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Jeju Island

January 19, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Located southwest of the Korean Peninsula is the largest island of Korea, Jeju Island. The island is one of the most relaxing vacation spots found in Korea thanks to its unique local atmosphere and beautiful natural environment. The volcanic lava tubes that make up nearly 10% of the island’s area are a designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, Manjanggul Lava Tube, and Hallasan National Park are must-see sights. Additional attractions include forests, waterfalls, and parasitic cones. With so many beautiful things to see, it can be hard work to plan your itinerary.

UNESCO World Heritage Course

Rising from the sea, Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone
Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, a landmark attraction of Jeju, was formed about 5,000 years ago from an eruption of magma on the ocean floor. It is especially famous as a sunrise viewing spot, known to be one of the top ten exquisite sceneries of Jeju Island.
Besides viewing the sunrise, Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone is also known to be an excellent trekking spot. The Seongsan-Ojo Trail connects two villages by crossing the peak. Another popular trail, the Jijil Trail, offers a closer look at the UNESCO-designated geopark as well as Jeju’s local culture. Walking along one of these paths is recommended to really experience the area; walking all the way to the summit offers views of both the vast volcanic crater in the center and the blue ocean surrounding the area. To complete your trip, head to Seongsanpo Port to watch haenyeo (female divers) at work.

Feel the breeze at Cape Seopjikoji
A short drive from Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak will take you to Cape Seopjikoji. The name comes from the Jeju dialect for a “Cape of Small Land” due to its peculiar cliff formation that protrudes into the ocean. The picturesque harmony of the hill and ocean attract tourists all year round. You might even be able to sight Jeju ponies grazing on the field of grass.
Walking northeast along the cliff, you will arrive at Bulgeunoreum Parasitic Cone, offering an exquisite view of a white lighthouse with the dark blue sea in the background. Additional noteworthy attractions of Cape Seopjikoji are the Glasshouse and Yumin Art Gallery, two masterpieces designed by world-renowned architect Ando Tadao. The two buildings blend in remarkably well with the surrounding nature.

Observe the beauty of ridges at Yongnunioreum Parasitic Cone
You can’t say you’ve been to Jeju Island without visiting one of the many oreum, Jeju dialect for parasitic cone. There are approximately 360 oreum scattered throughout Jeju. Among these hundreds of oreums, Yongnunioreum Parasitic Cone is undoubtedly the most well-known. It’s not far from Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone and has a moderately gentle slope, providing a fairly convenient trail for trekking.
Both Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone and Udo Island can be seen from the peak of Yongnunioreum, offering an unforgettable panorama. The view of curvy ridges along with the ocean also serves as an excellent backdrop for memorable photos. If you are looking for a perfect spot for souvenir photos, be sure to check out Yongnunioreum Parasitic Cone.

A long-lasting garden of nutmeg yews, Bijarim Forest
In contrast to Yongnunioreum’s open vistas, Bijarim Forest is an ideal spot for a relaxing forest retreat. The dense forest is home to hundreds of bija (nutmeg yew) trees, and is the largest forest in the world to be made up of one plant species. Most of the trees in the forest have lived for 500 to 700 years, earning the forest the nickname “Forest of a Thousand Years.” Must-see sights while at Bijarim Forest are none other than the 800-year old tree and the conjoined nutmeg yews.


Enter the mysterious underground castle, Manjanggul Lava Tube
Of all the oreum on Jeju, Geomunoreum is the only parasitic cone to be designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The oreum holds over 20 caves within its body, although only Manjanggul Lava Tube is open to the public. With its profoundly mysterious and grand appearance, taking a step inside the cave is like stepping into Hades’ underworld. Follow the tunnel of articulate lava rock formations, and you will soon reach a giant rock pillar that indicates the end of the cave. The cave’s temperature fluctuates within 11-21°C regardless of season, allowing visitors to enjoy the magnificent cave all year round.

Seogwipo Nature & Culture Course

Enjoy artwork along the ocean, Jeongbangpokpo Falls and Waljong Art Gallery
Seogwipo, which includes the entire southern half of Jeju, exhibits a great amount of sunshine and warm temperatures, attracting crowds of tourists all year round. One attraction many people choose to visit is Jeongbangpokpo Falls, one of the top three waterfalls on Jeju Island. The water falls 23 meters straight down off the cliff and into a pool before flowing to the sea.
Located on the cliff behind Jeongbangpokpo Falls is Waljong Art Gallery. This gallery is dedicated to the Korean artist Lee Wal Jong, who settled in Jeju decades ago. The gallery is filled with his inspiring artworks, expressing the beauty of Jeju in his own unique way. The strategic location and glass-walled second floor also offer visitors an amazing view looking over the sea.

