Department of Foreign Affairs launches World Cup Travel Advice Leaflet
The Department of Foreign Affairs has today published a Travel Advice leaflet for Irish Supporters traveling to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan.
The leaflet is available from Travel Agencies and the Department of Foreign Affairs website www.irlgov.ie/iveagh
The leaflet contains advice on preparations to take before departure, as well as practical information on living conditions in the two countries and on the arrangements for Ireland's matches.
Contact numbers for use in an emergency are also provided in the leaflet.
The Department would like to wish all those traveling a safe and enjoyable trip !
ADVICE FOR IRISH SUPPORTERS TRAVELLING TO
THE 2002 FIFA WORLD CUP KOREA / JAPAN
We hope you enjoy your time during the FIFA World Cup 2002 tournament. Early and thorough preparation for your trip will help to prevent problems later on, so please spare a little time to read this leaflet carefully and keep it for reference.
General
The cost of living is generally higher in Japan and Korea than it is in Ireland.
While the crime rate is low in Japan and Korea, you should take normal precautions to ensure that your possessions, especially money, credit cards and documents, are secure.
It is important to be sensitive to the local culture during your stay : when meeting Japanese and Korean people, be sure to show the same level of respect to them as they will show to you.
BEFORE YOU GO
Passport
- Make sure that your passport is valid for your stay.
- If you need a new passport, apply now. The relevant forms are available at Garda Stations, Post Offices or from the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork. Follow the instructions on the form carefully as incorrectly completed forms will delay the issue of your passport. Applicants submitting properly completed applications through the "Passport Express" facility, which is available through most Post Offices, will receive their passports within 10 working days.
- Be sure to take a number of photocopies of your passport. During your stay you should always carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.
Insurance (Travel and Health)
- Take out travel insurance against the loss or theft of your belongings.
- Take out a comprehensive worldwide medical insurance policy to cover possible medical expenses.
- If you are already insured for medical expenses, you should consult with your medical insurance company to ensure that you are covered for all risks when in Japan and Korea, as well as on the way to and from these countries.
Booking Your Trip
- Make your FIFA World Cup 2002 travel arrangements through a bonded travel agency only. Ask for written evidence that your travel agent is fully licensed when making travel arrangements. If the travel agent refuses this, you can take your business elsewhere.
Match Tickets
1. The most reliable sources of tickets are the FIFA-approved tour operator-appointed agents in Ireland.
2. Beware of ticket “touts” or “scalpers”. The Japanese and Korean authorities have indicated their intention to stamp out illicit match ticket sales during the FIFA World Cup Tournament in June, 2002.
3. Access to the vicinity of stadia is likely to be limited to those in possession of match tickets. You may be asked to identify yourself, so bring a copy of your passport with you.
4. Match tickets are not transferrable.
Match Locations
Japan
The Ireland team will play, in the first round, at three match venues in Japan, as follows:
Niigata Stadium Saturday, 1 June, 2002 (kick off 15.30 local time) versus Cameroon
Travelling from Tokyo to Niigata takes from two hours using the Shinkansen (bullet train) and 5 hours by bus.
Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki Prefecture, Wednesday, 5 June, 2002 (kick off 20.30 local time) versus Germany
Depending on the mode of transport used, travelling from Tokyo to Kashima can take from 2½ to 3½ hours.
Yokohama Stadium Tuesday 11 June, 2002 (kick off 20.30 local time) versus Saudi Arabia
Travelling from Tokyo to Yokohama by train takes from 25 to 40 minutes depending on the route taken. The most convenient is the Shinkansen which takes 17 minutes and stops at the station closest to the stadium, Shin-Yokohama.
Temporary Irish Consular offices will be set up at each of the match venues. Contact details for these offices will be available from the Irish Embassy in Tokyo in mid-May. Details will also be posted on the Embassy website in mid-May. The website address is
www.embassy-avenue.jp/ireland/index.htm
Korea
Should Ireland progress to the second round of the tournament, they will play their second round match in Korea. The winner of Ireland's group (Group E) will play their second round match on 15 June in Seogwipo on Jeju-do, an island off the south coast of Korea. A flight from Korea's main airports (Gimpo and Incheon) to Jeju-do takes approximately 65 minutes.
