Name: Byung-Tae Kim
Title: CEO and President
Company, city: Seoul Tourism Organization, Seoul
Number of employees: 125
Recent project: Developing authentic, locally rooted experiences for MICE visitors through targeted new initiatives
First job: Ahead of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, I noticed the only atlases available were in Korean, so I published the first atlas of Korea in English, Chinese and Korean in time for the event.
Little-known fact about you: During my mandatory military service I was stationed in the DMZ. It was rigorous and demanding but also a memorable and formative experience.
Your Business
What innovations or initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next few years? Travelers increasingly want to actively participate in local culture rather than simply observe it. To meet that demand, we launched two key initiatives. The Discover Seoul Pass allows visitors to customize their sightseeing: holders can visit 16 top Seoul attractions within a 24-hour window for $37, and a 48-hour pass will be introduced soon. OneMoreTrip.net enables visitors to book distinct local experiences — from brewery and barbecue tours to traditional tea ceremonies paired with foot baths. Both products follow current mobile IT trends: the Discover Seoul Pass includes an official mobile app that provides attraction details and countdowns for the pass, while OneMoreTrip.net supports secure online transactions between sellers and buyers.
Best career advice you’ve received: There is always something to learn by observing others. Learn from the strengths and best practices of successful people, and equally important, notice what to avoid so you don’t repeat the same mistakes.
Advice for someone starting out in the field: I firmly believe in the power of partnerships and even wrote a book on the topic. Individual effort has limits; strategic partnerships expand what you can achieve. A strong partnership compensates for weaknesses, magnifies strengths and enables both parties to accomplish more than they could alone.
Byung-Tae Kim as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory: As a travel agent I led a VIP familiarization tour in Canada with a large group. When a zipline opportunity arose, I volunteered to go first. My colleagues were surprised, not realizing I had rappelled from helicopters during military service. My colorful socks during that outing earned me the nickname “Mr. Socks,” and I was given bright red socks as a farewell gift — a small but memorable memento.
One travel tip you can’t live without: I always research a destination before I go — its history, main attractions and current trends. Preparing in advance deepens my appreciation and makes the visit more rewarding.
Best advice for business travelers: Take your health seriously. Adequate rest, regular exercise and a sensible diet before travel help you arrive ready to perform at your best and maintain energy throughout your trip.
About Seoul Tourism Organization
What can premium travelers expect from a visit to Seoul? Seoul is a comprehensive convention city that serves both business and leisure travelers well. Transportation is convenient with extensive subway and bus networks and ride-hailing options, while accommodations range from boutique properties to large luxury hotels. Visitors can explore an extensive selection of duty-free shops, visit casinos, stroll through royal palaces, or learn history at institutions like the Korean War Memorial. Traditional tea houses offer a quieter cultural experience. Arrival begins at Incheon Airport, repeatedly recognized as one of the world’s best airports; Terminal 2’s completion will further expand capacity and services.
Tell our readers about Seoul Sky: Seoul Sky is part of the Lotte World Tower complex, which fully opened in April. The tower ranks among the world’s tallest, and Seoul Sky is one of the highest observatories globally, offering 360-degree views that reach as far as Incheon. The observatory includes a glass-bottom section for visitors seeking a bolder perspective.
What MICE offerings are available for travelers to Seoul? Seoul’s MICE ecosystem provides extensive support for events and groups. Services include promotional assistance, bid support, financial subventions, site inspections and personalized welcome messages for guests upon airport arrival. The Seoul Tourism Organization arranges custom city tours tailored to each group’s needs — from full-day culinary programs to multi-day palace and cultural itineraries — ensuring streamlined logistics and memorable experiences for delegates.