Nature-made art, Jusangjeolli Cliff and Cheonjeyeonpokpo Falls
Jeju Jungmun Resort is blessed with not only beautiful natural scenery but also with numerous entertainment and convenience facilities catering to both domestic and international tourists. Jusangjeolli Cliff, near the International Convention Center Jeju, delivers a sight to behold with its gigantic rock pillars running along the costal line. Cheonjeyeonpokpo Falls, a three-tiered waterfall, is another attraction not to be missed in Seogwipo. While the first section of the waterfall is only active after rain, the second and third sections are active all year round.

Rekindle childhood memories at the Teddy Bear Museum
Another favorite tourist attraction at Jungmun Resort is the Teddy Bear Museum. The museum boasts quite an impressive collection of teddy bears from all over the world. Exhibition halls are designed with different themes, such as 20th century history exhibition and fable parodies, all portrayed by teddy bears. The Teddy Bear Museum is a popular museum loved by visitors of all ages, recommended as an excellent place to visit with friends, families, or even on a date. The museum also has a souvenir shop, cafeteria, and a park that offers a splendid view.

Downtown Jeju History & Culture Course

Discover the history and culture of Jeju Island
Yongduam Rock, a top tourist attraction in downtown Jeju, is one of the many natural wonders of Jeju Island. Formed by underwater lava millions of years ago, eons of weathering from the rain and wind have formed it into the likeness of a dragon’s head.
After visiting Yongduam Rock, head down to the Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum to learn about the development of the island people and culture over time. Not only does Jeju Island have its own dialect, it also has a distinct culture that separates it from the rest of mainland Korea, all of which you can see and enjoy from a quick tour of the museum. Right next to the museum is Samseonghyeol Shrine, a religious site that is also the birthplace of Jeju’s ancient mythology. The old trees and traces of the past create a devotional atmosphere.


 
 
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Softmill

January 19, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Softmill Proves its Competitiveness in Global Markets

Winning the $2 Million Export Tower at the 62nd Trade Day

[INQ. NO. 2601M08] On the occasion of the 62nd Trade Day, Softmill won the $2 Million Export Tower in recognition of its outstanding export performance and growing competitiveness in the global market.
This achievement represents a meaningful milestone, made possible by the company’s continuous investment in technological innovation, strict quality management, and customer-oriented business philosophy.
Through close cooperation with overseas partners and a consistent commitment to meeting international standards, Softmill has successfully expanded its global footprint and strengthened long-term relationships across multiple markets.
Building on this recognition, Softmill remains dedicated to delivering reliable products, advanced solutions, and sustainable value to customers worldwide, while continuing its steady growth as a trusted global business partner.

Hybrid Dough Conditioner
Outstanding Overseas Store Case: Childish Bakery, Texas, USA

At Childish Bakery in Texas, USA, an outstanding overseas store, the hybrid dough conditioner has proven its performance in a high-volume production environment.
Featuring an eco-friendly heat exchange natural humidification system, the unit generates moisture independently without the need for additional humidification devices, maintaining a precisely controlled high-humidity environment.
By minimizing moisture loss, the system allows dough to be stored for up to 40 hours without drying, supporting long fermentation processes and stable production throughout extended operating hours.
This reliable dough management solution enables consistent quality and high productivity, contributing to strong customer response, particularly for popular items such as salt bread.

Deck Oven & Softmill Proofer
Outstanding Domestic Store Case: Ihwa-dong Bakery, Korea

As an outstanding domestic bakery in Korea, Ihwa-dong Bakery operates deck ovens in combination with the Softmill Proofer to maintain stable and consistent production.
The deck ovens feature a heating system that delivers uniform temperature distribution throughout the baking chamber, along with excellent heat retention, ensuring even coloration and reliable baking results across all products.
Supporting the fermentation process, the Softmill proofer is equipped with a nozzle spray humidification system that maintains sufficient humidity in a clean and hygienic manner. Its uniform airflow design evenly distributes temperature and humidity inside the chamber, minimizing differences between upper and lower trays.
This balanced baking and fermentation environment plays a key role in preserving the consistent quality of the bakery’s signature olive bread, and contributes to high customer satisfaction.
These domestic and international best practice cases demonstrate how specialized baking and fermentation solutions support bakeries worldwide by delivering consistent product quality, improved operational efficiency, and sustainable long-term value.

Introducing the Company and Product Portfolio on YouTube

“To further introduce our company and product portfolio, we have uploaded company and product introduction videos on YouTube. The videos are available in English (U.S.), Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, and Vietnamese and can be accessed by scanning the QR code shown at the bottom right of this page,” a spokesperson for the company stated.
 
