South Korea’s South Jeolla Province (Jeollanam-do) has identified five locations that best reflect the destination’s natural resources and wellness attractions as part of plans to transform into a retreat-style destination for small- and medium-sized business events.
A regional MICE brand has been conceptualised around the theme, Creating Business through Rest, Relaxation and Recharging of Mind.
The selected locations are Mokpo International Football Center, Gwangyang Baegunsan Recreational Forest, Gokseong Gangbit Village & Shim Cheong Hanok Village, Boseong Jeamsan Recreational Forest, and Glory International Retreat Center.
The province also plans to expand its events infrastructure, and develop and operate new experiences for corporate groups.
Kim Myung-Sin, director of tourism of Jeollanam-do, noted that growing interest in small- and medium-sized cities as well as the rise in bleisure travel purposes are bringing opportunities for Jeolla Province to establish herself in the business events industry.
“We will establish Jeollanam-do as a representative MICE tourism city by nurturing our province’s unique offerings,” remarked Kim.
Located in the south-west corner of the Korean peninsula, South Jeolla Province is rich in natural landscapes including mountains, coastal areas, and islands. Not frequented often by tourists, the province boasts an off-the-beaten track charm and a slower pace from the cities, with several cities in the province recognised as slow cities. The city of Gwangju, located within the province, is home to one of Korea’s main convention centres, Kimdaejung Convention Center.
