What’s in an innovative MICE destination? Look to South Korea’s Gyeonggi

The World Heritage-listed Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, one of the major cities in South Korea’s Gyeonggi province. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Mr.wijit amkapet

The incredible cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and industrial expertise that has developed in South Korea is on full display in Gyeonggi, the province surrounding the capital Seoul.

The most populous province in South Korea, Gyeonggi has several large urban centres, such as Suwon and Goyang, but the region also includes both rural mountainous and coastal areas, offering visitors glimpses of the country’s captivating natural beauty.

As a centre of the early Korean kingdoms, stretching back millennia, the region also features numerous temples, museums and historical sites, providing a fascinating introduction to Korean history and culture.

Against a scenic backdrop of scenic mountains and river, the Korean Folk Village in Yongin city allows MICE groups to discover the traditional Korean life during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897).

The power of location

For meeting planners and incentive organisers, Gyeonggi’s prime location on the Korean peninsula’s western side allows seamless connectivity, as the country’s primary air hub of Incheon International Airport is within easy reach. There are 51 international cities with populations exceeding one million located within a 3.5-hour flight radius of the airport. Domestically, rail and road transport networks facilitate the transfer of visitors from the airport to all parts of the region within an hour or so.

A hotbed for Korean innovation and technology for decades, Gyeonggi is an obvious destination of choice for corporate and exhibition organisers across a variety of commercial sectors, as well hosting academic, scientific, and medical associations for their gatherings.

Long-term vision with MICE focus

Gyeonggi, already ranked among South Korea’s MICE destinations, has tremendous potential for expanding corporate events as part of its development programme. The regional government has prioritised the business events sector across all 31 cities and counties, building on existing MICE infrastructure and activities in a select number of destinations.

The city of Goyang, for example, is home to Kintex, South Korea’s largest exhibition venue spanning over 100,000 square metres, making it ideal for mega-events such as the 15,000-strong Usana Health Science conference that is coming up in May.

Suwon Convention Center is a multi-complex facility, comprising seven floors of convention building housing a 7,800sqm exhibition hall and 28 meeting rooms, among others.

Elsewhere in the province, Suwon Convention Center, similarly, has capacity for large-scale conferences, such as the Field Robot Society’s forthcoming International Conference on Intelligent Autonomous Systems come July. Not only is it the only convention centre in South Korea with its own attached subway station, it is also close to Gyeonggi Province Museum and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, giving planners the opportunity to add in cultural and historical elements to their programme.

In fact, Gyeonggi Province has 17 designated unique venues that are a perfect fit for meeting planners seeking off-site functions to host events. The Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang, which epitomises the ‘Korean economic miracle’, teaches visitors about Hyundai’s automaking process and latest technology, while Yongin’s Korean Folk Village allows groups to discover how the distinctive Korean identity developed through the generations with a night tour of traditional houses. Incentive participants or conference delegates can also include a river-boat cruise, for example, along the Gimpo Ara Waterway, enjoying an onboard party with dinner.

Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang offers corporate and incentive groups a glimpse into Hyundai’s automaking process and latest technology.

The heart of Korean culture

Gyeonggi also excels in promoting health and wellness options to pamper either incentive groups or post-conference programmes. A fun and quirky activity could be a trip to Pocheon Herb Island, an eclectic theme park where delegates can enjoy restorative herbal baths, with herbs grown by local farmers.

No visit to Korea would be complete without enjoying one of Asia’s favourite cuisines. Whether planning an elaborate gala banquet or arranging more intimate dinners at a local restaurant, Gyeonggi’s culinary range is impressive – some of the most famous local dishes include Gapyeong dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and Suwon galbi (grilled beef ribs). The city of Icheon is famous for its locally grown rice and peaches, both renowned crops from the Gyeonggi region.

Each city throughout the province has its own speciality items and often feature notable eateries that are an experience in themselves and would appeal to larger group dining.

Gyeonggi’s culinary range is impressive, ranging from Icheon rice to Suwon galbi (grilled beef ribs).

Robust support for events

Gyeonggi’s event industry is strongly supported both by the regional government and an alliance of local events professionals. The provincial government offers organisers a whole range of generous subsidies and support, from small meetings of 10-100 participants, international conferences, and even hybrid events.

Furthermore, Gyeonggi’s commitment to sustainable events is evident in making further subsidies available to events falling within the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) categories, as well as offering major assistance to meeting planners and promoting sustainable events generally.

As for private-sector support, the Gyeonggi MICE Alliance rallies together 176 local suppliers and agencies, such as hotels, destination management companies, convention bureaus, and unique venues, providing a vast network of on-the-ground expertise for overseas-based planners.

Gyeonggi brings together a formidable array of unique venues, convention centres, accommodation and cultural and attractions certain to appeal to event organisers seeking a dependable destination that delivers a diverse range of experiences.