Seoul is famous for kimchi, karaoke, Korean barbecue and jjimjilbang (Korean sauna). Its modern, energetic residents balance hard work with lively social lives; they enjoy nightlife but are also known for being businesslike and strategic.
Seoul has earned a strong reputation as a top MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) destination thanks to continually expanding infrastructure and advanced facilities for events of all sizes. Its convenient location and award-winning Incheon International Airport, large multipurpose complexes and cutting-edge technology enhance its appeal. The city’s transport network includes an 18-line subway that reaches every district—complete with signage, maps and announcements in English—along with an extensive bus system and taxis that offer interpretation services.
Venues in Seoul can accommodate almost any type of MICE event, from intimate meetings to large international exhibitions. Event planners often work with the Seoul MICE Alliance, a public–private organization operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization to strengthen the city’s MICE sector. Founded in 2010 with 47 members, the alliance has grown to 260 members.
COEX Convention and Exhibition Center, established in 1979, hosts roughly 200 exhibitions and more than 2,000 meetings annually. COEX features four main exhibition halls and 54 dividable meeting rooms, plus three five-star hotels, one of Asia’s largest shopping malls, multinational office towers, entertainment theaters and the city’s only airport terminal.
In Gangnam, SETEC offers three exhibition halls and four meeting rooms with 51,279 square feet of flexible space suitable for trade shows, expos, international meetings, performances and other events. The center provides a range of annex and support facilities to meet diverse requirements.
The aT Center serves as a cultural and recreational venue with exhibition and conference spaces equipped with modern audiovisual systems and storage. It supports conferences, seminars, banquets and exhibitions, and provides simultaneous interpretation when needed.
AW Convention Center’s conference hall can host international conferences, receptions and business seminars. Its Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 2,000 guests and delivers customized banquet services alongside advanced sound and lighting systems.
Many downtown hotels offer meeting space; notable options include the Best Western Premier Seoul Garden Hotel, Stanford Hotel Seoul, Hotel Prima Seoul and Belle-Essence Seoul Hotel (formerly the Renaissance Seoul Hotel).
Korean cuisine © ELLEN CLARK
Seoul continuously seeks to expand its MICE presence. For example, on Aug. 28, 2017, COEX hosted the Seoul MICE Trade Show to create business and networking opportunities for cooperatives and Seoul MICE Alliance members and to attract additional events. The event drew representatives from cooperatives, SMA organizations and sponsor groups. The Seoul Metropolitan Government, Seoul Tourism Organization, Korea Tourism Organization, COEX and the Seoul MICE Alliance collaborated to share successful MICE case studies, introduce support programs and provide business consultations to promote the local meetings industry.
For visiting delegates with free time, Seoul offers themed tours tailored to special interests. The Sustainable Energy tour visits major energy facilities and public information centers. The Seoul on Screen tour highlights the city’s cultural content industry, focusing on video archiving, broadcasting and applications of digital video content. The IT Industry Tour showcases communications technology by visiting brand exhibition centers run by KT, SK Telecom and Samsung.
Unique Venues
The National Museum of Korea is the nation’s main repository for cultural and historical artifacts, covering periods from prehistoric times to the early 20th century. It is also a striking and versatile venue for conventions and receptions, offering both indoor and outdoor event spaces.
The Seoul Central Post Office provides an unconventional event setting by offering conference rooms and reception halls suitable for a wide variety of functions. The facility is equipped for three-language simultaneous interpretation, making it practical for international gatherings.
Hard Rock Café Seoul, part of a global brand with venues in many countries, can host events ranging from small meetings to parties for more than 300 guests. Known for its music-themed décor and hospitality, the café also offers multilingual staff to support international events.