South Korea also has a reputation as the home of several reputable world-class companies. Offering state-of-the-art infrastructure for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), along with secure and sustainable meeting locations, the country gladly opens its doors for all to experience its MICE cities.

Connectivity

South Korea ranked 2^nd in the Union of International Associations (UIA) Global Meetings Statistics in 2021, attributed to its large-scale conventions, corporate and high-level meetings and incentive travel. This, coupled with a strategic location that makes it easily accessible from anywhere, makes South Korea the perfect meeting point.

The country is one of the most connected in Northeast Asia and is easily accessible from most modern international cities. Incheon International Airport, which serves Seoul, has direct flights to 135 destinations in 49 countries. The internal public transportation network enables easy transportation from the airport into Seoul and to all the major cities across the country.

The country was the first to introduce 5G smartphone network services. Its Wi-Fi availability covers all areas in its cities, from high rise buildings to subway cars. Its cutting-edge information and communications technology (ICT) system is one of the best.

South Korea is known to be an incredibly safe travel destination because of its national stability and low crime rate, making it a favorite among tourists. Organizers of business meetings and events in the country can confidently host MICE events without worrying about health or safety issues.

Culture

Today, most people are aware of at least one artist from South Korea. The country has recently garnered international acclaim for its K-culture music and entertainment, including the global sensation pop group BTS, and the Netflix series Squid Game, which captivated the world in 2021. Amid this backdrop, various events can be held in the country's complex cultural space.

However, for those who tend to shy away from pop culture, South Korea has a 5,000-year history and a rich cultural infrastructure, including 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and stunning natural landscapes. The country offers many well-maintained cultural and historical sites that tell fascinating stories of royalty and empires of the past. It is not uncommon to see an ancient palace next to a modern marketplace.

Another popular aspect of South Korean culture is the cuisine. Traditional dishes such as kimchi and bibimbap may be easy to find around the world, but nothing beats the authentic taste of the local dishes on South Korea’s streets. Moreover, the variety of available dishes makes it easy and enjoyable for vegan and vegetarian business travelers to find an alternative to satisfy their preferences.

Colorful Experience

South Korea is a country that respects its traditional culture, and there are many   beautiful and inclusive cultural experiences available to visitors, including temple stays, traditional crafts experiences and even wearing traditional hanbok clothing while roaming a historic palace or village. Everyone is welcome to participate in a racing game based on the popular show Running Man, as well as other team-building programs.

The country offers 17 international convention centers and 17 regional convention bureaus (CVBs), all located in urban areas and closely connected to eight international airports. They also offer advanced technology and various amenities. The advanced technological capabilities help organizers vet a place before they sign to confirm an event; the Korea Tourism Organization's website offers 360-degree virtual tours of 11 potential locations.

For those who want a more unique experience, “Korea Unique Venues” offers handpicked spots that display distinctive concepts and ingenious charm unique to the area. Organizers can choose from traditional, modern and natural spaces that stand out from typical convention centers.

Lastly, international conferences held in South Korea are eligible for a variety of customized support services from the Korea MICE Bureau (KMB), the nation's official MICE agency. All international conferences that last for two days or more and have 50 or more international guests receive these services, while assistance for overseas marketing and attraction is supplied separately. For events with higher numbers of expected attendees, more amenities are offered. The country will do what it can to ease the troubles of the organizers.

The detailed application criteria are subject to change according to the applicable laws, rules and policies of the dedicated institution, so please consult the Korea MICE Bureau website or contact KTO Jakarta before applying.