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Save the date
28th Asia-Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Congress
28 Oct—1 Nov 2026 | COEX, Republic of Korea
About #APLAR2026
Welcome to APLAR 2026
The APLAR Executive Committee and Korean College of Rheumatology extend their warmest welcome to you for the 28th Asia-Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Congress in Seoul.
The congress will be held from 28 October 2026 (Wednesday) to 1 November 2026 (Sunday) at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center in Seoul, South Korea, Republic of Korea. It will be a celebration of not just the fantastic hospitality and welcoming nature of our Korean colleagues, but also the perfect location to bring together the whole of our cohort of colleagues from across the Asia-Pacific region.
We hope that this congress marks both a unique and personal experience for attendees, in Seoul as our world-class host city, as well as another milestone in APLAR’s efforts to bridge communication and culture barriers for rheumatologists, physicians, nurses, researchers, and allied health professionals working to understand and fight rheumatic diseases across the breadth of the Asia-Pacific region.
The congress will draw on international, regional, and local Korean speakers to provide world-class research, scientific, and medical content for our attendees. The APLAR 2026 Congress theme will be reflected through the scientific program, harnessing amazing recent growth in the number of high-quality abstract submissions for the APLAR congress, and pairing this with the strengths of a local program supported by luminaries from the Korean College of Rheumatology.
We eagerly anticipate your presence in South Korea in October 2026, as we embark on another milestone in our collective journey toward a better understanding and management of rheumatic diseases in our region. We look forward to welcoming you to Seoul in October 2026.
Sincerely,
Professor Tsutomu Takeuchi (竹内勤)
APLAR President
Japan College of Rheumatology
Dr Jose Paulo Lorenzo
APLAR President
Philippine Rheumatology Association
Prof Shin-Seok Lee
APLAR 2026 Seoul Congress Chair
Korean College Of Rheumatology
Key dates
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Early bird
January 2026 -
Standard
10 June to 28 September 2026 -
Late
27 September to 1 November 2026
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Submissions open
3 September 2025 to 24 April 2026 -
Abstract acceptance notification
June 2026
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Late abstract submissions open
TBC -
Late abstract submissions notification
TBC
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APLAR 2026 Congress
28 October - 1 November 2026
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Example
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ABSTRACTS
Abstract submissions for 2026 are open
ABSTRACTS
Abstract submissions for 2026 are open
Submit your abstract for a chance to be part of the program of APLAR Congress 2026 alongside these Keynote speakers.
Welcome to APLAR Congress – a pivotal gathering that unites global leaders in rheumatology. This year’s congress is dedicated to advancing the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of prevalent musculoskeletal disorders.
Join us at APLAR Congress if you aspire to:
- Cultivate specialized expertise
- Identify and harness emerging opportunities
- Engage with passionate, like-minded professionals
- Explore innovative concepts and breakthroughs
- Amplify your visibility in the field
- Foster meaningful, impactful connections
And check out the key note speakers who
PARTNERS
Partnership and Exhibition opportunities
APLAR has a range of opportunities available for interested supporters of the 28th Asia-Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Congress (APLAR 2026).
For more information please contact our APLAR Industry Liaison:
APLAR Industry Liaison
Thomas Howden
+61 2 9213 4016
thomas.howden@wearemci.com
DESTINATION
APLAR 2026 is coming to Seoul!
The 28th Asia-Pacific League of Associations Rheumatology Congress is making its way to COEX Convention & Exhibition Center in Seoul, South Korea, Republic of Korea. Explore the venue, local transport, weather forecast, visa information and must-see attractions to plan your trip.
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Weather in Seoul
Learn about the seasonal climate and precipitation in Seoul to help you prepare for your trip.
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Winter
(December-February)
Average Temperatures: -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F)
Rainfall: Low, around 15mm to 30mm per month
Seasonal Considerations: Cold and dry with occasional snow. Yellow dust may affect air quality.
🌼
Spring
(March-May)
Average Temperatures: 6°C to 18°C (43°F to 64°F)
Rainfall: Gradually increasing from 36mm to 104mm
Seasonal Considerations: Mild and pleasant. Yellow dust may still be present in early spring.
🌞
Summer
(June-August)
Average Temperatures: 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F)
Rainfall: High, especially in July and August (up to 414mm)
Seasonal Considerations: Hot, humid, and rainy due to monsoon. Possibility of typhoons.