 
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Korea’s Exports

January 19, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Korea’s Exports Surpass $700 Billion


 Last year, Korea’s exports surpassed $700 billion for the first time, achieving a record high. Fueled by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, semiconductor exports reached a record high of $173.4 bil., driving the overall export growth. Exports in December last year increased by 13.4%, the highest-ever in December.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), last year’s exports reached $709.7 bil., a 3.8% increase from the previous year, surpassing the previous record set in 2024. Daily average exports also rose by 4.6% to $2.64 bil., reaching a record high.
Semiconductor exports, the nation’s largest export item, surged by 22.2% to $173.4 bil., driven by rising prices and the booming investments in AI and data centers. This marked another record high, following the previous year’s record.
Automobile exports also reached a record high, rising by 1.7% to $72 bil. While exports to the United States, the largest market, declined due to the impact of U.S. tariffs, exports to the European Union (EU) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) saw positive growth, driven by robust exports of eco-friendly and used vehicles.

Bio and health exports increased by 7.9% to $16.3 bil., continuing their positive trend for the second consecutive year. Exports of ships (up 24.9% to $32 bil.), computers (up 4.5% to $13.8 bil.), and wireless communication devices (up 0.4% to $17.3 bil.) also showed strong performance. With the growing popularity of K-food and beauty products, exports of agricultural, fishery, and food products ($12.4 bil.), cosmetics ($11.4 bil.), and electrical instruments ($16.7 bil.) have surged to record highs.
On the other hand, exports of petroleum products decreased (down 9.6% to $ 45.5 bil.) due to falling oil prices, while exports of petrochemicals (down 11.4% to $42.5 bil.) and steel (down 9.0% to $30.3 bil.) decreased due to global oversupply.

1.7% to $130.8 bil. Exports to the USA fell by 3.8% to $122.9 bil. While exports of most items, including automobiles, general machinery, and auto parts, declined due to the effects of U.S. tariffs, the double-digit growth in semiconductor exports mitigated the decline.
Last year, the trade surplus with the United States was $49.5 bil., down by $6.1 bil. from the previous year. Exports to ASEAN increased by 7.4% to $122.5 bil., and exports to the EU increased 3.0% to $70.1 bil. Exports to the CIS also grew by 18.6% to $13.7 bil.
Last year, Korea’s imports decreased by 0.02% year-on-year to $631.7 bil. Non-energy imports, such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment, increased, but energy imports decreased due to factors such as falling oil prices. Korea’s trade balance last year recorded a $78 bil. surplus.

Exports also hit a record monthly high in December, reaching $69.57 bil., a 13.4% increase. Korea’s monthly exports have continued to increase year-on-year for the 11th consecutive month since turning upward in February.
Semiconductor exports increased 43.2% year-on-year to $20.77 bil., marking the 10th consecutive month of growth and a record high. However, automobile exports decreased by 1.5% to $5.95 bil. due to the effects of U.S. tariffs and increased overseas production of Korean automobiles.

Exports to China increased 10.1% to $13 bil., marking the second consecutive month of positive growth. Exports to the United States rose by 3.8% to $12.3 bil., breaking the record for December and returning to growth after five months.
 
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exco

January 19, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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A Global MICE Platform Delivering Customer Value — EXCO

EXCO was established in 1995 and opened in 2001. It is the first exhibition and convention center built outside the Seoul metropolitan area in South Korea. Since opening, EXCO has continued to grow. The West Wing was expanded in 2011, and the East Wing was added in 2021. In 2026, EXCO will celebrate its 31st anniversary as it takes a new step forward as a global exhibition and convention center.
EXCO works to create greater value for its customers by supporting the international growth of major exhibitions. It also upgrades its eco-friendly energy facilities inside the venue. Additionally, EXCO collaborates with the local community to develop cultural programs and operates safety systems that involve citizen participation.
By March 2027, new conference rooms will be added on the 3rd floor of the East Wing. Currently, EXCO operates 25 meeting rooms (including partitioned spaces) in the West Wing, including a multipurpose hall. With up to 8 additional meeting rooms in the East Wing, EXCO will be able to host a higher volume of conferences of different sizes and formats. This expansion will increase EXCO’s ability to host international conferences.

EXCO’s Challenge toward the AX/DX Era
EXCO plans and operates strategic exhibitions linked to Daegu’s future industries. These include future mobility, healthcare, robotics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and big data. Through these exhibitions, EXCO supports real industrial growth. At the same time, it contributes to the local economy by connecting companies, buyers, and new markets.
To strengthen expertise, EXCO has reorganized its exhibition team structure into three categories.
● AX (AI Transformation) focuses on AI and digital innovation.
● NX (Next Growth) supports future growth industries.
● CX (Consumer Experience) highlights consumer-focused products and services. This new structure improves both exhibition quality and industry connections.

