With its compelling mix of centuries-old tradition and contemporary sophistication, Seoul has earned a reputation as one of the world’s premier destinations for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Seoul ranked among the top 20 cities globally for number of international meetings hosted in 2018, outpacing several major cities and demonstrating its strength as an international MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) destination.
Seoul attracts meeting and incentive groups for many reasons. As South Korea’s political and economic center, the city is a natural choice for corporate and government gatherings. International access is convenient through the modern Incheon International Airport, which offers efficient transit and continues to improve its facilities. The Seoul Tourism Organization promotes the city for business events through the Seoul Convention Bureau and the dedicated MICE Seoul initiative, which supports planners and organizers in creating memorable, well-executed programs.
One of the convention bureau’s flagship offerings is PLUS SEOUL, a program refreshed in 2019 to simplify event planning in the city. PLUS SEOUL provides financial assistance for bidding and promotional events, supports conference-specific digital tools and apps, and helps design customized experiences for groups. Program options include team-building activities, branded transportation and amenities, on-site Korean beauty booths, and tailored welcome messages and gifts that introduce guests to Korean culture right at arrival areas like baggage claim.
Seoul features a wide range of meeting and convention venues to suit events of all sizes. The AW Convention Center offers flexible exhibition and meeting space, and the aT Center provides two exhibition halls, multiple meeting rooms and a 400-person conference hall—options that work well for regional and national gatherings.
Gangnam Style sculpture at COEX
PHOTO: © MARK CHESNUT
For larger international events, COEX Convention & Exhibition Center in the Gangnam district is a standout. The venue, which hosted the G20 Seoul Summit in 2010, offers more than 387,000 square feet of exhibition space across four halls, 54 meeting rooms and a 7,000-seat convention hall. COEX’s location near upscale hotels such as InterContinental Seoul COEX and Oakwood Premier COEX Center, and its direct connection to Starfield COEX Mall—the large underground shopping complex that includes COEX Aquarium—adds convenience and entertainment value for attendees.
Seoul also offers cultural and entertainment venues that provide unique group experiences. SMTOWN, the museum and performance space run by a major music production company, immerses visitors in K-pop culture through exhibits, performances and interactive programs. Just KPOP Entertainment Restaurant is an option for group buyouts, accommodating up to 240 guests with an international menu, a stage for presentations and live music or dance shows—ideal for incentive dinners and themed receptions.
For groups seeking traditional cultural programming, Korea House presents an array of authentic experiences, from royal-style banquets and cooking classes to taekwondo lessons and live performances such as Simcheong, a classical Korean story told through music and dance. Guests can also try on hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, an activity available at Korea House and other cultural venues like K-Style Hub.
The Jeongdong Theater, a 282-seat venue, offers another possibility for private events featuring traditional stage performances, while the National Museum of Korea provides an impressive setting combining modern architecture with a vast collection spanning millennia. The museum’s open plaza can host up to 3,000 people, and its lecture halls accommodate 416 and 200 guests respectively—suitable for large presentations or gala events.
For dramatic city views, meeting groups often visit landmarks such as N-Seoul Tower, a 774-foot communications and observation tower, and Lotte World Tower, South Korea’s tallest building at 123 stories. Lotte World Tower includes business offices, Lotte Hotel World with nine banquet halls and Signiel Seoul, a luxury hotel with five banquet halls—venues that pair exceptional views with first-class meeting amenities.
Newer hotel options like Park Hotel Yeongdeungpo, which opened in 2019, provide centrally located, budget-conscious choices with meeting space suitable for smaller groups. Regardless of where delegates stay, Seoul’s varied venue inventory and creative program options make it easy to plan memorable events.
Unique Venues
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), the futuristic cultural complex designed by architect Zaha Hadid, is a landmark destination for corporate events, fashion shows, product launches and conferences. Its facilities include the 1,500-seat Art Hall, a 150-seat Conference Hall and a sizable exhibition hall well suited for displays and trade events.
The National Folk Museum of Korea, located on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, showcases more than 100,000 artifacts tracing Korea’s cultural history. The museum’s exhibition spaces and library provide enriching backdrops for cultural programs and educational events.
Namsangol Hanok Village, a cluster of restored traditional hanok houses set in a tranquil garden, allows attendees to experience Joseon Dynasty-era architecture and customs. The site features a theater and spaces for craft demonstrations, cultural presentations and hanbok dress-up programs—engaging options for groups seeking authentic cultural immersion.