How to enjoy Seoul Plus Cities with soul for MICE events

South Korea’s capital, Seoul, seamlessly blends cutting-edge infrastructure with rich cultural heritage, making it a sought-after destination for MICE events and incentive travel. With efficient public transit, high-tech amenities, and a safe environment, Seoul offers unparalleled convenience for MICE event planners.

And now, unique programs like Seoul Plus Cities take this appeal further by pairing Seoul with other dynamic destinations across South Korea, creating an unforgettable multi-city experience filled with cultural, historical, and scenic highlights.

Seoul: Gateway to exceptional MICE experiences

Seoul’s unique combination of ancient charm and modern sophistication makes it the ideal starting point for your business event or incentive trip. The city’s 2,000-year-old history gives the capital city its unique charm, while its world-class convention venues, cutting-edge technology, and extensive accommodation options cater to diverse group sizes and needs.

In addition, Seoul’s public transportation system, high-speed internet, and safe environment make it highly accommodating for international attendees, ensuring smooth logistics and a pleasant visitor experience. The country’s well-developed rail, road, and air infrastructure brings comfort and speed to trips between Seoul and other cities, setting the stage for seamless pre- and post-event itineraries.

Expanding possibilities with Seoul Plus Cities

The Seoul Plus Cities initiative, launched in 2019 by Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Organization, enhances the MICE experience by connecting Seoul with nine vibrant partner cities: Gangwon, Gwangju, Gyeonggi, Gyeongnam, Chungbuk, Incheon, Jeonbuk, Chungnam, and Daejeon. These partnerships offer event planners a chance to diversify their programs by incorporating unique regional attractions, from cultural landmarks to scenic retreats.

For MICE groups to qualify for the incentives offered by the PLUS CITIES program, at least 20 overseas visitors must be registered. The group also needs to spend at least two nights in Seoul and one night in a partner city, which includes scheduled tours across both destinations. Customised financial support for each partner city is awarded per participant, and organisers must apply for these at least two weeks before the event to avail of it.

A land of historical and cultural landmarks

South Korea is a hub of innovation, but its deep-rooted history and cultural landmarks provide an enriching experience that complements the business-oriented aspects of MICE travel.

To understand the complexities of Korea’s history, a trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Gyeonggi-do is nothing short of mandatory. Visitors are also recommended to visit the cultural landmarks dedicated to Admiral Yi-Sun-Sin in Gyeongnam to see why Koreans love and revere their national hero.

Lastly, event planners should also pencil in a visit the Independence Hall of Korea in Chungcheongnam-do to see the nation’s contributions in preserving and displaying artifacts relevant to shaping and solidifying Korea’s cultural identity and nationalism.

Step into unique art and culture destinations

A trip outside of Seoul will also give MICE visitors an insight to the rich cultural heritage of South Korea. Soak up the charm of Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeonbuk where more than 700 traditional Korean homes – called hanok – sit in the centre of a bustling city in the Pungnam-dong area.
 
For groups interested in visual arts, Gwangju is a must-visit as it is home to the highly celebrated and well-esteemed Gwangju Biennale. Often referred to as the "City of Light," the city is filled with galleries and art spaces and a vibrant display of street art that immerse visitors in the city's creative energy.

Another destination MICE planners must consider visiting is Gangwon-do. Besides being home to the famous Nami Island, there are stunning art museums in this city, like the Museum SAN in Wonju which combines a vibrant collection with lush scenery and a breathtaking landscape design, as well as Haslla Art World in Gangneung, an 11-hectare art space dotted with contemporary installations and sculptures overlooking the coast.

Scenic retreats for relaxation

According to the 2024 Attendee Preferences for Incentive Travel research conducted by the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF), 81% of respondents believe relaxation is one of the most appealing features of incentive reward trips. Given these preferences, South Korea’s natural retreats offer a great addition to any post- or pre-event itinerary, ensuring participants returned recharged and motivated.

At the Gyejoksan Mountain Red Clay Trail in Daejeon, the soft red clay along the mountain trail sets this natural attraction apart. Strolling on the red clay is therapeutic as well as stunning, as it’s one of the area’s highest points.

Muuido Island in Incheon's Jung-Gu area gives visitors a quick respite from the metropolis. It offers white-sand beaches are lined with pine forests, while the Silmi Beach or Hanagae Beach offers a slower pace to complete a natural retreat.

Lastly, Chungcheongbuk-do offers an alternative destination as the only land-locked province of Korea, inviting visitors to discover the wonders of Danyang Gosu Cave. This limestone cavern has staircases stretching through 1.7 kilometres of narrow pathways.

A powerful Seoul and beyond

Whether it’s a conference, incentive trip, or team-building retreat, South Korea’s blend of modernity and tradition ensures a memorable experience for all attendees. Make Seoul the starting point for your next great event—and let South Korea’s charm do the rest!

To explore Seoul’s MICE offerings and learn more about available incentives, visit www.miceseoul.com or contact [email protected].

This article is brought to you by Seoul Plus Cities.