The runner up in Ireland's group will play their second round match on 16 June in Suwon, Korea. Suwon is 80 km from Incheon airport and 65 km from Gimpo airport. Travelling from Seoul to Suwon takes 1 hour by train.
DURING YOUR STAY
Transport
Japan
The transport system (air, land and sea) in Japan is excellent. A variety of prepaid travel options are available for foreign travellers.
The “Japan Rail Pass” is recommended for the independent traveller using the national JR railways but you should take into account that it can be purchased only outside Japan. Travellers on all-inclusive travel packages may find the Pass useful for travel on JR trains between match dates. The subway system is not covered by the Pass nor are private railway companies. The pass is issued for a fixed time period. Seven, fourteen and twenty one day passes can be purchased. It provides virtually unlimited travel on the national network of JR railways, including the Shinkansen (bullet train), but not the Nozomi Super-Express. A seven day pass, for example, costs Yen 28,300 (Euro 246.19) and may be purchased at Japan Airlines or All Nippon Airways offices outside Japan.
A variety of prepaid magnetic subway cards are available from dispensing machines in subway stations throughout Japan. English Language guides on computer touch screens are available at some subway station ticket machines.
New Tokyo International Airport (Narita) is situated approximately 60km from central Tokyo. Buses depart at frequent intervals for a number of major points in Tokyo and also to Yokohama (approximately 90 minutes). Various trains, operated by Japan Railways (JR) and Keisei Railways, also run a frequent service. These are faster, as they avoid the heavy traffic frequently experienced in Tokyo. Taxis from Narita Airport to central Tokyo are extremely expensive.
Kansai International Airport (Osaka) is situated southeast of the city centre on Osaka Bay. Japan Railway trains and a private railway both operate services to and from the airport to Osaka city centre. Buses also run frequent services. The journey to Osaka takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
Korea
Korea has a good and inexpensive public transport system. A “Korean Rail Pass” may be useful for visitors but this cannot be purchased in Korea. Check with your local travel agent for availability in Ireland. You will receive a purchase voucher which can be exchanged for the rail pass itself at one of the eight Korean Rail tourist offices in Korea (including one at Incheon airport). For further details check the Korean Rail website : www.korail.go.kr/eng/train/index_train5.html
Taxis (except when travelling from Incheon airport into Seoul) are relatively good value in Korea. There are two main types available: ”Ilban”, or standard, taxis are usually white or silver (yellow in some cities) with a blue, green or white lamp on top. “Mobom” taxis, less common outside Seoul, are usually black with a yellow lamp. As “Mobom” taxis are of a higher standard, fares are approximately double those of standard taxis.
When arriving at an airport in Korea, there is an “airport limousine” bus service which operates between the airport and the main hotels and city centre. The bus is comfortable, convenient and economical.
Money and Credit Cards
Japan
● Plan your budget carefully. The Japanese currency is called the “Yen”. In April 2002, the exchange rate was approximately Yen 116 = Euro 1.
● You should bring a mixture of Yen notes and Yen travellers' cheques. The latter can only be exchanged in banks and tourist hotels. Keep a separate record of travellers' cheque numbers in case of loss or theft.
● Not all Automatic Telling Machines (ATM) accept foreign credit cards and the hours of opening are variable. English language machines can be difficult to find.
● Credit cards are accepted in most, but not all, large department stores and hotels as well as in some other outlets, such as restaurants, in Tokyo.
● In rural areas, it is not the norm to use credit cards and travellers' cheques. Cash transactions in Yen are more usual.
Korea
● Korea is a mainly cash-based society. Travellers' cheques, preferably denominated in US dollars, can be exchanged at major bank branches and in larger hotels, but are not accepted in shops, restaurants etc. US dollars can be exchanged easily at almost any bank, and may be accepted by some retailers. The Korean currency is called the “Won”. In April 2002 the exchange rate was approximately Won 1,160 = Euro 1.
● While credit cards are accepted in large department stores and hotels, as well as in some other outlets, cash transactions are more usual. Many shops, restaurants and smaller hotels will not accept credit cards.
