Top 'Need To Know' Items For MICE Planners In SeoulWhatever your convention needs, the most important thing to always keep in mind is that Seoul is a vibrant, dynamic city, with new facilities appearing all the time. From a brand new subway line, to new 21st Century means of information gathering unique to Seoul, not to mention the latest in accommodation facilities, the city is constantly working to improve life for locals and visitors alike. Key Developments In Accommodation  Prominent hotel chain Lotte recently opened Lotte Hotel City Mapo on April 10, 2009-the first Korean 5-star chain to open a low-budget facility, promising premium service at business rates. The 8-story hotel, in northwestern Mapo district, offers rooms the same size as those found in Central Seoul's luxury Lotte Hotel, but at a third of the price.The brand new Courtyard By Marriot Seoul opened its doors on September 21. Located by equally brand new landmark, Courtyard Times Square in Yeongdeung-po, this hotel is conveniently placed just 5 minutes walk from both the financial district and subway, and is the closest hotel to the airport. The Courtyard by Marriot is equipped with the most modern furnishings, work desks, high-speed internet access and a gym, while nearby, visitors can enjoy a multitude of entertainment, shopping and dining facilities.  Scheduled to open in late March is the Banyan Tree Club & Spa, set to become the city's foremost urban resort. The Banyan Tree chain includes resorts in destinations like Hong Kong and Singapore, with the new facility in Seoul its 7th. Located on the eastern slopes of Namsan, the luxury resort will afford wide panoramic views of the city skyline, an hour from the airport and a short taxi ride from the downtown area. Banyan Tree aims to provide services that will meet the needs of business and leisure visitors worldwide.Convention planners may also be interested to know of the recent refurbishments made to the Shilla Hotel Seoul's Grand Ballroom, the largest of its events halls. Specializing in providing first-class convention and banqueting facilities, the new incarnation of the Grand Ballroom is fully equipped with the latest in technological advancement, from computerized lighting and sound, as well as a moving stage. The hall's ceilings stand 21 feet tall, and the backdrops can be changed to suit the mood and theme of any event. The Grand Ballroom can even be divided into three smaller rooms if required. Shilla Hotel provides highly-experienced banquet and event coordinators,, who have assisted in the successful running of IOC meetings during the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the Asia-Pacific Meeting, and many other high-level events, all held in the Grand Ballroom. New Developments In Transport 
RailSubway travel in Seoul became a lot easier with the opening of Line 9, greatly reducing the need for transfers, cutting travel time, and connecting key locations across the city. Running east through Gimpo Airport (connecting it with Line 5 and Seoul International Airport), Line 9 runs along the South Bank of the Han River and includes key destinations, such as Yeouido, Olympic Park, and Samsung COEX, with 12 more destinations planned - among them, a transfer to the AREX line (see further details below). The AREX line provides high-speed commuter trains between Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport, reducing travel times for anyone traveling on to further destinations across the peninsula, as well as connecting with Seoul Subway Line 5. A further link extending to Seoul Station is currently in development, and will, when finished, provide the fastest means of transport between Incheon Airport and the city center. - express services are expected to take no more than 45 minutes. This service is scheduled to be up and running later in the year. Taxis In a bid to increase payment options and make the taxi experience easier, it is now possible in most Seoul taxis to pay for your fare by credit card, with all major cards accepted. The initiative is unique to Seoul and saw widespread use last year, along with the rise of the T-Money system (see below), which can also be used. To check whether the taxi provides this service, look for the orange V-shaped card sticker attached to the roof of the vehicle above the passenger seat. T-Money Similar to Hong Kong's Octopus system, T-Money is a means of electronic payment through the use of a rechargeable card or other 'smart' items, such as special mp3 players, watches and other accessories. T-Money removes the need for credit or savings cards in a number of businesses, including convenient stores. At present, however, it is put to greatest use in paying for public transport, replacing cash or tickets, on subways, buses and taxis displaying the orange V-shaped sticker as mentioned earlier. T-money cards or alternatives can be purchased upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, or at any subway station and convenience store, where they may also be recharged as needed. Information Services - 'U-Tour' For Mobiles Mobile users will soon have access to a revolutionary new information system to help them get around Seoul when the Ubiquitous Tour program (U-Tour) begins operation in March. U-Tour is a special wireless service, with transmitters installed throughout Seoul, allowing mobile users instant access to a wealth of information about the city from street directories to current exchange rates) to help them get about and find what they are looking for with greater ease. The program is the first of its kind anywhere in the world, and is aimed especially at the solo tourist, which, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, accounts for 60% of all overseas visitors. Interested parties will be able to rent a special cell phone equipped with all the information they will need to get around. Dotted about Seoul will be special kiosks displaying useful local information, as well as the ability to check email and even take photographs. The system is currently under trial and it is hoped that it will help boost the number of tourists in Seoul to 12 million this year. |
