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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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AW VIETNAM 2025 Seizes Chance to Elevate its Position

August 25, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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AW VIETNAM 2025 takes advantage of the opportunity to establish its position as Asia’s representative smart-factory automation industry exhibition, with its first overseas branding exhibition.
 
 Automation World Vietnam 2025 (AW VIETNAM 2025) will unveil its exhibitions in Hall A of the Binh Duong Trade Center Exhibition Center in Binh Duong New City, Vietnam, for three days from Wednesday, August 27 to Friday, August 29. This exhibition is co-hosted by COEX and Korea Smart Manufacturing Office (KOSMO), and is positioned as a key platform leading the future of the Asian manufacturing industry, including Vietnam.

Performance of AW VIETNAM 2024
AW VIETNAM 2024 successfully closed, attracting a total of 120 companies, 210 booths, and 14,804 buyers and visitors. In particular, through various programs such as the Vietnamese Prime Minister’s VIP tour, opening ceremony, AI manufacturing innovation conference, and 1:1 business matching program, a contract performance worth US$ 83.7 million (about KRW 8.3 billion ) was achieved.
The main participating countries were Korea, Vietnam, China, Singapore, the United States, Germany, Japan, and Switzerland; and most of the visitors were composed of working-level staff who make actual purchasing decisions, such as managers (17.3%), sales (16.3%), engineers, and directors.

Background of AW VIETNAM 2025
The Binh Duong region, where the 2025 exhibition will be held, is a representative industrial city in Vietnam specializing in automation and smart manufacturing technology. It has recently attracted foreign direct investment worth $3.5 billion, and global companies such as Samsung, Bosch, and LG have entered the market in large numbers. In addition, Binh Duong is a key location for the growth of the Vietnamese automation market, and it is expected to record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4% by 2030.

Key Exhibitors of AW VIETNAM 2025
AW VIETNAM 2025 will be held with a total of 200 companies and 300 booths, and will provide practical business opportunities to participating companies, such as seminars for participating companies, 1:1 export consultations, and online exhibition platform-linked promotions.
Together with a total of 30 Korean companies ― including Neuromeka, Interx, Weda, etc.― will be participating through the Korean Pavilion organized by KOSMO. In addition, many global companies such as Siemens, Advantech, Eurorack, Rexroth, etc., will be participating in the upcoming exhibition.


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RailLog Korea 2025

May 16, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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The Korea Railways & Logistics Fair, or RailLog Korea, is Korea’s leading international trade fair for railway technology, infrastructure, and logistics.
Held biennially since 2003, RailLog Korea is positioning itself as the latest and globally competitive venue for railway technology, interior fittings, infrastructure and logistics. RailLog Korea is now ranked the world’s fourth-largest railway show with 17,000sqm of space.
RailLog Korea 2023 was the largest ever, with 970 booths from 120 companies in 14 countries, providing visitors an opportunity to see the global railway industry at a glance.

This event was reported to have achieved $4.1 billion worth of business through various business consultations. Approximately 22,000 persons attended, including railway-related buyers, the general public, and participants in the Ministerial Meeting of the Organization for Cooperation between Railways (OSJD).
The 12th edition of RailLog Korea will take place from June 18 to 21, 2025 at the Busan Exhibition & Convention Center in Busan, South Korea. RailLog Korea presents great growth potential, thanks to the geographical benefits of Busan, as the very starting point and final destination of the Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) network. Busan, a hub city where all logistics functions including railroad, port, air and highway are integrated, is now stepping forward as the genuine hub for railways and logistics in Northeast Asia.
RailLog Korea 2025 is expected to provide visitors an opportunity to see the global railway industry at a glance, with a large number of domestic and foreign railway vehicle manufacturers participating.
A series of fringe programs ― with numerous highlights such as seminars and conferences, industrial tour programs, and technical presentations ― are expected to add extra value for visitors.

  
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Seoul Mobility Show 2025

March 24, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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Showcasing the present and future of mobility innovation technology
The Seoul Mobility Show 2025 will be held at KINTEX in Goyang City from April 3 to 13. Under the theme of ‘Mobility, Everywhere,’ this exhibition showcases the present and future where mobility innovation is implemented in every moment and space of everyday life.
In addition to automobiles, this year’s Seoul Mobility Show will also cover marine (eco-friendly ships) and aviation (UAM), and it will showcase various related devices and new technologies that will be introduced to our lives in the near future – including public transportation services that will provide convenient mobility for everyone, purpose-based mobility (PBV), construction equipment mobility, and autonomous driving, AI, and robotics.

