While coastal getaways are common across Asia, Busan, South Korea’s largest port city, offers event-goers a seaside stop with plenty of depth thanks to great accessibility, fabulous food, and a real taste of Korean culture alongside one of the most modern business events districts in the region.
Brought to you by Busan Tourism Organization and Korea Tourism Organization
MICE Overview
2019 has been a big year for Busan, which recently brought Asia-Pacific delegates together for November’s 2019 ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit, marking thirty years of cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the ASEAN region. Talks took place at historic island conference space Nurimaru, purpose-built for APEC South Korea 2005, another historic summit that put Busan on the map as an event destination; and BEXCO, one of the nation’s largest convention centers. Correspondingly, getting to the city from abroad has never been easier thanks to new direct air routes in 2019 between Busan and Singapore as well as the Philippines, and a growing list of cruise lines.
Infrastructure
In addition to the ASEAN-ROK Summit, BEXCO regularly holds many of South Korea’s largest-scale events across its 76,910m² of floor space, including December’s 2019 International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Congress, expected to draw 15,000 participants alone. In 2016, Busan doubled its convention center offerings with the opening of the Busan Port Exhibition & Convention Center (BPEX), by adding 11,007m² of event space right above the main cruise terminal. Among the city’s many luxury offerings is the new Hilton Busan resort complex, complete with its own private beach and outdoor event space for 1,500, while F1963, an old wire factory-turned-art space, is one of Busan’s most popular unique venues and celebrated urban regeneration projects.
Attractions
Busan’s own local flavor makes for a great introduction to distinctly Korean-style offerings – literally in terms of cuisine, with seafood fans finding plenty of great catches in Jagalchi Market and meat lovers not wanting to miss out on Busan’s pork dishes and a visit to an alley specializing in braised pigs’ trotters. Those wanting to get their sea legs can choose a luxury cruise from Tiffany 21 Yacht Club – one of the city’s top providers of marine-based MICE gatherings, while visitors preferring to soak away their stress will love the steam baths of the Dongnae Hot Springs district.
Financial Support
The Busan Tourism Organization offers comprehensive support for international conferences, corporate meetings, and incentive programs hosted in the city, with a range of tailored packages available to suit varying requirements and group sizes. Support spans everything from financial and marketing assistance to venue recommendations, tailored cultural programs, and more.
Visit www.bto.or.kr for more information
