Destination Report
South Korea: Where exhibitions meet cutting-edge innovation
Iain Stirling visits some Korean exhibition hot spots and finds the sweet spot where high-tech meets heritage
outh Korea has emerged
S as one of Asia’ s premier destinations for exhibitions and trade shows, offering a compelling combination of world-class infrastructure and unique cultural experiences. From Seoul’ s expansive exhibition centres to the smart city showcase of Incheon, this is a destination that delivers big on operational excellence and on distinctive visitor experiences.
A recent exploration of South Korea ' s exhibition landscape revealed why the country is rapidly gaining traction among international show organisers. Across Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon, sustained strategic investment in smart technology, sustainable practices, and seamless connectivity has created an ecosystem well suited to modern trade shows and expos – while the richness of Korean culture adds depth and distinction to every programme.
Seoul: Scale meets accessibility Seoul anchors South Korea’ s exhibition offering with a sophisticated blend of infrastructure and energy. At its heart lies COEX Convention & Exhibition Centre in Gangnam, one of Asia ' s most comprehensive exhibition venues. With over 36,000sqm of exhibition space
and 55 meeting rooms, COEX hosts 200 exhibitions annually. Its integration with luxury hotels like the InterContinental Seoul Parnas, the sprawling COEX Mall, and direct subway connections makes it exceptionally accessible for exhibitors and visitors alike. Left: Songdo Convensia
Below: KINTEX
The Seoul Tourism Organisation has worked closely with COEX to position the capital as a smart, sustainable city for exhibitions. Initiatives like the PLUS SEOUL support programme offer financial incentives and curated experiences for show organisers, while advanced 5G infrastructure, AI translation tools, and digital engagement capabilities ensure exhibitors have the technology they need.
Beyond the show floor, Seoul offers organisers a wealth of networking and hosted buyer possibilities. The city’ s Floating Island on the Han River provides a striking venue for opening receptions, with three architecturally distinctive islands offering event spaces and panoramic skyline views. For groups seeking cultural experiences, the National Museum of Korea showcases the nation ' s heritage through world-class collections and elegant spaces ideal for VIP programmes.
Goyang: Korea ' s exhibition powerhouse North-west of Seoul, Goyang has established itself as the country ' s exhibition capital. There you will find KINTEX( Korea International Exhibition Centre), South Korea ' s largest exhibition venue, with over 100,000sqm across two halls. The venue hosts major trade fairs across sectors including technology, manufacturing, medical technology, and consumer goods, and exemplifies Korea ' s‘ Smart MICE’ approach through renewable energy initiatives and sustainable operations.
KINTEX hosts 1,100 MICE events annually, while its integration with the surrounding area – including direct connections to Seoul via subway – ensures strong visitor footfall. The venue’ s technology infrastructure supports hybrid exhibitions and digital engagement tools, and major shows include Seoul Motor Show and Smart City Expo Korea.
38 Issue 6 2025 www. exhibitionworld. co. uk