🍂
Autumn
(September-November)
Average Temperatures: 10°C to 21°C (50°F to 70°F)
Rainfall: Decreasing from 140mm to 50mm
Seasonal Considerations: Clear skies and comfortable weather. Ideal for travel.
COEX Convention & Exhibition Center, Gangnam District, Seoul
513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu
Seoul 06164 Republic of Korea
Since opening in March of 1979 Coex has provided a global exchange platform where people and businesses come together through exhibitions and conferences. We’re proud to say that Coex has become a pillar of the Asian MICE market as Korea’s greatest exhibition & convention venue, event organizer, and a tourist attraction with infrastructure to service all your business needs. With multiple conference rooms, a spacious exhibition hall and a conference hall, together this is the ideal venue to host APLAR 2026!
Getting to the Venue
- Subway: Take Line 2 to Samseong Station. Use exits 5 or 6 for direct access.
- Taxi: Approx. 11 km from central Seoul, 11 minutes, ₩15,000–18,000.
- Car: 11 km drive from central Seoul.
- Bus: Multiple lines including 146, 301, 352, 401, 351 stop nearby.
Transportation
Seoul offers an extensive and efficient public transportation system:
- Subway: Color-coded lines with English signage. Operates from 5:30 AM to midnight. Use Tmoney card for convenience.
- Buses: Color-coded by route type (blue, green, yellow, red). Tmoney card allows transfers.
- Taxis: Regular, deluxe, jumbo, and international taxis available. Most accept Tmoney and credit cards.
- Apps: Use apps like Seoul Subway, Kakao Metro, and Naver Map for navigation.
Visa and Travel Requirements
It is strongly recommended you still check with your local embassy on your requirements. The Congress Organisers are not visa specialists and only provide general information and are not specific to individual countries or individual travel needs. If you are extending your stay or travelling for other purposes, the below information may not be relevant or correct. We can assist in providing you with a visa letter once you have finalised and paid for your registration. Please use the below information as a guide to assist with determining your visa requirements for travel to Seoul.
Please visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea website for more information.
Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Japan?
People of some countries (or from some regions) do not need a visa if their period of stay in Japan is 90 days or less and they are not going to be engaged in income-earning activities. Refer to the List of Countries and Regions that have Visa Exemption Arrangements with Japan.
How much does a visa cost?
Fees must be paid for the issuance of visas. The fees are about 3,000 yen for a single-entry visa, 6,000 yen for a double-entry or multiple-entry visa, and 700 yen for a transit visa. Fees are collected in the currency of the country (region) in which the Embassy / Consulate General is located.
Depending on the purpose of your visit and your nationality, fees may not be required or may be a different amount.
If the visa is not issued, no fees are required. The processing fees are needed in addition to the visa issuance fees in case the visa application is made through an approved agency by the Embassy / Consulate General of Japan.
I require a visa to visit Japan, what do I need to do?
If you require a visa to enter Japan, you will need to apply for the visa via online or in-person, depending on your eligibility. Please click below to apply a JAPAN eVISA.
What is the processing time for a visa application?
The standard processing period, when it does not have any problem on contents of the application, takes five working days from the next day after the date of the acceptance of application. Meanwhile, it may take longer than usual if a large number of visa applications converge at a short-time period. In addition, please note that it may take more than 5 working days (ranging from a couple of weeks to several months) in such cases where additional confirmation is required (submission of additional documents, an interview with the applicant, inquiries, etc.), or when a visa application is made for a long-term stay without a Certificate of Eligibility. Thus, visa applicants are recommended to apply early for their visa well in advance of the anticipated travel date.
Top attractions in Seoul
Seoul is a vibrant city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with cutting-edge modernity. Whether you’re drawn to historical landmarks, cultural experiences, shopping, or nature, Seoul offers a wide variety of attractions to suit every traveller’s interests. Below are some of the city’s most iconic and popular destinations, each offering a unique glimpse into the heart of Republic of Korea.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Step into Korea’s royal past at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces from the Joseon Dynasty, featuring traditional architecture and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
N Seoul Tower
Enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from N Seoul Tower, a landmark observatory atop Namsan Mountain, accessible by cable car or walking trails.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Wander through Bukchon Hanok Village, a living neighborhood of traditional Korean houses nestled between two royal palaces.
Stay updated with APLAR Congress, and other related events.
From key date reminders, abstract closures, program release updates, and speaker announcements, the best place to stay across APLAR Congress information is with the official congress mailing list.
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