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South Korea gains momentum as MICE powerhouse
South Korea, a country known for its unique charms, positioned itself early on in the Asia-Pacific meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) industry with its centuries-old traditions, cutting-edge technologies and city infrastructure.
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(Korea Tourism Organization/Seo Young-kyun)
S
outh Korea, a country known for its unique charms, positioned itself early on in the Asia-Pacific meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) industry with its centuries-old traditions, cutting-edge technologies and city infrastructure. And with Korean culture taking the world by storm at present, Korea’s MICE industry is only continuing to grow by the minute.
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, South Korea hosted several international conferences that year. Around 800 researchers and policymakers from 30 countries arrived in Daegu for the 13th World Conference of Gerontechnology (ISG 2022), as the field of advanced technologies for the elderly had recently captured the world’s attention.
This year, Daegu hosted the Robotics: Science and Systems (RSS 2023) from July 10 to 14, marking the first time the global robotics conference was held in Asia. More than 500 scholars and representatives from international companies related to robotics, such as Amazon, KUKA, Samsung, Google and NVIDIA, attended the event.
In July 2022, the Busan International Motor Show (BIMOS) made a comeback with its first event held in four years spanning the COVID-19 pandemic. Themed “Next Mobility, A Celebration”, the 2022 BIMOS presented the future of motor trends, exhibiting eco-friendly vehicles and autonomous driving technologies alongside specialized academic events and seminars.
Other large events also held in 2022 included the XVI UNESCO Creative Cities Network Annual Conference in Gyeonggi province and the Interspeech 2022 conference in Incheon. South Korea also hosted international conferences of 105 participating countries that opened consecutively, including the World Forestry Congress in Seoul that involved around 10,000 participants and the World Leaders’ Conservation Forum on Jeju Island.
Korea’s MICE Zones offer unrivaled entertainment
As the world opens its doors once again, Korea is pushing further to enable large and safe international conferences to take place, regardless of contemporaneous circumstances.
Numerous tourist spots harmonizing tradition and modernity add to the country’s charm as a host of international conferences, with International Conference Complex MICE Zones under development in Goyang, Incheon, Gwangju, Busan and Daegu. These purpose-built MICE Zones provide conference organizers and participants with convenient access to special facilities, including hotels, shopping, recreation and other leisure facilities.
The Haeundae International Conference Complex Zone in Busan hosts various exhibitions and conventions, including large-scale international exhibitions and conferences at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO), the top conference facility in the picturesque port city.
The center offers the Busan MICE video consultation center and studio for online conferences and small-scale hybrid events, while the Busan MICE Information Center provides a comprehensive one-stop information center for pandemic prevention and successful hosting of MICE events. Participants can also watch movies and experience other cultural activities at the Busan Cinema Center in BEXCO.
Striving to become Asia’s leading international conference complex zone, the Daegu Business Events District provides exceptional facilities for hosting hybrid conferences. Experience the metaverse at Daegu MICE Virtual Town, where visitors can take a digital tour of EXCO, Dongdaegu Station, Donghwasa and Suseong Pond.
The Daegu Business Events District also includes Kyungpook National University, complete with a quasi-conference center, concert stage, sports facilities, a museum and more. This array of facilities offers visitors a ready experience of Korea’s unique campus culture.
Meanwhile, Global Convention Complex Goyang (GCC Goyang) is the first international conference complex developed by a municipal government in Korea and offers a cluster of lodgings, shopping centers and theaters centered around the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX), the country’s largest international conference center. The MICE Information Desk at KINTEX is a comprehensive one-stop information service, while Goyang Destination Week allows global MICE experts to share industry information both online and in person.
With the planned opening of Ilsan Techno Valley, CJ Live City and other facilities, the city of Goyang is will be reborn as a dynamic destination where participants can attend culture, tourism and experiential programs.
Visit Korea worry-free
Safety and preventive measures are essential during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors can let go and fully enjoy the beautiful sceneries and unique experiences Korea has to offer without having to worry about their safety or health when organizing conferences. For more information regarding MICE Korea, visit www.koreaconvention.org or contact the Korea Tourism Organization Indonesia (KTO Jakarta).
