Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organization
South Korea’s dynamic and constantly evolving MICE industry means that there is always something new on the table for incentive and corporate meeting groups.
From first-timers to repeat visitors, South Korea offers hands-on team activities and distinctive venues in cities like Seoul, Incheon, Busan and Gyeongju that guarantee a memorable itinerary.
Experiencing K-culture
From culinary immersion to creative classes, South Korea’s cultural depth offers meaningful ways for groups to connect.
Located in Gyeongju city on the southeastern coast of South Korea, Rasunjae is a culinary institution that specialises in Silla period cuisine. Gyeongju was formerly the capital of the ancient Silla kingdom that ruled the peninsula for over 1,000 years.
Paying homage to the history of the city, Rasunjae offers several programmes that include a cooking class and food performance based on Silla history and food culture. Participants get to cook dishes made of rare medicinal ingredients or traditional desserts for a treat.
In Busan, Goraesa’s fishcake-making class offers a light-hearted, interactive session focused on eomuk, a signature local snack.
For a more tranquil afternoon, Bibibidang, a traditional teahouse in Busan serves traditional Korean teas with coastal views, set amid interiors rich with Korean art.
For those seeking a fuller experience, go for Korean tea refreshments at Korea House in Seoul. Serving premium confections that change with each season, guests can savour tea, nibble on some light bites and enjoy a brief cultural performance.
Musical exploration is also on the menu. At Jijidaeak in central Seoul, musicians perform traditional Korean music—and can even adapt popular tunes from guests’ home countries using traditional instruments.
Groups can also enjoy a shared K-beauty session. At Beauty Play in Seoul, get styled in the latest makeup styles, get a colour analysis to find out which colours suit you best or take a skin analysis to find out the specific type of care your skin needs.
Trendy spots
For groups seeking contemporary flair, South Korea’s modern attractions offer unique spaces to host events and create memories.
Busan X the Sky, a Korea unique venue, is the second tallest building in Korea at 411.6m that boasts a panoramic view over the city’s famous Haeundae beach and landmarks such as Gwang-an Bridge and Marine City. With restaurants, meeting facilities and even the tallest Starbucks in the world, it can be used for group events and activities.
Another visually immersive destination is Arte Museum Busan. The biggest Arte branch features immersive media art that engages all the senses including 16 works created exclusively for the city such as a colossal wave, ice glaciers, rain, and dreamy floating fields of flowers.
At night, take participants to Busan’s trendy Millac the Market, a cultural complex with boutique shops and eateries, and a spot where the young hang out. Occasional live performances at night and a spectacular view of the lit up Gwangandaegyo Bridge make for a perfect way to round off an evening.
In Seoul, HiKR Ground is a hub for K-entertainment and pop culture immersion. With interactive installations and media art, it’s a playful venue for photo opportunities and team building through music and dance.
Over in Incheon, the integrated resorts of Inspire Entertainment Resort and Paradise City offer luxurious stays with a range of leisure facilities.
The five-star Inspire Entertainment Resort is known for its 15,000-seat multipurpose performance venue and South Korea’s largest interactive media art exhibition. It also houses a 30,000-capacity outdoor entertainment park, water park, and the Inspire Mall filled with dining and shopping options.
Paradise City, designed as an ‘art-tainment’ complex, showcases diverse artwork around the premises. Its uniquely designed facilities include Cimer, a spa and pool area that blends European aesthetics with Korean spa culture; Wonderbox, an indoor amusement fair; Chroma, a vibrant nightclub; and an open-space shopping arcade.
Heritage appreciation
Cultural programmes form a significant part of an incentive trip and there are a variety of attractions and experiences that immerse groups in Korean culture.
Gyeongju, which used to be the ancient capital of the Silla dynasty, houses the UNESCO World Heritage Gyeongju Historic Areas. Today, it still contains many important historical sites such as Daereungwon, a collection of 23 royal tombs set amongst scenic walking trails, Cheomseongdae, one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world, and Woljeonggyo Bridge, significant for connecting the Silla palace to the south and a popular place for its night illumination.
Another UNESCO World Heritage site is the Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. A giant Buddha statue looking out to sea and surrounded by other gods, these sculptures are said to be masterpieces of East Asian Buddhist art.
Modern facilities in Gyeongju also strive to preserve its heritage. The Gyeongju Expo Grand Park, a Korea unique venue, houses the Gyeongju Tower and Cultural Center that showcase aspects of Silla history and culture. The highlight here is Infinity Flying, a performance that combines martial arts, 3D holography and even some comedic relief for a dramatic retelling of ancient stories.
Finally, groups can also get dressed in beautiful ornately designed Silla-style hanbok (traditional outfits) and take a stroll down Hwangnidan Street — lined with cafés, shops and restaurants housed in renovated hanoks (traditional houses) — for an easygoing cultural wind-down that blends old Korea with youthful energy.
Organise your next incentive trip in South Korea
Korea Tourism Organization offers support for corporate meetings and incentive tours such as souvenirs, attraction fee, and Korean cultural experience, subject to terms and conditions. Visit K-MICE to start planning your next trip now.
She was most recently general manager at MGallery Gem Forest Nairobi and has held senior roles at Tribe and Trademark Hotels in Nairobi, the Drake Hotel, and Canopy by Hilton in Toronto.
