The conference will be held in Seosan City, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea, approximately 150 km southwest of Seoul and about 120 km from Incheon International Airport, the main international gateway to Korea.
Most international visitors can enter South Korea visa-free for short stays but must obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure.
K-ETA (visa-free travelers): Apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
www.k-eta.go.kr
Visa (if required): Apply through your local Korean Embassy/Consulate or online via the Korea Visa Portal.
www.visa.go.kr
Please check your country's specific entry requirements in advance, as K-ETA exemptions and visa policies vary by nationality.
Google Maps does not support walking directions or accurate transit routes in South Korea due to local data regulations. Before your visit, please download:
Available in English, with turn-by-turn walking navigation and detailed bus/transit information for the Seosan area. Search works in English for major landmarks, and you can sign up with a foreign phone number.
Download: App Store (iOS) | Google Play (Android)
We recommend installing this app before you arrive for the smoothest experience getting around Seosan.
Most international participants are expected to arrive via Incheon International Airport (ICN). The estimated travel time from Incheon International Airport to Seosan is approximately 2–3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Seosan is well connected to major cities in Korea through the national express and intercity bus network.
Participants travelling independently from Seoul may take an express bus from Seoul Central City Terminal to Seosan Intercity Bus Terminal. Buses depart frequently throughout the day, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours.
Participants arriving directly at Incheon International Airport may take an intercity bus bound for Seosan Intercity Bus Terminal. Buses depart several times daily, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes.
Please note: Online booking for this route is currently unavailable. You may check the bus schedule at the link below, but tickets must be purchased in person at the terminal ticket counter.
A separate intercity bus service is also available from Gimpo Airport (GMP) to Seosan Intercity Bus Terminal, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.
Please note: Tickets for this route must be issued in advance at the automated ticket machine inside the terminal — payment cannot be made directly to the driver. Online booking may not be available; please check the schedule at the link below.
Transportation from Seosan Intercity Bus Terminal to the conference venue will be available through local taxis or designated conference shuttle services.
Although Seosan does not currently have a passenger railway station, participants may travel by KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station to Cheonan-Asan Station. From Cheonan-Asan, intercity buses operate regularly to Seosan, with a total travel time of approximately 2.5–3 hours from Seoul.
Participants travelling by car may access Seosan via the Seohaean Expressway (Expressway No. 15). The driving distance from Incheon International Airport is approximately 120 km, while the distance from central Seoul is approximately 110 km.
The conference venue is located within convenient driving distance of Cheonsu Bay, one of Korea's most important wintering sites for geese and other migratory waterbirds. Parking facilities will be available at the venue.
January is the coldest month of the year in Korea. Seosan experiences a typical west-coast winter climate characterised by cold temperatures, dry conditions, and occasional strong northwesterly winds.
Average weather conditions during the conference period are expected to be as follows:
Participants joining field excursions to Cheonsu Bay are strongly advised to bring warm outdoor clothing, including insulated jackets, waterproof footwear, gloves, hats, and binoculars suitable for winter birdwatching conditions. Morning field activities may involve prolonged periods outdoors under sub-zero temperatures and strong coastal winds.
The spectacular morning departures and evening returns of thousands of geese in Cheonsu Bay provide exceptional birdwatching opportunities, but participants should be prepared for extended outdoor activities under cold winter conditions.