In particular, HD Hyundai affiliates representing the Korean construction machinery industry will participate as headline partners. This is the first time that construction machinery companies will be participating in the Seoul Mobility Show. HD Hyundai will organize the ‘HD Hyundai Pavilion’ centered on its affiliate brands ‘HYUNDAI’ and ‘DEVELON,’ and will unveil the next-generation construction machinery models for the first time globally.
The ‘Seoul Mobility Forum’ will also be held as a side event to look into the trends and innovative technologies of the global mobility industry. During the exhibition period, this forum will be held in conjunction with keynote speeches by innovative domestic and international mobility companies, followed by the ‘Asia Mobility Forum.’ These will review the mobility status of major Asian countries, and the ‘Automobile Mobility Industry Development Forum’ to discuss domestic policies. A session will also be held to discuss the convergence of related industries such as robotics, AI, and logistics with mobility.
In addition, the ‘Future Mobility Awards,’ co-hosted by the Seoul Mobility Show Organizing Committee and the Korea Generative AI Foundation (KGAF) will be held. The ‘Future Mobility Awards’ is a merger of the existing ‘Seoul Mobility Awards,’ which is being held for the third time, together with the ‘K-AI Awards’ hosted by KGAF. Through this, the ‘Future Mobility Awards’ is expected to expand the scope of awards to include AI technology and establish itself as a broader and more credible award that presents a vision for future mobility in celebration of Seoul Mobility Show’s 30th anniversary.

There will also be a place to experience Korea’s cutting-edge autonomous driving technology. The performance-sharing meeting of the 1st phase of the Autonomous Driving Technology Development Innovation Project will be held for four days from April 3 to 6, hosted by the Autonomous Driving Technology Development Innovation Project Group. Approximately 200 companies and organizations will participate in this event to exhibit research and development results such as level 4+ autonomous driving platforms, core electrical components, AI, data, infrastructures, and operation management technologies. In addition, approximately 60 papers published in international science and technology journals will be presented, and a global forum will be held to discuss future mobility.

This year is even more meaningful as the Seoul Mobility Show celebrates its 30th anniversary. Since the first ‘Seoul Motor Show’ was held in 1995, the Seoul Mobility Show has evolved into an exhibition covering cutting-edge mobility technologies, changing its name to the current ‘Seoul Mobility Show’ in 2021. During this event, a special exhibition space will be set up to look back on the history of automobiles and mobility to commemorate its 30th anniversary, and various other events will also be held.
The organizing committee expects that the Seoul Mobility Show will, through this exhibition, progress as a global mobility platform, based on the active participation of major domestic and international mobility companies, by presenting an innovative vision for future mobility life Organizing Committee Chairman Kang Nam-hoon commented, “While the existing motor shows were B2C-centered exhibitions where new cars were unveiled and actual products were viewed, the future mobility show will be reborn as an industry-technology convergence platform where customers can experience various new future mobility technologies first and where B2B business is actively conducted.”


 
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Smart Factory + AutomationWorld 2025

February 21, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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AW 2025 (Smart Factory + Automation World 2025) will be held for three days
from March 12 at COEX, Seoul, on the largest-scale ever.

Composed of three exhibitions ― Smart Factory Expo, aimex, and Korea Vision Show ― AW 2025 is expected to provide visitors with the latest technologies and insights.
AW 2025 will be held under the theme of ‘Automation to Autonomy.’
During the exhibition period, various side-events will be held. There will be 20 specialized conferences and 150 sessions, including the Industrial Intelligence Conference; AI Autonomous Manufacturing Conference; Korea-China-Vietnam Robot Convergence Technology Conference; Machine Vision Conference; and Industrial Internet of Things Innovation Day (IIoT Innovation Day). In addition, open seminars on new products and technologies of participating companies will be held.
This year, more than 70,000 visitors are expected, which is a 10% increase from last year. To this end, the exhibition organizers will provide an ‘AW Docent Tour’ to allow visitors to listen to expert explanations and enjoy the exhibition more meaningfully.

In addition, the ‘CEO SUMMIT’ and ‘AW Open Innovation Round’ will provide networking and information exchange opportunities for industry CEOs, as well as business cooperation opportunities between manufacturing startups and large & medium-sized companies.
“AW 2025 will offer participants an opportunity to explore various solutions related to autonomous manufacturing, such as AI and intelligent robots that are leading the manufacturing industry. I hope that the exhibition will be an opportunity for participating companies and buyers to access better technologies and systems and to innovate industrial sites more quickly, easily, and safely,” remarked COEX’s CEO Lee Dong-ki.

