Meetings in South Korea

Looking for uncharted zones for MICE? South Korea says ‘Anyeonghaseyo’ to Indian MICE groups with novel experiences on a platter

In spite of being one of the most technologically advanced and future ready countries, South Korea is also in touch with its rich culture and history. Korean infrastructure for business events has been given global accolades, while new bid wins underscore a busy and prosperous upcoming convention calendar for the country.

CONNECTING IT RIGHT

Flight connectivity from India to South Korea currently has been the best in more than a decade. Since the end of last year, there have been more than 15 direct flights per week from India from Delhi and Mumbai operated by Asiana Airlines and Korean Air. In addition, Air India offers direct flight connectivity (with small halt in Hong Kong). There are one-stop flight options from every international airport in India mainly via Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Currently, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are both working in tandem with Indian travel agents to provide best fares for MICE groups on case-to-case basis. In case the business potential is high, add on incentives such as value ads, complimentary services / tours, etc are all possible with KTO’s involvement in the group.

The main convention cities that Korea is promoting for the Indian market are Seoul and its vicinity, Busan and Jeju Island.

SEOUL

With more than 600 years of history as the nation’s capital, Seoul has become both a metropolitan city with a population of over 10 million people. It is a vibrant city full of tradition and history.

This modern metropolis is surrounded by mountains and divided by the Hangang river. Seoul also boasts a strong foundation for information technology, providing access to the Internet from any location.nd various applications in people’s daily lives.

The city features ubiquitous-based services, digital pavilions, and an exhibition space at Samsung Electronics, offering new and futuristic experiences in high-tech IT.

The city offers many unique venues for MICE such as a waterfront banquet facility on the Hangang; a banquet hall placed in the exoticness of a traditional Korean house; galleries and various cultural spaces embracing modernity; a museum boasting in exhibition, scale and facility; other exciting outdoor facilities and events add to the uniqueness of Seoul as a convention city.

Main Convention Centres

Coex: Coex in Seoul is not just an exhibition centre, it is an interconnected network of two big hotels, Coex shopping mall (largest underground mall in Asia), Coex aquarium (largest in Korea), Casino, airport check in terminal and lastly a suitable convention space itself.

The centre spans a total area of 36,363 sqm. It has 12 exhibition halls that has a total pax handling capacity of 7,000 pax.

The Grand Ballroom, covers an area of 1,817 sqm and can hold a capacity of 1800 pax in theater style. Coex has 59 meeting rooms.

Held and upcoming conventions

International Broadcast, Audio & Lighting Equipment Expo 2017- KOBA 2017: May Seoul International Photo and Imaging Industry Show 2017: May

World IT Show 2017: May

Global Electric Power Tech 2017: May 10-12 Pharm Expo Korea 2017: June

Seoul Character and Licensing Fair 2017: July Seoul Auto Salon 2017: July 13-16 EnergyPlus 2017: October

KINTEX

Kintex located near Seoul is the largest convention space in South Korea with exhibition space of more than one lakh sqm. The centre had hosted the Rotary International Conference in 2016 and accommodated more than 46,000 plus people in one go. The centre has a total area of 1,08,566 sqm and facilitates 10 exhibition halls. The total pax handling capacity is 40,000 pax. The grand ballroom has a space area of 1,660 sqm and can accommodate 800 pax in theater style. The total number of meeting rooms are 40.

Upcoming conventions

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are working with Indian travel agents to provide best fares. The main convention cities for the Indian market are Seoul, Busan and Jeju Island

LED EXPO 2017: June 27-29

2017 Korea Int’l Die-Mold & Related Equipment Exhibition: August 7-11

The Golf Show 2017: August 8-11 Korea Heavy Equipment Show 2017: September 6-8

Korea Energy Show 2017: September 19-22 Korea Wood Show: November 2017

SOMESEVIT

Somesevit is one of the famous landmarks in Korea. It is an artificial island which is located near the southernmost part of Banpo Bridge. This landmark attraction has several halls and restaurants for exhibition, seminar, and gala dinner like FIC Convention Hall, Vista Restaurant and a few more outdoor venues on top of the building.

Seoul hotels with MICE capacity

Lotte World Hotel: Has 469 rooms, with seven halls and a capacity of 1,600 pax to 80 pax (Theatre style).

Grand Hyatt: Has 601 rooms with 20+ meeting venues and a capacity of 1,500 pax to 40 pax (theatre style).

Grand Hilton: Has 396 rooms with 11 meeting rooms and capacity of 2,200 to 30 pax (theatre style).

Sheraton Walker Hill: Has 583 rooms with 25 plus meeting venues and a capacity of 1,500 to 40 pax (theater style). The Shilla Hotel: Has 464 rooms with seven meeting halls and a capacity of 1,400 pax to 50 pax (theater style).