Major Exhibitions Organized by EXCO
International Green Energy Expo, one of the largest renewable energy exhibitions in Asia. It will be held for the 23rd time in 2026.
International Fire & Safety Expo Korea, Korea’s largest fire and safety exhibition. It attracts key buyers from the Middle East and Southeast Asia ranking as one of Asia’s top three exhibitions in this field.
FIX 2026(Future Innovation tech eXpo 2026), A large-scale technology exhibition covering mobility, robotics, and startups. It integrates DIFA (Daegu International Future Auto&Mobility Expo), ICT Convergence Expo Korea, and the Daegu Robot Expo.
Although 2026 marks its third edition, it has attracted over 100,000 visitors every year.
Medi Expo Korea and KOADMEX (Korea International Advanced Digital Medical Equipment & Medicine Expo), These exhibitions are held together to build a strong business platform for the healthcare industry.
K-FOOD EXPO, now in its 27th edition, is preparing to launch a new overseas edition in Bangkok this year.
Daegu Machinery Expo and International Parts & Advanced Materials Expo, co-hosted to support and strengthen regional strategic industries.
In addition, EXCO continues to expand exhibitions that reflect global business trends and corporate needs.

A Platform Connected with the Local Community and Citizens
EXCO is also evolving into a community-focused platform aiming to grow beyond being just a venue for viewing exhibitions. Instead, EXCO is becoming a space where citizens can participate in and experience events directly. This approach helps connect exhibitions with everyday life.
Popular events such as Daegu Flower Fairs, Daegu Christmas Fair, pet shows, and Baby & Kids Fairs attract many visitors each year. These exhibitions offer hands-on programs and interactive content. They are now recognized as popular regional lifestyle exhibitions, welcoming families, pet owners, and young parents alike.

Building an Industry-Specific Conference Legacy
In August 2024, Daegu launched a dedicated organization for international conferences, the MICE Bureau Office, marking a major step toward becoming a global convention city. In line with this initiative, EXCO has strengthened its international conference bidding and marketing efforts. It is also systematically promoting region-focused conventions and revitalizing the International Convention Complex District.
This move follows the path taken by Gyeongju, which has built a strong international conference legacy after hosting APEC 2025. Similarly, Daegu is being recognized for pursuing a strategy to enhance its urban competitiveness through international conferences.
Daegu has already built a legacy in the water sector. Its experience includes hosting the World Water Forum in 2015, the IWRA World Water Congress in 2021, IWIC in 2024, and securing the World Filtration Congress in 2028. These events show how Daegu has grown related industries and professional infrastructure alongside its conference portfolio.
These accumulated achievements demonstrate that international conferences are more than one-time events. Looking ahead, Daegu plans to continue using international conferences as a key growth engine, further strengthening its position as a global convention city.

A Sustainable Exhibition and Convention Center
EXCO is dedicated to the development of a sustainable MICE industry. EXCO operates as a green convention center equipped with renewable energy systems, including solar power generation, geothermal energy systems, and solar thermal hot water facilities.
EXCO is also an eco-friendly building that produces part of its annual electricity through on-site solar power generation. ESG principles are applied in daily operations as well. In 2024, EXCO significantly reduced printed promotional materials such as posters and invitation cards, by decreasing the total volume from approximately 1.6 million copies to 1.18 million. This effort further strengthened environmentally responsible exhibition operations.

In addition, EXCO launched a MICE Alliance consisting of around 60 organizations, including hotels, travel agencies, PCOs, and event companies. Through this alliance, EXCO is enhancing cooperation to attract international conferences and operate large-scale events based on ESG standards. EXCO has shared ESG-based operational guidelines for major international conferences with local industry partners.
These guidelines include low-carbon operations, the use of eco-friendly materials, and waste reduction measures. By doing so, EXCO is helping expand ESG-driven MICE operational models across the region.