  
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EXCO

January 20, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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EXCO: A Global Hub for Exhibitions and Conventions

EXCO, Korea’s first regional exhibition and convention center opened in 2001 following its incorporation in 1995, has continuously expanded its facilities to enhance its capabilities in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. The expansion of Exhibition Hall 1 in 2011 and the opening of Exhibition Hall 2 in 2021 have played pivotal roles in strengthening its operational efficiency and promoting the MICE industry.
With its state-of-the-art facilities, services, and global marketing strategies, EXCO has hosted major international events such as the 22nd World Energy Congress (2013), the 7th World Water Forum (2015), the International Society for Education through Art Conference (2017), and the 10th IBRO World Congress of Neuroscience (2019). In May 2022, it successfully held the World Gas Conference 2022, also known as the Olympics of the gas industry, reinforcing its reputation as a global exhibition and convention hub.
As it approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, EXCO aims to advance further as a global leader through several key initiatives. The organization is focused on internationalizing its key exhibitions while simultaneously strengthening its eco-friendly energy systems throughout its exhibition spaces. EXCO is also dedicated to creating cultural content in partnership with the local community, and developing customer-centric systems powered by data analytics.

Powering Northeast Asia’s Economy through World-Class MICE Leadership

EXCO contributes to the local economy by organizing specialized exhibitions focused on Daegu’s future industries, including AI, Big Data, Blockchain (ABB), Urban Air Mobility (UAM), healthcare, robotics, and semiconductors.
The International Green Energy Expo, one of Asia’s top three and one of the world’s top-10 renewable energy exhibitions, will celebrate its 22nd edition in 2025. The International Fire & Safety Expo Korea, the largest exhibition in Korea’s firefighting and safety sector, has become a globally recognized event attracting numerous international visitors.
FIX2025 (Future Innovation tech eXpo 2025) is a comprehensive exhibition encompassing future technologies such as mobility, robotics, blockchain, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced materials. In 2024, it unified three key expos—the Daegu International Future Auto & Mobility Expo (DIFA), ICT Convergence Expo Korea, and Daegu Robot Expo—to showcase cutting-edge innovation. For 2025, the expo will expand its focus on digital healthcare, semiconductors, and airport logistics to rival global ICT fairs such as the CES in the United States and IFA in Germany.
Additionally, Medi Expo Korea, which incorporates the Korea International Advanced Medical Equipment & Medicine Expo (KOAMEX), serves as a business platform for the healthcare industry. Other exhibitions, such as the Daegu Machinery Expo (DAMEX) and K-FOOD EXPO, provide insights into key industrial trends. Notably, EXCO is preparing to host a specialized airport and aviation exhibition to coincide with the completion of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Unified New Airport in 2030.

Elevating MICE Excellence through Global Conference Mastery

Daegu City established Korea’s first convention bureau in 2003 to facilitate international conference hosting, followed by the creation of an International Conference Complex Zone in 2021. Starting in 2024, EXCO will oversee these functions, operating a cutting-edge system to attract and manage conventions.
Notable international events include the World Biomaterials Congress and the International Conference on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, each drawing over 4,000 participants. Upcoming events through 2028 include the FIRA RoboWorld Cup and the World Engineering Education Forum (2025), as well as the Asia-Pacific Conference on Biomedical Engineering and the IEEE International Augmented Reality Conference (2026).

Enriching MICE Events with Authentic Cultural Experiences

EXCO leverages Daegu’s cultural assets to offer B2C events and promote tourism. For example, during FIX2024, participants enjoyed wellness tours to Sayuwon, a local meditation and healing site, alongside medical tourism programs. With Daegu’s Dongseong-ro being designated a tourism zone, visitors can enjoy various accommodations, shopping, and K-beauty experiences.
EXCO’s proximity to cultural landmarks such as Palgongsan National Park, nearby UNESO World Heritage Sites, and cities like Andong, Gyeongju, and Cheongsong—all within an hour’s reach—provides diverse opportunities for participants to explore Korea’s Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist heritage.

