Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organization

From historical and culturally significant spots to contemporary facilities, Korea’s 52 unique venues offer a range of options for event planners. 

For those looking to offer something different, consider infusing an element of wellness to business. 

Ranked ninth globally by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), Korea’s wellness industry is a booming market. GWI describes wellness in Korea as “a blend of centuries-old traditions and modern science and technology, in an environment rich in natural resources.” 

From Seoul to Jeju, event planners can consider these unique venues that create distinctive experiences for MICE visitors.

Floating Island Convention, Seoul 

As Korea’s only waterfront convention centre, the Floating Island Convention offers a unique and serene venue for events. 

Comprising three man-made floating islands in Seoul’s main Hangang River, with a recognisable 13m high dome-shaped structure, the centre houses a 762m2 convention hall, and seven small and large banquet halls, ideal for international conferences, business meetings, and cultural gatherings.

For those seeking an exclusive and sophisticated setting, the medieval-inspired Villa de Noche provides a private balcony and can hold up to 300 people standing and 200 in banquet style. As evening falls, the building exterior transforms into a dazzling spectacle with LED lights creating a vibrant light show. 

Address: Floating Island Convention 1 Island, Some Sevit 683, Olympic-daero, Secho-gu, Seoul 

Key facility: Convention Hall (indoor), 1,500 persons (standing)

While in Seoul, combine the trip with a visit to the Lee Moon Won Korean Medicine Clinic, a clinic that specialises in professional scalp and hair treatment and care, for some rejuvenation. With over 20 years of research and development, the clinic’s unique plant-based treatments utilise natural ingredients sourced from across Korea.

Gangneung Ojuk Hanok Village, Gangwon Province 

Looking for a unique venue where Korean history and traditional culture can be appreciated? 

Gangneung Ojuk Hanok Village offers a modern take on traditional hanok architecture, while designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Within a 5km radius, there are hotels with convention facilities, including Lakai Sandpine, Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo, Seamarq, St. John’s, as well as major exhibition and event venues (Gangneung Olympic Park, e-Zen), and the Gangneung Art Center. The nearby Gangneung Oval is also being transformed to host international conferences and meetings.

Plans are underway to transform the village into a cultural experience hub. There are now low cost carrier flights and a high speed train route to Gangneung, enhancing its appeal as a MICE and tourism destination.

Address: 114, Jukheon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do 

Key facility: Samuljae (outdoor), 400 persons

For a wellness experience in Gangwon, consider a stay at Park Roche Resort & Wellness. Tucked away between lush valleys and mountains, the resort offers daily wellness programmes such as yoga, meditation, and pilates. It is also recognised as one of Korea’s Top 33 Wellness Tourism Spots. 

CheongNamDae, Chungcheongbuk Province

Meaning ‘Blue House located in the South’, Cheongnamdae used to be a retreat for former presidents to vacation or work in the 1980s. In 2003, it was opened to the public. 

Here, the surrounding water and lush scenery offers a tranquil retreat. 

Inside the facility, there are various meeting rooms, an auditorium, conference rooms and halls, and a main porch with sweeping views of the natural surroundings.

A banquet for 200 guests can be hosted at the Presidential Memorial Guest House. 

Address: 646 Cheongnamdae-gil, Munui-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 

Key facility: Presidential Memorial Guest House (indoor), 200 persons

For some rejuvenation post-event, delegates can head to the Forest Resom Have9 Healing Spa, just a two-hour drive away, also in Chungcheongbuk Province. Situated in a mountainous area, it offers specialised programmes on Korean herbal therapy, aqua healing, and eco-healing.

Spirited Garden, Jeju

Within this curated park lies The Secret Garden, a sought-after venue for corporate meetings, international conferences, events, and gala dinners. The large grassy plaza can accommodate up to 300 guests for outdoor dinners, while a traditional octagonal pavilion, two waterfalls, and a pond add to the decorative nature theme of the venue. There is also an outdoor stage and garden with lighting for evening events, a catering area, and restrooms. Surrounded by a Jeju-style stone wall, the garden provides privacy and protection from strong winds, and canopy tents can be set up in case of rain.

Address: 675, Nokchabunjae-ro, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do 

Key facility: Secret Garden (indoor), 300 persons

Combine it with a trip to the nearby Hwansangsup Forest Gotjawal Park, home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, creating a rare ecosystem where temperate and tropical plant species coexist. Within, the Damang Foot Bath Café provides individual foot baths sourced from underground springs, accompanied by herbal tea for a relaxing 30-minute therapy.   

Put wellness at the heart of your itinerary. Discover other unique venues that Korea has to offer. Those interested to host MICE-related events in Korea can email sgmice@knto.or.kr to find out more and apply.