights departing out of Incheon Airport. Plans are underway to extend the services to passengers booked on foreign air carriers as well).

Transfer from Incheon International AirportTo Seoul – AREX Railway

Transfer from Incheon International AirportTo Seoul - Taxi

Despite the opening of the AREX, airport limousine buses are still the most preferred transportation option for those with heavy bags and those traveling from Incheon Airport to areas in downtown Seoul not directly served by the AREX. If the traffic is good, it only takes an hour to travel from the airport to the heart of Seoul. Taxis are another way to get to Seoul from the airports. There are standard taxis and black-colored deluxe taxis. Deluxe taxis have a higher base fare and can cost almost double standard taxi rates, but provide more luxurious rides.

Standard and Deluxe TaxisTaking a taxi from the airport is usually a bit costly, but may be worthwhile if you have heavy baggage or are traveling in a small group. The expressway toll (~7,500 won) is the responsibility of the passenger, not the driver.

International TaxisDrivers of the service speak English, Chinese or Japanese, and can be booked in advance via a reservation system. Fares are generally 20% more expensive than standard cabs, and international taxis can be distinguished by their bright orange color. (Tipping is not accepted)

FareStandard: Base fare 2,400 KRW, increasing 100 KRW every 144 meters Deluxe (Black): Base fare 4,500 KRW, increasing 200 KRW every 164 meters

NoteA 20% surcharge will be applied in all taxis between 12:00AM and 4:00AM. Metered fares do not include tolls. Tolls must be paid by passengers (Approximately 7,400 KRW for Incheon Bridge Toll)

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WSCM10 10th World Symposium on Choral Music

From Incheon International AirportTo Myeong-dong Area (National Theater Area)

1. Myeong-dong by AREXTake the AREX from the airport to Seoul Station. Get off at Seoul Station and follow the signs to transfer to Subway Line 4. Get off the subway at Myeongdong Station. The total trip, including transfers, should take about 62-72 minutes.Route -> Incheon International Airport -> Seoul Station -> Myeong-dong Fare (if paying in cash): Incheon to Seoul Station: AREX (Commuter): 3,800 - 4,700 won / AREX (Express): 13,800 won Seoul Station to Myeongdong: 1,000 won

2. Myeong-dong by airport busNo need to transfer and still one of the most preferred and recommended methods to get from the Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul. However, if you are traveling during rush hour, be prepared for the possibility of serious traffic congestion. Route -> Incheon International Airport -> Myeong-dong Estimated total travel time: 70 minutes Fare: Standard limousine bus: 7,000-10,000 won / Deluxe bus: 14,000 – 15,000 won

3. TaxiIf you arrive late at night, have heavy baggage, or have a small group of fellow travelers, you may want to consider taking a taxi. If you go to Myeongdong by deluxe taxi late at night, you can expect to pay around 100,000 won. The fare varies depending on distance traveled. Deluxe taxi drivers are very kind and charge fairly by the meter.Route -> Incheon International Airport -> Myeongdong Estimated total travel time: 60 minutes Fare: About 90,000 won + expressway toll of 7,500 won

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Local Transportation - Buses

Seoul's Bus MapThe Seoul Bus Map Service is the best way to check bus routes online. By using this bus map, you can know the correct bus route to your destination. The bus map service is provided by Seoul City.

T-money CardT-money is a transportation card which can be used for buses or subways while traveling in Seoul as well as Incheon, Ilsan, and Bundang areas. By using T-money, you can get a 100-won discount off the basic cash fare. It provides you with even more of a discount when making transfers. Perhaps the biggest benefit of this particular card is that it allows you to avoid the hassle of buying tickets, and the balance on the card minus 500 won can be refunded at any time during its use. T-money is a pre-paid card and the card price is 2,500 won. Users of the T-money card can get mileage points, which can be converted into T-money.

Card price: 2,500 won.

Vendors: Nearly all convenience stores, including GS25, and subway ticket booths.

Use: to pay fares for buses and subways in the Seoul and Gyeonggi area and build mileage points based on the total of fares paid. The mileage can be used to pay fares later on. To do so, the 16-digit number printed on the back of the card needs to be registered at www.t-money.co.kr

Recharging locations: vendor locations Refund locations: GS25 convenience store

Local Transportation - Subway

Most subway maps are written in both Korean and English. The numbers next to the name of each station on the map indicate the subway fare for the destination from the present station.

Some subway stations do not provide free subway maps. Subway fares are as below (foreign currency is not accepted at subway ticket windows, so please prepare Korean won).

Seoul Subway Fares (for 12km and 19 years and older)• Transportation Card 900 Won• Cash 1,000 Won• Free for children 6 years or younger. • For total distances exceeding 10 kilometers, the charge is 100 won for each

additional 5 kilometers. • For total distances exceeding 40 kilometers, the charge is 100 won for each

additional 10 kilometers. • For journeys outside Seoul, the charge is 100 won for each additional 5 kilometers

and 100 won for each additional 10 kilometers if the total trip exceeds 35 kilometers.

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WSCM10 10th World Symposium on Choral Music

Other Key Tourist Attractions in Seoul Tourist Attractions Around the National Theater

Namsangol Hanok Village If you get off at Chungmuro Subway Station, you are right in front of Namsangol Hanok Village (traditional Korean village). This village has five restored traditional Korean houses and a pavilion, a pond and a time capsule, which make it a perfect spot to take a walk.

Seoul Namsan Gugakdang (Traditional Theater) Seoul Namsan Gugakdang (Traditional Theater), located in Namsangol Hanok Village, is a performance hall dedicated to Gugak Performance. The 330-seat hall’s acoustics, lighting, and stage facilities are all specifically designed to enhance the sound and experience of Gugak. It is the only performance hall in Korea where patrons can enjoy the pure, natural sound of Gugak without the use of any electro-acoustic technology.