● Not all Automatic Telling Machines (ATM) accept foreign credit cards and the hours of opening are variable. English language machines can be difficult to find.
Language
English is not widely spoken in Japan or Korea. Air, rail and road transport signs in the Roman alphabet are nationwide. The purchase of a travellers' phrase-book is recommended, as is a guidebook on travelling in Japan and Korea generally.
Telephones
Japan
● Irish mobile phones will not function in Japan. Temporary hire of a local mobile phone is possible. You will need your passport ( and a copy of it) and your credit card. Prepaid telephone cards in Yen 500 (Euro 4.34) and Yen 1,000 (Euro 8.68) denominations may be bought at convenience stores, telephone booths and kiosks.
● Direct dial calls are less expensive between 19:00 and 23:00. Calls made from 23:00 - 08:00 are 25%-40% less expensive.
● It is not possible to make international calls from all public pay phones. There are specially designated grey, and some green, pay phones located in train stations and airports for making international calls. There are two types of prepaid telephone cards available in Japan. Please make sure when purchasing a telephone card for public phones to ask for the international call card.
● The emergency phone number for the Police in Japan is 110 and for Fire and Ambulance is 119.
Korea
● Irish mobile phones will not work in Korea. Payphones using coins and/or Korean phone cards are available in most train and subway stations and in many other public places. International calling cards, available in Ireland, at international airports in Korea and in some hotels, can make international calls less expensive. Each brand of card offers different rates, so check the rates for calls from Korea to Ireland before you buy. Also check that the freephone access telephone number in Korea is given.
● The emergency phone number for the Police in Korea is 112 and for Fire and Ambulance is 119.
Climate
Japan
June is the month of the rainy season in Japan. The weather is likely to be very warm and humid, with frequent bouts of rain. Occasionally, the rain can be heavy. Some lightweight waterproof clothing is recommended.
The average temperatures in Japan for June are 18 - 25 Celsius.
Korea
June is normally hot and relatively rain free, but occasional rain showers can occur, especially in Jeju-do island (Seogwipo venue). Humidity is usually high in June.
The average temperatures in Korea for June are 16 - 27 Celsius.
Time Difference
Japan and Korea are 8 hours ahead of Ireland in Summertime.
Earthquakes
Japan is earthquake prone and tremors are felt throughout the year. In 2001 the Meteorological Agency registered 1,513 tremors. In the unlikely event of serious tremors occurring during a World Cup match, evacuation procedures will be announced publicly in the stadium.
Earthquake tremors are not common in Korea.
Websites
The Japan National Tourist Organisation (JNTO) has opened a multilingual Website to inform visitors about sightseeing. The site address is http://soccerjapan.jnto.go.jp
Other useful site details are as follows:
http://www.city.yokohama.jp/me/sports/intoro_3.html
http://www.pref.niigata.jp/worldcup
http://www.jawoc.or.jp
http://www.pref.ibaraki.jp/prog/wldcup_wel.htm
Website of the Embassy of Ireland, Tokyo http://www.embassy-avenue.jp/ireland/index.htm
The Korean rail website address is
http://www.korail.go.kr/eng/train/index_train5.html
The FIFA website address is
http://www.fifa.com/index.html
Emergency Contact Numbers
If you need emergency Consular assistance, the following are the details of the Irish Embassies in Japan and Korea:
Japan
Embassy of Ireland
Ireland House 5F,
2-10-7 Kojimachi,
Chiyoda -ku,
Tokyo1020083
Tel : ++81 3 32630695
Fax : ++81 3 32652275
Korea
Embassy of Ireland
Daehan Fire and Marine Insurance Building,
15th Floor,
51-1 Namchang-Dong,
Chung-Ku,
100-778 Seoul
Tel : ++ 82 2 7746455
Fax : ++ 82 2 7746458
Issued by:
Consular Services Section
Department of Foreign Affairs
Hainault House,
69-71 St. Stephen's Green,
Dublin 2
(Tel: + 353 1 4780822)
(Fax:+ 353 1 4082798)
In consultation with the World Cup Co-ordination Group, representing the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Irish Travel Agents Association, the Football Association of Ireland, an Garda Síochána, the Embassy of Japan, Dublin and the Embassy of Korea, Dublin.
