Aside from this, however, South Korea has also emerged as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). The country welcomes thousands of corporate travelers each year who are initially drawn by events but are often captivated by the rich tapestry of food, nightlife and culture offers.

Korea's unique event venues serve as captivating backdrops for international gatherings, impressing visitors with their cultural flair and efficiency. While they are not traditional MICE facilities like convention centers or hotels, these venues provide a distinctive setting for hosting exciting MICE events.

In this golden phase of MICE during the 4th industrial era, the focus has shifted from sheer quantity to premium quality. Organizations now seek venues that align with their brand image and event themes, be it sustainability, technological advancements or world peace, especially as the world adapts to the challenges of the post-COVID era, emphasizing safety and privacy while showcasing unique event concepts.

To capitalize on this momentum. the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) plays a pivotal role in fostering South Korea's MICE industry, particularly through its dedicated division, the Korea MICE Bureau (KMB). Since 2018, KMB has actively promoted the Korea Unique Venue program, tirelessly searching for and supporting new and existing venues that offer glimpses into Korean traditions, culture, art, leisure sports, the Korean Wave, natural beauty and more.

South Korea, with its rich cultural heritage encompassing music, art, literature, architecture and cuisine, strikes a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity. This is particularly exemplified by the following array of unique venues that are ideal for MICE events for any theme or brand image.

For a venue that embraces Korean tradition, look no further than the Korea House. Opened in 1981, this venue features a traditional Korean building that showcases the cultural roots of Korean lifestyle. Providing a general rental space suitable for conferences, seminars and guest receptions, visitors can experience Korea’s diverse culture, such as a royal court culinary experience, traditional weddings and a unique team building program called “Pogurak’n’roll”.

Another venue that emphasizes Korean traditions is the Korea Furniture Museum, a unique and exclusive museum that specializes in furniture relics from the late Joseon Dynasty. Recently restored, guests can enjoy historic pieces while they attend MICE events at the museum’s indoor or outdoor spaces.

Furthermore, visitors can also choose to go to Bonte Museum, a more contemporary option located on Jeju Island, a region in South Korea known for its natural beauty. With an expansive exhibition hall and picturesque garden, this venue is a scenic place for MICE events.

The last tradition-centered option is the Gyeongju National Museum, a venue that showcases artifacts from the Silla Dynasty. Aside from highlighting trinkets and treasures from thousands of years of Korean history, the auditorium, seminar room and additional spaces also make this a particularly unique venue for MICE purposes.

If your MICE event would rather focus on cultural experiences, the Clayarch Gimhae Museum is a place dedicated to architectural ceramics and features 5000 tiles of unique Fired Paintings by artist Shin Sang-ho, which decorates the whole exterior of the building. Located in the Gimhae area, a historic site known for ceramic production in the ancient Gaya Kingdom, this museum also offers outdoor and indoor spaces for MICE activities that can facilitate up to 110 people.

Another cultural hotspot is Nodeul Island, a beautiful location that has spaces which can accommodate small to large-sized events with its large Live House Theater, which can seat up to 456 people. This location also houses multiple conference rooms, seminar rooms and a vast outdoor area. With audio equipment and foreign language support available to all MICE guests, hotel accommodations available only 2 kilometers away and a roster of shopping venues nearby, Nodeul Island is a worthy consideration for any MICE event.

For visitors who have an affinity toward film, the Busan Cinema Center is a beautifully lit venue that is ideal for exhibition, movie screenings and more. Providing a space that can house up to 6,000 people, the venue is home to the annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and features the longest cantilever roof in the world. Located in the center of Busan, this venue offers various equipment, like 5.1 channel surround sound stereo speakers, large-panel screens, beam projectors and options for outsourced catering, this venue is another excellent choice for MICE activities.

As for visitors who want to maximize their time experiencing South Korea’s natural side, the Spirited Garden is a top contender for the best MICE venue. Home to hundreds of Bunjae (bonsai) trees and showcasing a theme of Oreum (volcanic cone), this venue is a perfect setting for any event amid the unique landscape of Jeju Island. It is also worth mentioning that this garden has notably hosted presidents and prime ministers from across Asia, including Yasuhiro Nakasone from Japan, proving its reliability as a venue for important events.

An alternative choice for MICE visitors is the gorgeous Nami Island in Chuncheon. Home to numerous annual international events, like the Nami Island International Children’s Book Festival, the venues found on this island were built with conservation in mind. Nami Island runs consistent recycling programs, environmental education programs, green stores and environmental monitoring alongside eco-friendly art and development, making this venue best suited for MICE events that wish to leave a positive impact on the environment.

Moreover, for visitors who prefer a colder climate, the Alpensia Ski Jumping Center can accommodate all your snowy needs. Designed to host the 2018 Winter Olympics, this venue features a convention center surrounded by nature and an expansive outdoor venue capable of accommodating any event. Located in Pyeongchang-gun, this venue offers a refreshing experience nestled in the superb and clean nature of Daegwallyeong.

Lastly, for visitors who wish to immerse themselves in the modernity of Korea, look no further than to the Floating Island Convention. The only waterfront MICE venue in Korea, this location is located in Seoul, and offers seven small and large banquet halls with a 13-meter tall dome-shaped structure that makes for a spectacular backdrop for any convention. Able to accommodate over 1000 guests, the Floating Island Convention can host any type of MICE activity, small or large.

The final option for your MICE needs, the Panoramic 65 in Incheon is a hotel dining establishment ideal for corporate banquets, events or parties. Perched high in the sky, giving visitors a clear view of the city and natural landscapes beyond, this venue provides all the equipment visitors might need, such as beam projectors, Wi-Fi, sound and lighting equipment and a podium. With superb in-house catering and service, guests can luxuriously enjoy their MICE activities here, where they can also conveniently stay in the large residence-style hotel rooms fully equipped with kitchens and washing machinesDespite the ongoing challenges facing in-person MICE travel because of COVID-19 restrictions, the desire for face-to-face meetings remains strong. The Korea MICE Bureau recognizes the importance of tailored experiences and is continually supporting businesses in choosing the perfect venue to foster creativity and emotional engagement, transcending traditional meetings with customized offers and innovative business models.

As a top convention destination, South Korea boasts world-class MICE infrastructure, secure and sustainable meeting venues and a diverse array of unique experiences offered by different cities within the country. Business travelers can navigate the country freely and safely, benefiting from high-quality healthcare and a commitment to environmental protection that enhances their quality of life. With convenient accessibility via more than 88 airlines serving more than 135 cities worldwide, South Korea stands as the ideal choice for your next MICE event.

For more information regarding MICE Korea, visit www.koreaconvention.org or contact the Korea Tourism Organization Indonesia (KTO Jakarta)