South Korea's optimised MICE zones attract international conventions

The country's strong foundation in pandemic management and high-profile regions signals its return to the global stage.

South Korea’s optimised MICE Zones in different regions attract a strong calendar of international events this year.
South Korea’s optimised MICE Zones in different regions attract a strong calendar of international events this year. Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

A strong pipeline of conventions this year is headed to South Korea this year. Backed by its comprehensive pandemic prevention measures to dynamic MICE zones, South Korea is ready to welcome international delegates to its prime conference and exhibition regions. 

Throughout the pandemic, Seoul’s MICE Safe Zone has maintained the confidence of planners with its prevention measures, sanitation, and safety protocols. Other regions too have established solid foundations with their "International Conference Complex" MICE Zones. They include Goyang, Incheon, Gwangju, Busan, and Daegu, where participants have convenient access to specialised conference facilities, hotels, and recreational venues. Additionally, Busan's strong campaign initiatives and its "Haeundae International Conference Complex Zone" have ensured it keeps a high-profile on the global stage.

In Daegu, around 800 researchers and policymakers from 30 countries will be attending the 2022 World Conference of Gerontechnology, a field that has recently captured the world's attention with its advanced technologies for the elderly. It will also welcome the international robotics conference "RSS 2023", which will be held in Asia for the first time when it opens in Daegu. More than 500 scholars and representatives from global companies related to robotics such as Amazon, KUKA, Samsung, Google, and NVIDIA are expected to attend.

Meanwhile, the Busan International Motor Show will open for the first time in four years since the Covid-19 breakout, under the theme "Next Mobility, A Celebration." It presents the future of motor trends by exhibiting eco-friendly vehicles and autonomous driving technologies. The event will also include specialised academic events and seminars in diverse fields such as eco-friendly vehicles, special vehicles, motorcycles, e-mobility and vehicle IT, parts and accessories, and autonomous driving technology.

Other international events for the year include the "XVI UNESCO Creative Cities Network Annual Conference" in 2022 in Gyeonggi-do and "Interspeech 2022" in Incheon. International conferences with 105 participating countries are set to open consecutively, including the "World Forestry Congress" in Seoul with around 10,000 participants, and the "World Leaders' Conservation Forum" to be held in Jeju Island.