Leading the Way in Sustainable Event Innovation

EXCO is a green convention center equipped with renewable energy systems, including solar power, geothermal energy, and solar water heating. In 2023, it replaced all its lighting with LEDs and installed high-efficiency boilers, thereby increasing energy efficiency by 10%. Annually, EXCO generates 76,650 kWh of electricity through its solar power system, solidifying its reputation as an eco-friendly landmark in Daegu.
Furthermore, EXCO adheres to global standards in the MICE sector, strengthening its position as an environmentally friendly exhibition and convention center. It also strives to fulfill its social responsibilities as a public institution and lead management innovation through accountable leadership and governance.
Pyo Chul-soo, President & CEO of EXCO, emphasized, “Beyond exhibitions and conventions, EXCO aims to create diverse, citizen-friendly content, becoming Daegu’s cultural and tourism landmark while enhancing Korea’s global competitiveness as a premier exhibition and convention center.”
For more information, visit EXCO’s official website.

Annual Event Schedule


 
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KINTEX

January 20, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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KINTEX to Start Construction of 3rd Exhibition Center in First Half of 2025

Growing as a global exhibition &convention center with an exhibition area of 178,000m2


 KINTEX (CEO Lee Jae-yul), the largest exhibition & convention center in Korea, will begin construction of its 3rd exhibition center in earnest in the first half of 2025. With this, the completion of the ‘Basic Plan for the Construction of Comprehensive Exhibition Centers in the Capital Area,’ a national project of the Republic of Korea launched in 1998 to build world-class exhibition centers, seems to be in sight.
KINTEX is currently being operated with its 1st and 2nd exhibition centers. The 1st exhibition center was opened in 2005 with an area of approximately 54,000m2 through the first phase of the project; and the 2nd, the second phase, opened in 2011, is currently being operated with a total exhibition area of approximately 108,000m2.
When the 3rd exhibition center with an area of 70,000m2 is completed, KINTEX will thus have a total exhibition area of 178,000m2. This is a level that ranks about 25th in the world in terms of exhibition area, and can host global events on par with world-class exhibitions such as CES (186,000m2) in Las Vegas, USA; ‘IFA (164,000m2)’ in Berlin, Germany; and ‘MWC (120,000m2)’ in Barcelona, Spain.
Meanwhile, in addition to building the 3rd exhibition center, KINTEX also began fully operating ‘Yashobhoomi,’ the largest exhibition & convention center in India, last year. Since then, it has been attracting and hosting global large-scale events one after another, establishing itself as a hub for global industrial exhibition & convention events representing India and Southwest Asia.
KINTEX’s CEO Lee Jae-yul remarked, “The 3rd exhibition center is to be built to maximize connectivity with the existing 1st and 2nd exhibition centers, and KINTEX will thus become the optimal place to host large-scale international exhibitions & events in the future,” adding “We plan to further strengthen our capabilities as a global exhibition convention center operator, like we have proved ourselves capable of in the operation of Yashobhoomi in India.”

KINTEX-Ambassador Hotel Group Sign Business Agreement for Operation of KINTEX’s Anchor Hotel

KINTEX and the Ambassador Hotel Group recently signed a business agreement (MOU) for the operation of the anchor hotel of the 3rd exhibition center, which is currently under construction.
KINTEX’s the 3rd center’s anchor hotel will be a 4-star tourist accommodation facility with approximately 310 guest rooms on 20 floors with a total floor area of 30,500m2. KINTEX and the Ambassador Hotel Group will operate KINTEX’s 3rd center’s anchor hotel under the Novotel brand of the French global hotel chain of Accor Group, and Ambassador Hotel Group plans to provide international-level accommodation services for the next 20 years.
KINTEX stated that the construction of the anchor hotel and the operation of the ambassador Hotel Group will further enhance the efficiency of exhibition events to be held at KINTEX. In particular, the anchor hotel is expected to play a role as KINTEX’s representative MICE support infrastructure by creating an environment where not only various business customers but also general tourists can stay for a long time.
In addition, Goyang City, where KINTEX is located, is also expecting positive effects on the revitalization of the local economy. Above all, it can be said that attracting a global hotel chain for the first time in Goyang City is a meaningful achievement.
A spokesperson for the Ambassador Hotel Group explained, “We are very pleased that this agreement will not only strengthen the brand value of the Ambassador Hotel Group but also contribute to the development of the local economy and tourism industry,” adding “As hotel experts, we will work closely with KINTEX based on our accumulated know-how and operational capabilities to play an important role in hotel operation, management, and customer service.”
KINTEX’s CEO Lee Jae-yul expressed his thoughts by saying, “We are very pleased to have signed an important agreement with the global hotel brand Novotel that will bear the fruits of the construction of the anchor hotel, a long-cherished project of KINTEX for 20 years,” adding “Through the combination with a global-level hotel, KINTEX will play an even more important role in the Korean MICE industry.”