In addition, EXCO launched a MICE Alliance consisting of around 60 organizations, including hotels, travel agencies, PCOs, and event companies. Through this alliance, EXCO is enhancing cooperation to attract international conferences and operate large-scale events based on ESG standards. EXCO has shared ESG-based operational guidelines for major international conferences with local industry partners.
These guidelines include low-carbon operations, the use of eco-friendly materials, and waste reduction measures. By doing so, EXCO is helping expand ESG-driven MICE operational models across the region.

annual event schedule


 
 
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coex

January 19, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Coex, Korea’s leading Convention and Exhibition Center, Prepares to Celebrate its 40th Anniversary in 2026

Forty Years as a Growing Partner for Korean Industries
In 2026, Coex, Korea’s premier Convention and Exhibition Center (CEO and President Sang Hyeon Jo) will mark its 40th anniversary. Over the past four decades since its establishment in 1986, Coex has hosted approximately 6,500 conventions and exhibitions. It has played a pivotal role in expanding exports for Korean industries and stimulating international exchanges through the exhibition industry, thereby contributing to South Korea’s economic growth.
Coex started as a venue for general trade shows such as the SEOUL TRADE FAIR, but Coex has since expanded its industrial ecosystem by hosting national-level strategic industry exhibitions such as the Korea Electronics Show (KES), SEMICON Korea, Korea Factory Automation Show (KOFA) (now Smart Factory + Automation World, AW), Korea International Food Technology Exhibition (now Food Week Korea), and SIPREMIUM (now Sourcing in Market) — contributing to the earning of foreign currency, and establishing an industrial network by hosting international conferences.
Another milestone for Coex is incorporating the daily lives of citizens into the MICE platform by launching cultural exhibitions like the Seoul International Art Festival (now KIAF SEOUL, since 1996), the Seoul Book Fair (now Seoul International Book Fair (SIBF) since 1994), and the Seoul Living Design Fair (since 1995).

Hosting Exhibitions that Drive Industrial Growth in Smart Tech, Energy, and the Food & Culture Sectors
Coex, Korea’s premier exhibition and convention center, plans and operates more than 20 domestic exhibitions and over 10 overseas exhibitions annually as of 2026, establishing itself as the largest exhibition organizer in the country. Coex is creating a MICE platform that integrates technology and culture, focusing on four key industrial trends: smart tech, energy, mobility, and food & culture.
Smart Factory & Automation World (AW) and the World IT Show (WIS), hosted at Coex, showcase core technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including AI, big data, and robotics.
Coex drives industrial development as a central hub for digital transformation, providing a venue for sharing the latest trends in smart manufacturing and industrial automation.
Energy shows, such as InterBattery, Korea Smart Grid Expo, and ELEX Korea, cover the entire value chain of energy, including batteries, new and renewable energy, and the power grid. International firms gather to present a new energy ecosystem, focusing on eco-friendly technologies.
EV Trend Korea, Unmanned Systems World Congress, and Autonomous Driving Mobility Expo provide a snapshot of the trends of future mobility, including electric vehicles, drones, and autonomous driving — presenting a vision for sustainable mobility technology through convergence with the energy industry.
Food Week Korea and the Agri & Food Tech Startup Rising Expo (AFPRO) give a quick overview of the convergence of the food industry and technology. Furthermore, the Korea International Art Fair (KIAF SEOUL) and the Seoul Living Design Fair offer exhibition experiences that capture urban aesthetics, leading cultural and design trends.


An Urban Complex Cultural Space where Industry and Culture Blend
With the opening of COEX Mall in 2000, Coex transformed itself from a convention center into a multi-purpose cultural space encompassing culture, art, shopping, and entertainment. Hosting urban civic festivals like the C Festival and the Winter Festival, Coex presented a new paradigm for exhibition culture, incorporating culture into the exhibition space.
Coex has also successfully hosted large-scale government-organized international conferences such as ASEM Seoul 2000, the G20 Seoul Summit, and the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit — building up its global brand of ‘Seoul = Coex’ in the MICE sector.

Aiming for the Global MICE Market
Coex has been leading the expansion of the Korean MICE industry onto the global stage. In 2009, Coex became the first Korean company to host an exhibition in Vietnam. In 2022, it established its overseas subsidiary, “COEX VINA,” and now hosts approximately 10 overseas exhibitions annually, in Vietnam and Indonesia, respectively. Leveraging its expertise in operating overseas exhibitions and managing convention centers, Coex has operated the WTC Binh Duong New City Expo in Vietnam between 2021 and 2024, where it oversaw venue leasing, overall operations, and marketing for three years.
In addition, based on its proven expertise in the stable operation of convention venues, Coex has successfully managed aT Center, Gunsan Saemangeum Convention Center (GSCO), and Changwon Exhibition Convention Center (CECO) in Korea. Building on this experience, Coex was entrusted in 2024 with the operation of Coex Magok Convention Center—the first dedicated exhibition and convention facility in the western part of Seoul—contributing to balanced industrial development through the establishment of a regional MICE cluster.

