One of the most vibrant and colourful countries around the world, the Republic of Korea or South Korea, combines its unique culture, immersive experiences, and innovative technology very seamlessly with great balance.
Bustling city streets lit up in neon colours, hills and forested avenues, a thriving food scene and a deeply artisanal culture that transports you back 5,000 years in time – South Korea is every adventurous traveller’s dream come true. Plus, ultra-modern architecture dominating the gleaming skyline, safe and sustainable conference venues, global connectivity and an impressive array of government-driven initiatives for smooth operations make this East Asian country an exceptional destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).
“Korea offers a unique blend of modern infrastructure and rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination. From state-of-the-art convention centers to historical sites, the country caters to all your MICE needs with exceptional facilities and seamless connectivity. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is committed to providing unparalleled support to Indian companies. We offer comprehensive support before, during and after your trip, ensuring a seamless and successful MICE experience,” assured Myoung Kil Yoon, KTO’s Regional Director for India and SAARC Countries.
When it comes to business travel, the country’s strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, unique destinations, and vibrant K-culture make it an irresistible choice for Indian companies hosting MICE events. So, enjoy traveling to South Korea wherever work takes you! Here’s why:
* Strategic location and connectivity
South Korea’s geographical location, for starters, is enough to put it high on the MICE travel map. Situated at the crossroads of Northeast Asia, it offers convenient access to major Asian markets – thanks to a total of eight international airports, five cruise terminals and seven domestic airports across the country. Incheon International Airport, which is just a 45-minute train ride away from Seoul, has flight connections to 58 countries and 189 cities around the world. Flights to South Korea from India are available from several cities with multiple airlines. The airport is well connected via direct flights from Delhi as well as several one-stop flight options available, ensuring seamless travel between the two countries.
Additionally, there are other transportation services including the AREX airport express train line, KTX – the country’s premier bullet train line, as well as the Korea Tour Card, Discover Seoul Pass, SAFEX (luggage storage and delivery card), Let’s Korail (rail pass) to ensure that visitors can travel freely and conveniently in South Korea.
* World class MICE infrastructure
Whether you are visiting Seoul for a conference or wish to work from Incheon, South Korea’s excellent MICE infrastructure ensures that your business trip is a breeze. KTO India offers complete support to Indian MICE groups travelling to South Korea by providing a seamless end-to-end experience from visa facilitation to logistical support. Furthermore, the country ranked second in the Union of International Associations (UIA) Global Meetings Statistics in 2021, thanks to its large-scale convention centers, luxury hotels and super-fast global internet connectivity with 5G technology. There are a total of 19 regional entities specialising in MICE and 17 state-of-the-art convention centers with international accreditation.
As the country’s largest exhibition center, the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Goyang has 40 meeting rooms and 10 exhibition halls spanning 1,08,556 square meters. The capital city of Seoul is home to the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center, one of Asia’s largest centers, with over 36,000 square meters of exhibition space, luxurious accommodations, shopping malls, and cultural attractions. The Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) is known for its impressive facilities and beautiful coastal location. The eco-friendly Songdo Convencia in Incheon is another major venue designed to host large-scale conferences and exhibitions. With the cobalt-blue North Pacific to the south and the towering Hallasan Mountains to the north, if you’re looking for a beautiful convention venue, the Jeju Convention International Center (JCIC) is the place to be.
* Unique venues
The KTO has been promoting the Korea Unique Venue program since 2017, offering 52 handpicked venues where you can realize the unique concept of the city hosting your MICE event, while also enjoying the indigenous charm of the region. These are not your typical MICE facilities such as convention centers or business hotels, but a selection of unique venues ranging from museums, temples to folk villages, islands and culture parks – allowing you to not only immerse yourself in Korean tradition and culture, but also experience the arts, leisure sports, the Korean Wave, natural scenery and more.
* unforgettable experience
Of course, traveling for work is serious business, but after long days of work, it’s well worth taking some time to rest your feet, relax, and discover your destination. And South Korea, a land of dynamic contrasts and unique experiences, is the perfect place to find balance on your business trips.
From visiting K-Star Road in Gangnam to BTS Hyebe store tours to hologram K-pop concerts in Seoul, there’s plenty for you to do if you want to immerse yourself in the global phenomenon of K-pop culture. If that’s not your thing, spend your days immersed in a 5,000-year-old culture—stay at a temple or traditional hanok guest house, visit all 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or wear a traditional hanbok and wander around a historical monument or village at your own pace. Once you’re done, stop at a Korean-style spa for some much-needed rest and relaxation through a hot spring dip and healing therapies.
* tasty food
A major hotspot for food tourism, South Korea is the perfect place to experience the true authentic flavours of Korean cuisine, which is much more than just kimchi and bibimbap. The Korean dish, Hansik, is gaining popularity among gastronomes, including India, due to its delicious taste, health benefits and aesthetics. From the traditional Gujeolpan (a platter of nine dishes) to the pop-culture inspired Chimaek (chicken and beer) and Korean BBQ – be sure to enjoy it to your heart’s content. Also, with over 100 Indian-friendly restaurants and a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options, there is something for everyone in South Korea.
Designed to easily meet all your MICE needs, South Korea’s diverse offerings and immersive experiences promise to help you make the most of your business trip from India. For more information, contact the Korea Tourism Organization India (New Delhi) at india@knto.or.kr, or visit the official website of the Korea MICE Bureau (KMB).
