Conference & Meetings World Issue 139 | Page 47

Destination report martial arts. Groups can participate in hands-on activities such as pottery, calligraphy, or traditional Korean wedding ceremonies, making it an ideal destination for incentive itineraries that blend education with entertainment.

Nearby Suwon extends the cultural offering with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hwaseong Fortress, where delegates can even try their hand at Korean archery. The city also boasts the modern Suwon Convention Centre, which opened in 2019 with 30,000sqm of space designed around sustainability and technology. It’ s an example of how South Korea seamlessly integrates heritage with contemporary MICE infrastructure.
Goyang: Scale and innovation North-west of Seoul, Goyang has established itself as a powerhouse for large-scale events. KINTEX( Korea International Exhibition Centre) is the country ' s largest exhibition venue, with over 100,000sqm across two halls. The venue hosts major trade fairs, technology expos, and medical congresses, and exemplifies Korea ' s‘ smart MICE’ approach through renewable energy initiatives and sustainable catering programmes.
For incentive groups with an interest in innovation, the Hyundai Motor Studio Goyang offers an immersive look at Korean design and engineering excellence. As Hyundai’ s largest exhibition space, it showcases the brand’ s technological advancement through interactive installations – a compelling addition to technical visit programmes or corporate incentives focused on innovation.
Incheon: The Smart City experience Just 40 minutes from Seoul, Incheon serves as South Korea’ s international air gateway and home to one of the world’ s most efficient airports. Within the city, Songdo International Business District stands as a model smart city and a showcase of sustainable urban
Left: Key Korean venues KINTEX and Songdo Convensia
Left: South Korea offers the meetings infrastructure, creativity and warmth to ensure event success development. At its centre, Songdo Convensia offers 54,000sqm of exhibition space in a striking glass structure with panoramic views of Songdo Central Park. As one of Korea’ s first LEED-certified convention centres, it represents the country ' s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Accommodation in the area adds another dimension to the incentive offering. Gyeong-Wonjae Ambassador Incheon combines hanok-inspired architecture with five-star amenities, creating a serene retreat where groups can engage in cultural activities such as Korean board games or traditional tea ceremonies. The Oakwood Premier Incheon Hotel offers contemporary luxury and stunning views from its Panoramic 65 restaurant- an ideal setting for closing dinners or VIP receptions.
A destination that connects What distinguishes South Korea in the competitive Asia-Pacific MICE market is its ability to balance high performance with human connection. The infrastructure is undeniably worldclass, with government-backed incentive programmes, advanced technology, and sustainable practices embedded throughout the industry. Yet it’ s the cultural richness – from the solemn reflection at the DMZ to the lively energy of Seoul’ s entertainment districts – that transforms a business event into something more meaningful.
Whether hosting a major conference at COEX, incentivising teams with traditional cultural activities, or combining business with exploration across Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, South Korea offers the infrastructure, creativity, and warmth to ensure success.
As business events continue to evolve beyond transactional gatherings toward more experiential and purpose-driven programmes, the destination’ s blend of innovation, heritage, and hospitality positions it as one of Asia’ s most versatile and forward-thinking choices. n
ISSUE 139 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 49