40th Anniversary in 2026! A New Beginning for another 40 Years with Next Coex
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, Coex is pursuing a project to host commemorative exhibitions and publishing digital archives that record its history and share its vision for the future.
Additionally, in conjunction with the 2027 Yeongdong-daero Underground Space Complex Development Project, Coex plans to carry out a major renovation of the convention center, including the crown-shaped main entrance, exhibition hall, and third-floor conference rooms. By around 2029, Coex is scheduled to be transformed into a global K-MICE destination equipped with eco-friendly infrastructure.
“Coex has walked alongside the growth of Korean industry for the past 40 years,” remarked SANG HYEON JO, CEO and president of Coex “The next 40 years will be a journey of challenge and innovation toward the global market,” adding, “Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Coex will be reborn as ‘Next Coex’ and present a new standard for creative and sustainable ‘Premium MICE Platforms’.”

2026 coex exhibition schedule

 
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Korean Exhibitions

January 19, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Korean Exhibitions: Platforms for Opening
the Future of Industrial Innovation

 The exhibition industry is a key business platform that first introduces innovations from each country and connects companies and markets. For over 20 years, the Korean government has provided support for entities to hold exhibitions through the Domestic Exhibition Support Project for Hosting, (“the Project”) and by developing exhibitions as a strategic tool for expanding exports and enhancing national trade competitiveness.
In particular, the Project supports the holding of exhibitions to strengthen industrial growth and connections with global markets, focusing on the following three key pillars:

Fostering Exhibitions by Stage of Growth
The Project categorizes the exhibitions into three growing stages: ‘New,’‘Promising,’ and ‘Global Top,’ and systematically supports the necessary capabilities for each stage.
For the New Exhibitions, the Project provides comprehensive support for attracting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and for promotional costs to secure a stable growth foundation in the domestic market.
For the Promising Exhibitions, laying the foundation for entering the global market is important, so the Project actively supports the attraction of overseas buyers, international promotion, and hosting side events to help Korean companies to advance onto the international stage.
As international exhibitions, the Global Top exhibitions are a stage that requires the advancement of their platforms. Support is provided primarily through expanding the global networks, such as attracting overseas guests and foreign journalists.
As such, Korean exhibitions, grown through such step-by-step support, are strengthening their role as a global industry platform through innovative exhibitions that lead industry trends.

Promoting Exhibitions Centered on Strategic Industries
The Korean government has designated key industries — such as semiconductors, secondary batteries, biotechnology, and robotics — as strategic industries that are crucial for the national economy, and is thus encouraging exhibitions in these fields to strengthen the nation’s industrial competitiveness.
The Project comprehensively supports the development of core capabilities of strategic exhibitions that showcase new technologies and connect global partnerships across industries, leading the expansion of the industrial ecosystem.
It is expected that these strategic industry exhibitions will grow into specialized platforms for policy announcements and technology sharing, and advance to become Global Top stages for industrial innovation at prestigious international events such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Hannover MESSE, and the Mobile World Congress (MWC).

Strengthening the Foundation for Fostering Regional Exhibitions
Since 2013, the government’s efforts to foster regional exhibitions have intensified as regional exhibitions have been included in the targets of the Domestic Exhibition Support Project for Hosting. Recently, support has been focused on exhibitions linked to local industries, underlining the fact that regional exhibitions serve as key venues for showcasing regional characteristics and strengths.
In this way, regional exhibitions promote local industrial growth, support local SMEs in securing business opportunities and markets, and promote relationships for mutual growth. These changes are restoring the balance of the existing exhibition industry structure, which is concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area, and laying the foundation for strengthening regional industrial competitiveness through growing into global-level exhibitions.
Automechanika Frankfurt, a representative global brand exhibition, has expanded its exhibition franchise model to countries like China, Turkiye, Malaysia, and the UAE — establishing itself as an international business platform that aims to connect the global supply chains into a coordinated network. Similarly, some domestically organized exhibitions that have grown under the Korean government’s systematic support are actively seeking overseas market expansion and expanding their global networks.
If more exhibitions join this trend and receive continued support at the national level, domestic exhibitions are expected to grow as global brand exhibitions for each industry, securing leading positions in the global market.


 
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Hyundai Steel Pipe Leads Global Steel Pipes Markets

January 19, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Winning the $300 Million Export Tower
[INQ. NO. 2601M07] Hyundai Steel Pipe, a global steel pipe specialist, received the $300 Million Export Tower at the 62nd Trade Day ceremony.
Hyundai Steel Pipe, with an annual production capacity of 660,000 tons, achieved cumulative export volume of $350 million, following exports of $220 million in 2024 and $130 million in the first half of 2025.
Based on six world-class products, including Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG), Hyundai Steel Pipe is recognized for successfully securing global technological competitiveness and steadily expanding its customer base.
North America, which accounts for 95% of total exports (USA 91%, Canada 4%), is considered a key market for the company. Furthermore, Hyundai Steel Pipe has been actively exploring new markets such as the Middle East, Australia, and Central & South America, achieving exports of $6 million to Saudi Arabia and $1 million to Australia and Colombia, respectively, in the first half of last year alone.