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January 20, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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Coex Expands its MICE Empire:
New Coex Magok Convention Center Leads Seoul’s Western Innovation Hub

A New Milestone in Seoul’s MICE Industry

Coex has established itself as Korea’s premier exhibition and convention center, serving as a cornerstone of the nation’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. Hosting over thirty major exhibitions annually, Coex has become synonymous with success and innovation in the sector. Last year marked a significant milestone in the center’s history as it celebrated unprecedented achievements.
In a bold step forward, Coex introduced the Coex Magok Convention Center (hereafter referred to as Coex Magok), Seoul’s first exhibition and convention center in the city’s western region. This landmark opening took place on November 28, 2024, and signaled the beginning of a new era for MICE activities in western Seoul.
With an anticipated occupancy rate of sixty-five percent in its inaugural year, Coex Magok has been hailed as a transformative addition to the region’s exhibition industry. This development is particularly meaningful given that, since 2000, new exhibition venues in Korea have predominantly emerged outside Seoul.
The introduction of Coex Magok marks a significant shift, reinvigorating Seoul’s role as a hub for industrial innovation. This addition is set to strengthen Korea’s global reputation in the competitive MICE sector, creating new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Where Vision Meets Versatility

Coex Magok has been meticulously designed to integrate exhibition and convention spaces, offering a seamless “ConfEx” experience that combines the best of both worlds. Spanning five floors and encompassing 7,452 square meters of exhibition space, the venue offers a variety of purpose-built facilities for a range of events.
The ground floor features a sprawling exhibition hall that connects directly to Magok Plaza, providing organizers with unparalleled flexibility for large-scale events. The basement houses the Square Ballroom, a versatile space linked to a vibrant underground commercial zone. This area is ideal for seminars, weddings, and catering events, offering visitors a convenient and accessible experience.
On the third floor, meeting rooms are designed to accommodate small-scale business gatherings and interviews. Some rooms boast outdoor views, adding an inspiring touch to meetings. The fourth floor is home to Le West Hall, the centerpiece of Coex Magok.
This expansive convention hall can host up to 2,200 attendees and is divisible into three independent sections, making it suitable for conferences, shareholder meetings, and academic symposia. The fifth floor complements these facilities with additional multi-purpose rooms, supporting mid-sized seminars and breakout sessions.
The vertical layout of Coex Magok is a modern marvel. It allows diverse and simultaneous events to be held within a compact footprint. Industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, which have a significant presence in Magok, have found Coex Magok to be an ideal venue for their activities.

A Gateway to Seamless Connectivity

Coex Magok offers exceptional accessibility, enhancing its appeal as a premier event destination. The center is directly connected to Subway Line 9’s Magoknaru Station and the Airport Railroad, ensuring convenient access from Gimpo and Incheon International Airports. Major roadways such as Olympic Boulevard provide seamless travel options for participants from across Korea and abroad.
Magok itself has emerged as a thriving hub for advanced industries, surpassing even landmarks like Sangam DMC and Pangyo Techno Valley in scale. The complex is designed as a mixed-use facility, featuring a 400-room Mercure Hotel on its upper floors, a shopping mall below, and cultural attractions nearby, including LG Science Park and Seoul Botanic Park.
This integration of business, leisure, and culture creates a comprehensive experience for MICE participants, making Coex Magok a destination that meets a variety of needs.

Redefining Events with Innovation and Sustainability

Coex Magok has set new standards for efficiency and automation. By collaborating with August Robotics, Coex introduced Korea’s first floor-marking robots, streamlining event setup and enhancing operational precision. This innovative approach reflects Coex’s commitment to digital transformation and operational excellence.
Looking to the future, Coex is determined to lead the global MICE industry by fostering international collaborations and embracing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. With its dual locations in Seoul and international ventures in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Germany, Coex is poised to shape the future of exhibitions on a global scale.
Coex stand as shining examples of Korea’s visionary approach to the exhibition industry. These dynamic venues not only address current demands but also anticipate future trends, ensuring their place at the forefront of global innovation.

2025 EXHIBITION SCHEDULE


 
 
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