🚘 Transportation Guide: From Incheon International Airport (ICN) to the Venue

Upon arriving at Incheon International Airport (ICN), you can travel to the conference venue (Hotel Hyundai by Lahan Mokpo) either by taking a direct airport limousine bus or by combining the Airport Railroad with a KTX high-speed train.

🚌 Option 1: Direct Airport Limousine Bus (Highly Recommended! 👍)

This is the most convenient option for international travelers with heavy luggage, as it requires no transfers.

• Route: Incheon International Airport (T1/T2) ➔ Mokpo Comprehensive Bus Terminal

• Estimated Travel Time: Approx. 4 hours to 4.5 hours (depending on traffic conditions)

• Instructions:

  1. Purchase a ticket bound for "Mokpo" at the ticket booths or automated ticketing machines located in the Arrivals Hall (1st floor).

  2. Board the bus at the designated platform. Get off at the final stop, Mokpo Comprehensive Bus Terminal.

• From the Terminal to the Hotel: Take a taxi from the taxi stand right outside the terminal main entrance. (Takes about 20 minutes; fare is approximately KRW 15,000).

🚄 Option 2: Airport Railroad (AREX) + KTX High-Speed Train

This option is recommended for those who prefer the punctuality and comfort of train travel over a long bus ride.

• Route: Incheon Int'l Airport ➔ Seoul Station / Yongsan Station ➔ Mokpo Station

• Estimated Travel Time: Approx. 3.5 hours to 4 hours (excluding transfer waiting time)

• Instructions:

  1. Step 1 (Airport to Seoul): Take the Airport Railroad Express Train (AREX) from the airport basement to Seoul Station. (Takes about 43 minutes).

  2. Step 2 (KTX Transfer): Transfer to the KTX Honam Line bound for Mokpo at either Seoul Station or Yongsan Station. (Takes about 2.5 hours).

     • Tip: Yongsan Station has more frequent KTX departures to Mokpo than Seoul Station. We recommend checking schedules and booking your ticket from Yongsan Station in advance via the official Korail website.

• From Mokpo Station to the Hotel: Take a taxi from the taxi stand in front of the Mokpo Station plaza. (Takes about 15 minutes; fare is approximately KRW 12,000).

🚕 Guide for Taxi Drivers (Show this to your driver)

When taking a taxi from Mokpo Bus Terminal or Mokpo Station, you can show the following Korean address to the taxi driver:

• Destination Name: 호텔현대 바이 라한 목포 (구. 현대호텔 삼호)

• Address (English): 91 Daebul-ro, Samho-eup, Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea

• Address (Korean): 전라남도 영암군 삼호읍 대불로 91

📞 Need Assistance?

If you encounter any issues during your travel, please contact the secretariat at yhlee@mokpo.ac.kr, Tel. +82-10-4409-0145, or WeChat QR shown below.

🚄 KTX Ticket Booking Guide for International Visitors

To ensure a smooth journey from Seoul to Mokpo, we highly recommend booking your KTX tickets in advance. International visitors can easily reserve and purchase tickets through the official website or mobile app.

💻 Method 1: Official Korail Website (No Membership Required)

You can book your tickets directly online using the official booking system of the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL).

• Official Website: www.letskorail.com (Click on "English" at the top right corner)

• Booking Steps:

  1. Select your departure station (Seoul or Yongsan), destination (Mokpo), date, and number of passengers, then click "Inquiry".

  2. Choose your preferred train schedule and click "Select".

  3. Enter your passenger information (Name, Passport Number, Nationality, and Email Address).

  4. Complete the payment using an international credit card (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, etc.).

  5. Important: Once the payment is complete, please print the E-ticket or save it as a PDF on your smartphone.

📱 Method 2: "Korail Talk" Mobile App

The official mobile application is available for both iOS and Android devices and supports multiple languages.

• Booking Steps:

  1. Search for "Korail Talk" in the App Store or Google Play Store and install the app.

  2. Set the preferred language to English (or Chinese/Japanese) in the app settings.

  3. Select your travel route, enter your passenger details, and pay with an international credit card.

  4. Your mobile ticket will be stored directly inside the app, so you do not need to print a physical ticket.

💡 Important Tips for KTX Travel

• Booking Window: Ticket reservations open exactly one month (30 days) prior to the departure date at 7:00 AM (Korea Standard Time, KST). We strongly recommend booking your tickets as soon as they become available, as seats can sell out quickly.

• No Ticket Barriers: KTX stations in Korea do not have physical ticket turnstiles or gates. You can walk straight to your platform and board the train according to your assigned car and seat number. However, train conductors perform random checks onboard, so please keep your printed E-ticket or mobile ticket ready.

• Flexible Cancellation: Cancellation fees are minimal or waived if you cancel well in advance of the departure time, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Visa / K-ETA Information

Participants traveling to the Republic of Korea for ASLIBS 2027 are responsible for checking and obtaining the appropriate travel authorization, such as a visa or K-ETA, before departure.

Depending on nationality, length of stay, and purpose of visit, international participants may be eligible for visa-free entry, may need to apply for K-ETA, or may need to obtain a short-term visa from a Korean Embassy or Consulate before traveling.

Please note that visa and K-ETA requirements are subject to change. Participants are strongly advised to check the latest information through the official Korean government websites and the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate before making travel arrangements.

K-ETA

K-ETA, Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, is an electronic travel authorization system for eligible visa-free foreign visitors entering the Republic of Korea. According to the official K-ETA website, travelers can check whether they need to apply for K-ETA, and the standard assessment time is generally within 72 hours. The application fee is KRW 10,000.

Official K-ETA website:
https://www.k-eta.go.kr

Some countries may be temporarily exempted from K-ETA requirements. The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the K-ETA temporary exemption period has been extended until December 31, 2026. However, because ASLIBS 2027 will be held in June 2027, participants should check the latest K-ETA requirements closer to the conference date.

Visa

Participants who are not eligible for visa-free entry or K-ETA may need to apply for a short-term visa, such as a C-3 short-term visitor visa, through the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate.

For conference participation, visa application documents may include an invitation letter issued by the Korean event organizer. Korean Embassy guidance for C-3-1 short-term visitor visa applications states that an invitation letter from the Korean company or event organizer may be required and should include information such as the date, purpose, and duration of visit.

Invitation Letter for Visa Application

The ASLIBS 2027 Local Organizing Committee can provide an official invitation letter for visa application purposes upon request.

Invitation letters will be issued only to participants who have completed registration and/or whose abstracts have been accepted.

To request an invitation letter, please contact the ASLIBS 2027 Secretariat (yhlee@mokpo.ac.kr or WEChat QR code shown below) with the following information:

• Full name as shown on passport

• Affiliation and position

• Nationality

• Passport number

• Date of birth

• Presentation title, if applicable

• Registration confirmation, if available

• Planned period of stay in Korea

• E-mail address

Please allow sufficient time for visa processing, as requirements and processing times may vary depending on the participant’s nationality and the Korean Embassy or Consulate handling the application.

Useful Links

• Official K-ETA website: https://www.k-eta.go.kr

• Korea Visa Portal: https://www.visa.go.kr

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea: https://www.mofa.go.kr

• Korea Immigration Service / HiKorea: https://www.hikorea.go.kr

For visa-related questions, participants should contact the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate directly.