Why Gyeonggi?

By Sukhee Choi, MICE Manager, Global Marketing Team, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization

How is Gyeonggi recovering from the Covid pandemic?

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Gyeonggi Province set a precedent by utilizing YouTube Live to promote itself as a MICE destination, becoming the first local government in South Korea to adopt such an innovative approach. Gyeonggi Province has also fully resumed its face-to-face MICE promotional and marketing activities both domestically and internationally. In the aftermath of the pandemic, Gyeonggi Province has actively engaged in collaborative marketing efforts with its key MICE cities, Goyang and Suwon, with the goal of attracting international association meetings. Furthermore, the province has enhanced and customized its MICE support programs to address more effectively the needs of conference organizers.

Did you know that…?

First, Gyeonggi Province, located in close proximity to Seoul, the capital of South Korea, encompasses 31 cities and counties, providing a diverse range of tourism and experience programs for visitors to enjoy. Second, our Province hosts Korea’s major convention centers, which make for suitable venues for association meetings. These include KINTEX in Goyang City and the Suwon Convention Center in Suwon City, both of which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Third, Gyeonggi Province features a comprehensive three-tiered support system that includes attraction support, international promotion support, and event hosting support. Additionally, a subsidy incentive system is available, offering up to a 20% increase in support for implementing Green MICE practices and a 10% increase in support for utilizing unique venues.

Help for associations?

Gyeonggi Province serves as a venue facilitator by recommending locations that align with the scale of association meetings. Additionally, the Province provides comprehensive support for successful event hosting through administrative and financial assistance, encompassing attraction support, international promotion support, and event hosting support.

Where to meet?

Among the 31 cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province, Goyang and Suwon stand out as leading MICE cities. KINTEX, situated in Goyang City, is the largest exhibition and convention center in South Korea, with a total indoor exhibition area of 108,011sqm. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and services, making it ideal for hosting large international exhibitions as well as mid-sized and large academic association meetings. The Suwon Convention Center, located in Suwon City, features a modular convention hall (3,040sqm), an exhibition hall (7,877sqm), and 28 small- to medium-sized meeting rooms. These features make it well-suited for hosting international association meetings.

Where to stay?

Around KINTEX, there are approximately 40 luxury hotels and 40 business hotels within a 30km radius, including the five-star SONO Calm GOYANG and the business-oriented KINTEX by K-tree, offering a total of around 4,000 rooms. Near the Suwon Convention Center, approximately 3,000 rooms are available, including the five-star DoubleTree by Hilton Pangyo and the four-star Courtyard by Marriott Suwon.

How to reach Gyeonggi?

From Incheon International Airport (ICN) the distance is approximately 50 to 70km, depending on the specific city in Gyeonggi Province. Access can be via airport limousine bus, taxi, or the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) train.

From Gimpo International Airport (GMP) the distance is 30 to 50km, depending on the exact destination within the Province. Travel options include airport buses, taxis, and Seoul Subway Line 5, which connects to various parts of Gyeonggi

Somewhere special: personal recommendations/insider tips?

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy walking tours of Hwaseong Fortress, traditional craft experiences in Haenggung-dong workshops, and "chimaek" (chicken and beer) at Suwon Chicken Street. Furthermore, visitors can also view the night-time scenery of Hwaseong Fortress while taking a helium balloon ride via Flying Suwon.
Korean Folk Village: This open-air museum offers a glimpse into traditional Korean life with recreated historical buildings, cultural performances, and craft demonstrations. Additionally, a VIP outdoor dinner for participants can be held in a Korean-themed atmosphere.