BUSAN

Busan, located in the southeastern coastal area of the Korean Peninsula, is the country’s second largest city after Seoul and the most famous trade port in the country. Busan is also a major shopping city with 'The Centum City Mall' being the largest single shopping mall in Asia. Visitors can enjoy a variety of shopping experiences at numerous department stores and outlets for prestigious international brands as well as traditional markets for local and traditional items.

BEXCO

Bexco in Busan has hosted events up to 30,000 people, for e.g., like Lions Clubs International Convention. It has a total area of 46,380 sqm with 10 exhibition halls that can handle 12,000 pax of total capacity. The grand ballroom is of 2082 sqm area and can hold 2,400 pax in theater style. Bexco has 17 meeting rooms.

Upcoming conventions

Busan International Machinery fair 2017BUTECH 2017: May 24 - 27

Busan International Food Expo - BOFAS 2017: June 2017

Korea Railways & Logistics Fair 2017: June 14 - 17 Kormarine 2017: Oct 24-27

Busan Cinema Center

Busan Cinema Center is the official venue of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) – one of the most popular film festivals in Asia – and has become a symbol of the festival itself. The center’s ‘Big Roof’ is the largest roof in the world (2.6 times larger than a soccer field) and comes complete with 42,600 LED lights, which help create an unforgettable scene along with Suyeong River and Naru Park.

Busan hotels with MICE capacity

Lotte Hotel Busan: Has 650 rooms with 11 meeting venues and a capacity of 2000 pax to 50 pax (theater style).

Haeundae Grand Busan: Has 320 rooms with 11 meeting venues and a capacity of 1200 pax to 20 pax (theatre style).

Novotel Ambassador Hotel: Has 330 rooms with seven meeting halls and a capacity of 300 pax to 20 pax (theatre style).

Paradise Hotel: Has 532 rooms with 10 meeting venues and a capacity of 700 pax to 14 pax (theatre style)

JEJU ISLAND

Jeju Island, 130 km from the southern coast of Korea, is the largest island and the smallest province of Korea. This is the perfect MICE and leisure destination to experience the eco-style accommodation and nature focused tours. It is a beautiful place to experience mystery, culture and tradition. Jeju Island is covered with lush subtropical forests, lava caves of all shapes, sizes and lengths, sandy beaches, spectacular craters and grand Halla Mountain is poising silently in the middle

Seoul Sky, world’s third highest observation deck at Lotte World Tower, is an attraction for MICE groups. It has the world’s fastest elevator which can take you up in less than a minute

of the Island. Jeju island is regarded as the only island among the 'Seven New Natural Wonders of the World'.

ICC

ICC in Jeju Island is one of the most serene convention centers in the world. Located on the edge of the Jeju Island, it can accommodate almost 5,000 people at one time and has exhibition space of more than 60,000 sq meter.

Upcoming conventions

10th International Conference on Advanced Computer Theory and Engineering (ICACTE 2017): August

International Polyurethane Forum 2017:

August

IUPAC-FAPS 2017 Polymer Congress: Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Federation of Asian Polymer Societies: October

Sanghyowon Botanical Garden

Surrounded by the nature of Gotjawal and thick grove at the valley and wetland. it is a perfect place to hold your event to feel the best of Jeju's nature! The indoor and outdoor banquet are both available for MICE venue here.

Nightlife for MICE groups

Korea has many night time activities to offer. Even after midnight, throngs of people wander on the streets in major shopping districts and popular downtown areas. While Seoul is the most representative city in the nation for its nightlife, one may also find stores or restaurants that open throughout the night in most other cities.

Experience vegetarian at its best

Regarding food, availability of Indian food and vegetarian food is not an issue. With more than 100 plus Indian restaurants in key cities and major hotels’ inclusion of Indian food in their menus makes it an easy option for travellers. Korean food has most dishes as vegetarian as well.

New tourism products

Seoul Sky (the world’s third highest observation deck at 121st floor of Lotte World Tower) is the newest attraction for MICE groups. To take you to the top, it also has the world’s fastest elevator which can take you up in less than a minute at more than 10 meter/second.

Seoullo 7017 is a new integrated elevated walking pedestrian network which will be opened soon. This will serve as a beautiful venue for gala events for big size groups.

Cosmetic Surgery Tourism

Medical groups, plastic surgery and beauty treatments are a lucrative business in South Korea. It is leading the world in terms of technologies for beauty treatments and surgeries.

There is huge demand from South Asian countries in both MICE groups and individual tourists for these services. However, from India there has not been any MICE group interested in this field yet.

Incentives for corporates

Any MICE group with minimum 10 pax and staying in South Korea for two nights and above are eligible for support from KTO.

Their support starts from basic gifts and souvenirs and includes performance and theme park tickets, special arrival reception and FAM trips for decision makers.