But also: Seoul Tower, Korea House, Myeong-dong and Namdaemun markets, etc.

Yejiwon The Yejiwon is located in Seoul Jung-gu Jangchung-dong and has been offering traditional Korean etiquette education programs since its inception on September 16th, 1974. Furthermore, the Yejiwon also serves to introduce the traditional cultures and living cultures of Korean etiquettes to foreigners.

Jangchung Gymnasium Jangchung Gymnasium is Korea’s first domed gymnasium and opened Februrary 1st, 1963. The gym holds diverse athletic events such as basketball, volleyball and handball competitions as well as boxing, wrestling, weight-lifting and ssireum (Korean traditional wrestling). The gym also presents other cultural performances and events including international competitions, concerts and madangnori. The Jangchung Fitness Club, is also located within the facility and offers monthly memberships.

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Currency and credit cards Korea's official monetary unit is the South Korean Won (KRW or ₩) and its exchange rate with US dollars averages US$1 = KRW 1,150 (2012).The currency consists of notes and coins.

Credit CardsVisa, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and other major credit cards are accepted in Korea but participants are always advised to check with the vendor before a purchase is made. Cash advances are also available at select bank machines.

Foreign exchangeForeign exchange counters are available at the Incheon International Airport, Seoul. You are advised to change to local KRW currency before departing or upon arrival at the Airport.You can also exchange foreign currencies into Korean won at a bank, exchange service center, or an authorized currency exchange.

Bank business hours: 9:30am-4pm, (closed Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Traveler's ChecksTraveler's checks can be used in place of cash at hotels, department stores, and some restaurants and shops, but it is better to exchange them into cash for simpler transactions. Visa, American Express, and Thomas Cook traveler’s checks are readily accepted in Korea.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and Cash MachinesSome ATMs accept most major international bank cards, such as Maestro, Citibank, Citicard, Electron, JCB and others. Most ATM/bank machines operate 24 hours a day, while others are open from 8am to midnight.

Cash dispenser machines, called CDs, which only offer cash withdrawal services, can be found in subways, convenience stores, railway stations, bus terminals, and department stores.

Most are open 24 hours a day and dispense cash in 10,000 won units. Most machines display English directions on the monitor, and others also have Japanese and Chinese.

If you have any questions while using ATM/CD machines, call the Korea Travel Phone at 1330.

Money Communications

Phone callsDialing Code: +82Area Code: Seoul 02 (when dialing from overseas remove the zero)

Useful Phone Numbers• For information on tourism, transport, restaurant: 1330 (residential) or 02-1330

(mobile phone)• Police: 112, Ambulance/Fire: 119• Medical emergency 1339• BBB (free interpretation) 1588-5644• Lost and Found Centre: 02-2299-1282• Volunteer Translation Service 1588-6544• Seoul Global Center +82 2-1688-0120 (overseas) or 1688-0120 (in Korea), Monday

to Friday from 9-6 pm - Call to ask any questions about visiting or living in Seoul.• Korea Tourism Organization Information Line +82 2 1330 or 1330, 24 hours a day -

Tourism information and translation services.• Seoul’s Dasan 120 Call Center +82 2 120 or 120, 9am to 10pm daily

Cell phone rentalCellular phones can be rented from Incheon International Airports. Your passport and credit card are required. The charges can be paid with cash or credit card upon return of the handset.

Public phonesMany Koreans carry cellular phones nowadays, eliminating the need for public telephone booths. Though many public telephone booths have now been removed, they still exist on streets where there are many pedestrians, near bus stops, inside subway stations, and in most public transportation facilities. Public telephones in Korea not only provide domestic call services, but services for international calls as well.Korea’s public telephones are separated into two main types: those that accept coins and those that accept only cards. Telephone cards can usually be purchased at convenience stands or stores near the telephone booths, and cannot be exchanged for cash. The cards are valid for a period of three years and can be purchased at 3000, 5000, or 10,000 won denominations.

Smartphone users

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Other Handy FactsHealth and Medical Facilities

Medical ServicesRegarding health issues, visitors who want to come to Korea are not required to take any specific vaccinations for entry to Korea, although some may be advisable. Consult with your local doctor before you come. In Seoul, there are many modern hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Korea is known for its high-quality medical services without long waiting periods in the event of an emergency or sickness. Many major hospitals offer multilingual interpretation services. Contact your hotel or call 120, 1330 (general information) or 1339 (medical line) for more information.There are many hospitals where some English is spoken. International clinics at large general hospitals like Severance Hospital, Asan Medical Center or Samsung Medical Center are recommended.

Severance Hospital34, Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul ㎡Tel: (02)361-5114Website: www.severance.or.kr/en/index.aspInternational Clinic Tel: (02)361-6540,Open 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on Saturdays.

Asan Medical Center388-1, Pungnap-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul ㎡Tel: (02)3010-3114Website: http://www.amc.seoul.kr/eng/International Clinic Tel: (02)3010-5001,Open 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 9:00 a.m. - noon on Saturdays.

Samsung Medical Center50, Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Tel: (02)3410-2114;㎡International Clinic Tel: (02)3410-0200, Open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 09:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Saturdays.

Business hours Government offices: 09:00 – 18:00 (Mon.-Fri.)Restaurants & Retail Stores, commonly open 11am to around 9pm (in some cases, open until 2 to 3am)Major Convenience Stores: GS25, Family Mart, and 7-11 (24 hours, 7 days a week)Electricity System: Type C (Europlug) & F (“Schuko”) plug is used for electricity connection. The power is 220 volts at 60 Hz. 220v, 60 hz throughout the country (same type used in France, Germany, Austria, Greece, Turkey)

More information coming...