Seoul, the capital city of Korea, is the center of politics, economy, culture, and industries. For four consecutive years, Global Traveler recognizes Seoul as the “World’s Best MICE City”. Without a doubt, Seoul is abundant of venues, attractions, and experiences.
Home to sleek skyscrapers and shopping malls, as well as well-preserved royal palaces and Buddhist temples, the South Korean capital is teeming with unique culture and modern comforts. Seoul has an extensive subway system, where notable landmarks are usually a few stops away from each other.
Located in Gangnam, COEX Convention & Exhibition Center is Korea’s venue of choice. It hosts over 2,000 separate meetings and events each year. COEX is also renowned for hosting G20 Seoul Summit in 2010. Besides places for business, the complex houses 5-star hotels, one of Asia’s largest underground shopping malls, and a city airport terminal.
The world’s 5th tallest building, Lotte World Tower, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, are also famous for being the signature MICE venues of Seoul.
It might surprise you that Seoul is one of the few megacities surrounded by tall mountains. That means that countless hiking adventures are just within reach via the local subway. Bukhansan is the tallest mountain near Seoul, at 836.5m (2,744ft) above sea level. Inwangsan and Namsan are other popular choices for local hikers. What’s great about these mountains is that you’ll always be rewarded with splendid views of the city once you’ve reached the top.
If there’s one thing Seoul has plenty of, it is quirky cafes. Themed cafés first came about a couple of years ago in Seoul’s Hongdae district with the first cat café. Today, the city is filled with “pet cafés” which host animals such as cats, dogs, sheep, even raccoons or meerkats. Yes, you can pet them. Other cafés are themed according to a specific cartoon character, such as Hello Kitty, Harry Potter or Kakao Friends. Whatever theme you are looking for, you won’t have to look long for a café in Seoul to please you.
A must-see attraction in Seoul, The National Museum of Korea serves as the nation’s main cultural and historical repository, preserving and exhibiting items from prehistoric times to the early 20th century. It is also one of the most impressive venues for MICE events and offers both indoor and outdoor space for conventions and receptions.
It’s no surprise Seoul boasts a considerable reputation as a first-class MICE destination given its ever-growing infrastructure and highly advanced facilities for all sizes of meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. Contact the Seoul Convention Bureau for further information.
