Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organization

The choice of venue can turn an ordinary incentive trip into an extraordinary experience. 

Korea, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and dynamic cities, offers a wealth of unique venues that can add a touch of magic to any incentive programme. 

From historical palaces to contemporary art spaces, the country boasts a diverse range of options — 52 unique venues, each with its own charm and is representative of the region it is located in. 

By selecting venues that authentically reflect Korea’s charm and spirit, incentive groups can create unforgettable memories and strengthen company bonds. 

Here are four unique venues to consider:  

Gyeongju National Museum, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province

Located in Gyeongju, the capital of Silla for a thousand years, the Gyeongju National Museum is Korea’s leading museum for exploring the cultural heritage of the Silla Dynasty. Here, visitors can learn about the rich history and culture of the Silla Dynasty through various educational programmes, such as a 70-year-old Gyeongju Children’s Museum School and a Children’s Museum. 

Each year, there is a different exhibition held for children to learn about the history and culture of Silla. The special exhibition hall also presents artwork recognised at the Cultural Heritage of Korea Drawing Contest, a long standing tradition.

The auditorium building can accommodate up to 110 persons.

Combine a visit here with nearby attractions, Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, which are renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These iconic symbols of Korea’s cultural and spiritual heritage showcase Buddhist architecture and artistry of the Silla kingdom.

Address: 186, Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 38171

Key facility: Auditorium Building (indoor), 110 persons 

Clayarch Gimhae Museum, Gyeongsangnam-do Province

The Clayarch Gimhae Museum is located in Gimhae, the centre of the ancient Geumgwan Gaya dynasty and the birthplace of Buncheong ware. 

The museum is a cultural arts complex with various spaces and facilities, which can host large domestic and international events, exhibitions, educational classes and academic seminars. It is the world’s first museum that specialises in architectural ceramics, and has 5,000 fired painting tiles surrounding the outer wall. 

The building itself is considered to be a piece of artwork. There are the Dome House and the Cubic House, which are exhibition spaces, and Ceramics Creative Center, a residency space for domestic and international artists. 

Meanwhile, Art-Kitchen and Clay Academy provide various educational programmes with hands-on experiences. Large outdoor events and performances can be staged in two places, a large square in front of Dome House and in Picnic Park, located behind Dome House. The venue also has a media room, which is equipped with sound and lighting systems and can be used as a venue for international academic meetings and seminars.

A unique activity for groups here is Happy Clay, a healing programme that combines yoga, exhibition viewing and ceramic experience.

Up the fun factor by planning a trip to the nearby Gimhae Nakdonggang River Rail Park, which has a scenic 3km rail bike ride that runs alongside the river.

Address: 25, Buncheong-ro, Jinrye-meon, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Key facility: Lawn Square (outdoor), 300 persons

Tri-Bowl, Incheon

Tri-Bowl in Songdo, Incheon is a multi-complex culture and arts centre renowned for its distinctive architecture. Breaking away from conventional building design, it has a curved floor made up of three bowl-shaped spaces with a flat roof. 

Visitors must cross over a bridge that spans over a pool of water to get to the building, which houses an 822m2 arena-type concert hall and 221m2 multi-purpose hall. The iconic Tri Bowl is ideal for anyone looking for a creative and inspiring venue for a wide range of events, exhibitions, and occasions. Viewing of exhibitions and performances can be pre-arranged if schedule permits.

Don’t miss out on the nearby Songdo Central Park, the first seawater park in Korea, where visitors can partake in various water activities including a water taxi ride and canoeing. There are also various arts and installations and cultural performances held regularly.

Address: 250, Incheon tower-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

Key facility: Concert hall (indoor), 300 persons

Sejahtera Forest RCE Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do Province

Designated as a sustainable development education centre by UN University, Sejahtera Forest RCE Tongyeong is a place to learn and practise the coexistence of nature and humans, humans and humans, and the present generation and future generations. 

Located in Tongyeong, a city of history and art, it offers indoor and outdoor spaces to host multi-purpose domestic and international events such as large-scale seminars and workshops.

The spaces are versatile enough for events of various sizes, from large spaces that can accommodate up to 200 people to small and medium-sized spaces. 

Outdoors, there are grass squares for recreational events and outdoor concert halls for small and medium-sized concerts and performances, some surrounded by ocean views. In addition, it has its own lodging facilities and a cafeteria with catering, ideal for one-stop events while healing in nature.

Groups can join Education for Sustainable Development programmes offered by RCE Tongyeong. The programme includes a tour of the facilities to learn about the Sejahtera Center’s sustainable development philosophy.

Combine the visit with a ride on Tongyeong Cable Car, which takes one up the 1,975m Mireuksan Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding greenery and ocean.

Address: 116 Yongnam Haeanro, Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnamdo

Key facility: Art Hall (indoor), 200 persons

MICE support programme for corporate meetings and incentive tours

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has a support programme for companies organising corporate meetings and company incentive trips. 

To be eligible, the group size has to comprise at least 10 people and they must stay for at least two nights in Korea. 

The support programme is classified into five grades and the type of support offered range from providing souvenirs to convention tourist destinations. Customised support is also available for groups of 201 to 500 participants (Grade 3). 

For larger MICE group sizes of 501 to 2,000 (Grade 2) and 2,001 and above (Grade 1), they will be able to receive further support to enhance their stay in Korea. The type of support is subject to change on an annual basis. 

Looking to add unforgettable venues to your MICE 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.