Top 10 reasons to choose KOREA
From its outstanding events infrastructure to delicious cuisine, K-pop and ancient temples, Korea is attracting ever more international association events
1. Top bleisure destination
Korea has rapidly gained popularity as a leading business and leisure (bleisure) destination in recent years, with a steady rise in the number of international conferences hosted. According to the UIA, Korea consistently ranks among the top countries for hosting international events, with 1,113 international conferences and meetings taking place in Korea in 2019. The number of international visitors to Korea reached 17.5 million before the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Innovation hub
Korea is recognised globally for its innovation. Major international conventions hosted in the country include the World Gas Conference and the 7th World Water Forum, while upcoming events, such as the 2024 Wind Energy Summit, also underscore Korea’s importance as a hub for large-scale international conventions.
3. Easy accessibility
Korea offers excellent connectivity for travellers from around the world, with leading airlines serving 173 cities across 88 countries. Several international airports, including Incheon and Gimpo, facilitate easy access to major cities. Additionally, a temporary waiver of the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) for select nations, including the UK, further simplifies travel to Korea until to December 2024.
4. World-class MICE infrastructure
Korea boasts an outstanding infrastructure for MICE events, with 16 major convention centres across the country, including COEX in Seoul, BEXCO in Busan and ICC Jeju. These centres are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and can accommodate a wide variety of events. The country also offers more than 2,100 hotels, including 61 five-star properties, ensuring comfort for visitors.
5. Safety and sustainability
Korea prides itself on its safety and sustainability initiatives. The low crime rate and high environmental standards, such as COEX’s EarthCheck Gold certification and Songdo Convensia’s LEED certification, position Korea as a leader in sustainable event hosting. Korea also emphasises paperless systems and walkable cities, making conferences more environmentally friendly.
6. Specialised MICE cities
Fifty-two unique venues across Korea provide diverse options for MICE events, from historical sites to modern art galleries. Cities like Seoul, Busan and Jeju offer specialised facilities that blend culture and leisure, enhancing the overall event experience.
7. Cultural attractions
Korea offers rich cultural experiences for MICE participants. With 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites, K-pop (including BTS), K-dramas and traditional temples, Korea provides cultural depth to complement its MICE offerings. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as Hwaseong Fortress and Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
8. Team building and nourishing cuisine
Korea is known for its excellent and healthy cuisine and unique team-building experiences. Options can be vegan-friendly or traditional temple food, while hands-on activities such as kimchi-making and K-beauty experiences all enhance the cultural immersion experience for visitors.
9. Customised support programmes
Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) provides tailored support for international business events, offering financial and logistical aid to help with bidding, hosting and promoting conferences. The support covers a range of services from venue rentals to cultural programmes.
10. Knowledgeable professionals
KTO has a dedicated team of professionals across 32 regional offices worldwide, providing personalised assistance to ensure successful MICE events in Korea. Their extensive global presence makes Korea an accessible and well-equipped destination for international event planners.
For further information and assistance, contact:
KTO London Office: [email protected] or click here
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