In particular, Hyundai Steel Pipe has attracted significant attention by entering the Canadian OCTG market through the reactivation of idle heat treatment facilities within its plant. Going forward, the company plans to expand its sales network and continuously expand exports by collaborating with local distributors. With cumulative exports currently reaching $10 million, the company saw a very notable increase in exports to Canada, thanks to its signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with two additional companies.
Furthermore, the company is expanding its business in the Middle East, successfully supplying HIC (hydrogen-induced cracking) steels, a highly technical material, to Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil company.

Following the $5 million contract for the Amiral project in 2024, Hyundai Steel Pipe secured a stable order base last year with a new $11 million contract. Furthermore, investments in heat-treatment facilities in heavy caliber of LSAW steel pipe plant have improved residual stress removal capability by 120%, thereby strengthening high-quality production capabilities.
Hyundai Steel Pipe’s technological development and research activities are also noteworthy. First, the company developed multi-PSA technology based on multi-stage heat treatment, enhancing low-temperature toughness. Furthermore, the company’s introduction of an automatic welding-heat input-control system has improved the defect rate by 30%. Furthermore, its installation of a three-pole internal welding machine on the spiral line has enhanced productivity (up 5%) and reliability.
For research and development, Hyundai Steel Pipe is currently working on the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s technology development of steel pipe for 485MPa-class high-pressure hydrogen pipe — with an annual budget of KRW 1.5 billion — by utilizing its research institute. Furthermore, the company has achieved international performance certification from RINA through the development of water-resistant deodorization materials, tube mill technology for hydrogen pipe, and evaluation methods. These efforts are expected to contribute to the expansion of the hydrogen infrastructure industry.
Furthermore, Hyundai Steel Pipe is strengthening its ESG system to achieve carbon neutrality and sustainable management. Its Ulsan plant’s carbon emissions are being restricted to 62% of the previous year’s level, and it is working to reduce energy costs by over KRW 700 million annually through acquisition of domestic environmental product declaration (EPD) certification, implementation of the power demand response (DR) system, and 14 facility improvements.


 
 
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Hankuk Carbon Globally Recognized for its Carbon-Fiber Composite Materials for Aviation, LNG Vessels

January 19, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Winning the $400 Million Export Tower
[INQ. NO. 2601M06] Hankuk Carbon is a composites manufacturer founded in 1984 and is the first company to commercialize carbon-fiber prepreg in Korea. The company is strengthening its technological foundation by supplying composite materials to the aerospace, automotive, liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels, and electrical and electronic industries.
Hankuk Carbon’s proprietary carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer prepreg has secured aerospace quality standards (AS9100) and Boeing Material Specification (BMS) certification, demonstrating its competitiveness as a high-value-added industrial material.
Hankuk Carbon is expanding its customer base with insulation panels and fire-retardation glass fiber cryogenic & insulation paper for LNG vessels. It established a Vietnamese subsidiary in 2018 to enhance its supply-chain and production capabilities, and its international technological prowess was further demonstrated by winning the 2020 JEC Innovation Award.
Korea Carbon’s export share of high-value-added products, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and high-temperature foamed insulation materials, increased from 17.41% in 2024 to 19.61% in 2025.

For export performance, Korea Carbon also achieved an average annual growth rate of 19.7%, reaching $260 million in 2023, $330 million in 2024, and $400 million in 2025. Its cumulative exports also surpassed $1 billion. The major export markets include North America (approximately 50%), Oceania (approximately 30%), and Asia and other regions (approximately 20%).
Hankuk Carbon developed its signature heat- and corrosion-resistant composite material for LNG vessels and applied it to shipbuilders, improving insulation performance by more than 10%. Furthermore, it enhanced productivity through the development of automated lamination technology and a quick-hardening resin system. It also received an order for NO96 Super+ cold insulant for LNG carriers.

Since 2016, Hankuk Carbon has implemented Statistical Process Control (SPC) to enhance quality-stability and improve inspection methods. Hankuk Carbon has also introduced solar-power generation to its production plants, producing 1,712MW at six plants, achieving a 6.94% energy savings and a 789-ton reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

At CARBON KOREA 2025, held November 19-21, last year, in Seoul, Hankuk Carbon reaffirmed its position as a key player in the development of the nation’s carbon industry and the strengthening of future manufacturing competitiveness.
Hankuk Carbon simultaneously secured both industry-wide reliability and sustainability — based upon a multifaceted technological strategy that encompasses materials for extreme environments, domestically produced materials, and recycled composite materials.

