Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


"Global and Local Korea: Korean Studies in a Changing World”
2009 Columbia University Symposium in Seoul

Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Westin Chosun Hotel, Seoul
87Sogong-Dong, Jung-gu • Seoul 100-070 • South Korea

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• Where is the Symposium being held?

The Symposium is being held at the Westin Chosun Hotel located on 87 Sogong-Dong, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-070, in the Orchid Junior Ballroom.

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• What are the phone number and fax number of the hotel?

The phone number for the Westin Chosun is (82)(2) 771 0500. The hotel’s fax number is (82)(2) 752 1443.

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Is there valet parking at the hotel?

Yes, valet parking is available for a fee.

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Is there handicap accessibility to the Symposium?

The hotel is fully handicap accessible and offers handicap accessible guest rooms as well.

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Will food be provided during the Symposium?

Coffee/tea and light snacks will be provided during break times. Cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres will be served at the cocktail reception.

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Is photography allowed during the Symposium?

You may take photos but flash photography is not permitted.

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Are cell phones/PDAs allowed at the Symposium?

As a courtesy to your fellow attendees and speakers, we ask that you please put your device on silent. If you receive or need to make a phone call, please step outside of the meeting room to do so.

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What are the Symposium Registration Desk hours?

The Registration Desk hours are 5:30pm-8:00pm.

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Will there be a Q&A portion during the Symposium?

There will be a Q&A session after the panel discussion.

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May I bring a guest to the Symposium?

Your guest must have pre-registered for the Symposium in order to attend. We cannot guarantee that there will be seats available the day of the Symposium.

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Can I record the presentations?

You must be a registered member of the media in order to conduct any type of recording during the Symposium. Please contact our Publications and Public Relations Coordinator, Daniel Rivero at 212-854-1735 or dr2260@columbia.edu if you wish to register.

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Will copies of any presentations be available for attendees?

If speakers give permission to make their presentations available to the attendees, then their presentations will be posted on the WEAI website.

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What events/activities are there to do in the area?

• National Museum: 0.7 km/0.4 miles
• Deoksu Palace: 0.1 km/0.1 miles
• Sejong Cultural Center: 0.3 km/0.2 miles
• National Souvenir Center: 0.6 km/0.4 miles
• Myeongdong Cathedral: 0.7 km/0.4 miles
• Jongno Tower: 1.0 km/0.6 miles
• The Blue House (The Korean White House): 1.0 km/0.6 miles
• National Folk Museum of Korea: 1.0 km/0.6 miles
• Jogyesa Temple: 2.0 km/1.2 miles
• Shinchon (Universities and Shopping): 2.0 km/1.2 miles
• Biwon (Royal Secret Garden): 2.0 km/1.2 miles
• Gyeongbok Palace: 2.0 km/1.2 miles
• Insadong (Antique and Folk Items): 2.0 km/1.2 miles
• University Street/Taikhak-Ro (Cafe, Theatre and Youngster's Street): 3.0 km/1.9 miles
• Namsan Tower: 3.0 km/1.9 miles
• Daehangno (University Street) - Korea's "Off Broadway": 3.0 km/1.9 miles
• Seoul Tower: 3.0 km/1.9 miles
• Dongdaemun: 4.0 km/2.5 miles
• Itaewon International Market: 5.0 km/3.1 miles
• War Memorial of Korea: 5.0 km/3.1 miles
• COEX Mall: 10.0 km/6.2 miles
• Sheraton Walker Hill Hotel Casino: 11.0 km/6.8 miles
• Mount Pukhansan (Hiking): 12.0 km/7.5 miles
• Lotte World Adventure: 13.0 km/8.1 miles
• Everland: 30.0 km/18.6 miles
• Folk Village: 32.2 km/20.0 miles

Shopping

• Sundry Shop: 0.0 km/0.0 miles
• News Stand: 0.0 km/0.0 miles
• Lotte Department Store: 0.1 km/0.0 miles
• Myeongdong (Banks and Shopping): 0.1 km/0.0 miles
• Sogong Underground Shopping Center: 0.1 km/0.0 miles
• Shinsegae Department Stores: 0.2 km/0.1 miles
• Namdeamun Market: 0.2 km/0.1 miles
• Namdeamun Market (Open-air Market): 0.2 km/0.1 miles

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How do I get to the hotel?

The KAL (Korean Air Limousine is running from Incheon Airport to Westin Chosun Hotel. You can take the KAL Limousine Bus bound for "City Hall area" (Line No 1).The bus stops are No. 4B & 11A and located in front of arrival exit 4 & 11 at Incheon Airport. The bus fare for a one way trip for adults is 14,000KRW and for children is 7,000KRW. The line operates every 20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from the guide at the bus stop or the KAL Limousine counter (Situated exit #4 and #5, Counter No.22) is located in the arrival hall on the ground floor of the Incheon Airport. And you can purchase round trip tickets also. It takes about 1hour 20 minutes from Incheon Airport to Westin Chosun Hotel.

For more information, please visit the KAL website at http://www.kallimousine.com/eng/schedule_en.asp

Private taxis are available for approximately KRW50,000—80,000 for a one-way fare.

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Is there wireless high speed internet access in the hotel?

Wireless high speed internet is available in each guest room for a fee.

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What are the Check-in/Check-out hours of the hotel?

Check-in is at 2:00pm and check-out is at 12:00pm.

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Can I receive a special Columbia rate at the Westin Hotel as a registered Symposium attendee?

Yes, you can receive a special rate when booking your stay at the Westin Chosun for the Symposium. When making your reservation, please mention that you are attending the Symposium that Columbia University is holding at the hotel.

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What time are the hours of the hotel business center?

Answer forthcoming

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Is smoking permitted on the premises?

Answer forthcoming

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Where is the US Embassy located?

The US Embassy is located on 32 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-710, Republic of Korea. Their phone number is (82)(2) 397-4114.

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Where is the nearest hospital?

There are two English speaking hospitals near the Westin Chosun:
Che-Il Hospital
23, 1-ga, Mookchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Phone: (82)(0) 2-2000-7000
http://www.cheilmc.co.kr/cheilmcenglish/index.html

Kangbuk Samsung Hospital
108, Pyong-Dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Phone: (82)(0) 2-2001-1100
http://www.kbsmc.co.kr/eng.htm

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