Tri-Bowl in Incheon offers a striking venue for receptions and other special functions. Photo Credit: iArc Architects
Demand for new experiences returns to Asia Pacific, and planners for events and incentive travel are looking for exclusive arrangements that make an impact on their delegates.
Underscoring South Korea’s re-opening is an emphasis on creating a safe ecosystem for the MICE industry to gain traction. Playing a key role in promoting MICE is Dr Jerome Kim, Director General of the International Vaccine Institute, who was appointed by the government as Honorary Ambassador of Korea Tourism.
To help planners get inspired in creative planning, South Korea has a qualified list of unique venues that are meant to highlight various aspects of South Korean appeal.
Here’s a round-up that will pique the interest of delegates and provide unusual and artistic backdrops at events:
The unusual events spaces provide planners with creative ideas for functions or exhibitions both indoors and outdoors. Photo Credit: Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentOil Tank Culture Park in Seoul
Before its transformation into a cultural space, it was an oil depot that stored 69.07 million litres of oil. Now its five enormous tanks breathe new life as performance venues, exhibition halls and a multi-purpose pavilion.
A newly-built ‘tank’ is also being used as a community centre with a café, while the old carpark has been converted into a culture plaza. The outdoor spaces within the park may be used for large-scale events.
It’s located in close proximity to other attractions such as Seoul World Cup Stadium, Mangwon Market and World Cup Park for easy itinerary planning if required.
Tri-Bowl in Incheon
Known for its distinctive architectural lines, this arts and culture complex sits above an expanse of water and introduces planners to three bowl-shaped spaces that are suitable for special receptions or exhibitions. There is a choice of an arena-style 822 sqm concert hall and a 221sqm multi-purpose hall.
It is conveniently located near accommodations such as Sheraton Park Hotel, Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel and Oakwood Premier. Nearby attractions include G-Tower, Songdo Central Park and Art Center Incheon.
The Alpensia complex offers convenient venues for conferences, functions and sports activities as well as hotel accommodation. Photo Credit: Korea Tourism OrganizationAlpensia Ski Jumping Center in Gangwon-do
Previously used as a resort complex to host the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, the venue features a 3,655 sqm convention centre for international conferences and seminars.
Complementing that is the ski jump observation deck for receptions and the 6,000 sqm outdoor field that can hold large-scale events. Skiing activities may be arranged.
The venue has successfully hosted a range of conferences such as Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases for 700 pax, International Conference on Solid State Ionics for 1,000 pax, and The 2nd Korea Carbon Forum for 800 pax in 2019.
Within the Alpensia complex, accommodations such as Intercontinental Alpensia Resort with 238 rooms, Holiday Inn Resort Hotel and Holiday Inn and Suite provides a range of rooms for easy planning.
Delegates will enjoy a range of traditional activities within the village as well as productive workshops or seminars in its convention centre. Photo Credit: Korea Tourism OrganizationKorean Folk Village in Gyeonggi-do
The village is a themed park that provides a taste of traditional culture with its restored hanok buildings and perfomances, folk parades and seasonal activities for visitors. Planners will be able to conveniently organise a programme of team building activities, meetings or seminars, and a gala dinner all at the same location.
Within the village is a 520 sqm convention centre that is suitable for training seminars and workshops. While gala dinners can be held in the garden outside the village restaurant. The 1,100 sqm Korean Pavilion is also ideal for banquets seating from 50 to 350 pax.