“Through a constant commitment to R&D and production, we are leading the way in the localization of advanced composite materials. Our lightweight and high-performance composite solutions connect our industries to advance toward a brighter future,” remarked the company’s CEO.


 
 
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TEKON Proves its Competitive-edge in the Global Measuring Equipment Market

January 19, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Winning the US$1 Million Export Tower Award
[INQ. NO. 2601M05] TEKON, Inc., a company specializing in industrial measuring instruments, received the US$1 Million Export Tower at the 62nd Trade Day. This achievement demonstrates the company’s competitiveness in the global market with domestically produced measuring equipment amidst the digital transformation of energy, power, and facility operations.
TEKON supplies precision measuring equipment, and is specialized in Risk Management Systems (RMS), Facility Management Systems (FMS), and Energy Management Systems (EMS). With a diverse lineup of industrial measuring instruments, including battery-quality analyzers, power analyzers, transformer testers, Energy Storage System (ESS) analyzers, and EV/HEV fault diagnostics, TEKON has established itself as a provider of essential solutions for energy and power-quality management.
TEKON’s core philosophy is to “develop products that combine precision, safety, and durability,” and it continues to expand its customer-tailored solutions based on domestic technology.
Its flagship product, the battery-quality analyzer, measures the condition of cells, modules, and packs, enabling early detection of performance degradation, thereby preventing power-system failures.
Its TEKON960 supports diagnosis of ESS, EV, HEV, and solar (PV)-based high-voltage battery packs, and features an intuitive interface based on an LCD touch panel to enhance work efficiency. The portable TEKON970 allows for on-site measurement of battery degradation, making it highly useful in energy storage systems where stable operation is crucial.
The power analyzer, featuring a large 7-inch LCD, offers integrated analysis capabilities for simultaneous power and power-quality measurement, diagnosis, and report generation. Equipped with a flexible current clamp as a basic sensor, it is designed to accurately capture power conditions in various industrial settings and systematically analyze problematic factors based on stored data.

TEKON’s 550 series (A, D) power analyzer, unveiled at InterBattery 2025, is a multi-functional instrument that integrates power measurement, analysis, waveform measurement, and cable-testing capabilities. This portable, easy-to-use device offers accurate measurements and is ideal for use by electrical facility managers, service engineers, power quality analysts — and even as a daily inspection tool for research labs, production sites, and electrical technicians.
“Our measurement solutions are produced domestically and are recognized for their competitiveness in overseas markets. We will collaborate with global measuring instrument companies to further advance our technology and expand our overseas market presence,” commented the company’s CEO.


 
 
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Senko Grows into a Global-Leading Safety & Environmental Solutions Provider

January 19, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Winning the $10 Million Export Tower
[INQ. NO. 2601M04] Senko Co., Ltd., a gas sensor and total solutions specialist, received the $10 Million Export Tower at the 62nd Trade Day ceremony.
Senko’s winning of the award is official recognition of the performance of its portable and fixed gas detectors and alarms in overseas markets over the past year, as well as of its efforts to expand into the global market.
Senko has been recognized for its quality-excellence and capabilities by leveraging its proprietary technology, which is based on domestically produced gas sensors, and by actively exploring global markets based on this technology.
These efforts have led Senko to receive the $10 Million Export Tower, following the $3 Million Export Tower in 2013 and the $7 Million Export Tower in 2022.

“This winning of the $10 Million Export Tower carries more meaning than just numbers. It is significant because it demonstrates the culmination of over a decade of trust and technological prowess, solidifying the foundation for our future expansion in the global market,” commented the company’s CEO.
Meanwhile, Senko, which recently developed an infrared-based gas sensor, plans to accelerate its growth into a global safety and environmental solutions company by continuously expanding sales channels in key regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia, while aggressively pursuing new market opportunities through strengthening local corporate capabilities and developing new products.


 Senko is a global manufacturer specializing in gas detectors and sensors, with over 20 years of history. Through cutting-edge technology and innovative products, it provides safety and reliability in industrial environments and daily life, leading the way in protecting lives and assets.
Senko is dedicated to ensuring safety in industrial environments and people’s everyday lives worldwide, while driving sustainable development. As a global leader in sensor and detection technologies, Senko aims to provide greater value both to its customers and society, working toward shaping a future where everyone can feel safer and more secure.


 
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