Conferences with Korean Sensibilities

South Korea remains at the top of an international list of turnkey meetings destinations with modern convention centers. Most capable among these are:

Seoul Convention and Exhibition Center (COEX)

Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX), Goyang, Gyeonggi Province

Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO)

Daegu, Daegu Exhibition Convention Center (EXCO)

International Convention Center Jeju (ICC Jeju)

Changwon Exhibition Convention Center (CECO)

Kim Dae Jung Convention Center (KDJCC), Gwangju

Daejeon Convention Center (DCC)

Meetings in Korea: Before and After

Whether your event is in Seoul, Busan or any other city in Korea, a conference in Korea can be complemented by a buffet of intriguing activities, supported by fast and efficient transportation from Seoul, including the KTX high-speed train.

K-Style Hub

A great place to start is the K-Style Hub. Located in the heart of Seoul near major tourist attractions, K-Style Hub is a one-stop complex housing everything from a tourist information center to various experience zones and exhibition halls. Taste traditional Korean cuisine at the Korean Cuisine Culture Center on the fourth floor. Stop by the fifth floor to try on Hanbok, Korean Traditional Costume. Many Hanbok rental shops around the city charge a rental fee, but K-Style Hub offers a free service with Hanboks in a wide range of styles and colors.  Address: 40, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Korean Cinema in Busan

Director Bong Joon-ho’s recent Palme d’Or win has brought new spotlight onto Korean cinema. Busan, designated a Creative City of Film by UNESCO, is also a Korea MICE city home to several convention facilities and unique venues. If attending an event at BEXCO, take a stroll over to the nearby Busan Cinema Center. Address: 120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan, Korea

Local Festivals

Summer is festival season in Korea and a perfect answer to those into or curious about K-pop. The Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival brings Korean and international bands and musicians, as does the Busan Sea Festival, which takes place at various beaches throughout Busan.

Sense of Zen

If you want an escape from the bustling city – atemple stay is the perfect getaway.  An immersive cultural program, temple stays allow you to experience first-hand the life of Buddhist practitioners at traditional temples. The programs typically consist of meditation, chanting, conversation over tea, and traditional Buddhist meals made of locally grown vegetables. In Seoul, stop by Jogyesa (Bongeunsa) across from COEX to get a taste of temple life. However, if you have a few extra days on hand, make a trip down to the city of Gyeongju for an immersive overnight temple stay experience.  

Here, you will find Bulguksa, a Buddhist temple designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site. During the month of July, Bulguksa will offer an overnight program entitled ‘Breathing in the Millennial air’ that includes tea time with a monk, morning meditation, and various temple activities.

North Korean Underground Spy Tunnels

With the increasing exchange between North and South Korea, more visitors are taking interest in the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) where they can get a closer look at the North-South Korean border.

A guided tour called the DMZ Linked Tour offers a compelling glimpse of the Korean border through tunnels dug by North Korea. A total of 4 were discovered, but there is believed to be many more. The tunnels are close to Seoul, some 32 miles away and at least a mile in length. At Dora Observatory, visitors can get a view of both North and South Korea through binoculars.

Remember the Souvenirs  

Whether between meetings or after, there are plenty of shops around Korea to pick up souvenirs and popular gift items, such as  k-beauty products and metal chopsticks (only Korea uses metal chopsticks). Myeongdong is a fun walking street for souvenir shopping, cultural immersion, and dining.