- Fifteen remarkable locations newly designated “Korea Unique Venues,” including the P.ARK, an old ship repair factory; Sejahtera Forest RCE Tongyeong, a sustainable development–themed nature experience facility; and the Taekwondowon, which showcases Korean culture’s uniqueness

- On July 6, the “Top 52 Korea Unique Venue Designation Agreement Ceremony” held in Busan committed to enhancing collaboration among organizations

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister PARK Bo Gyoon, MCST) and the Korea Tourism Organization (President KIM Jang Sil, KTO) announced the results of the “New Korea Unique Venue[1] Designation Competition.” Fifteen venues, including “P.ARK,” “Sejahtera Forest RCE Tongyeong,” and “Taekwondowon,” have been newly selected. With this expansion, the number of internationally renowned conference venues in Korea has increased to 52.

  *MICE: Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions

The MCST and KTO have designated venues for international conferences capable of providing distinctive attractions in Korea as Korea Unique Venues. This aims to enhance competitiveness in attracting and hosting MICE events and provide support in utilizing facilities. Since the initial selection of 20 venues in 2017, the number has expanded to 40 in 2020 (currently 37 venues in operation).

This year, a new designation competition was held to increase Korea’s MICE competitiveness and satisfaction of foreign tourists by expanding and branding distinct places where they can enjoy the appeal of MICE venues centered on “unique local culture and distinctiveness.” From February to June, 53 venues applied for the competition, and the final 15 venues were selected through documentation, presentation, on-site evaluation, and a final selection meeting.

P.ARK (Busan), a former ship repair factory converted into a complex cultural space; Sejahtera Forest RCE Tongyeong (Tongyeong), a nature experience facility with the theme of sustainable development; Taekwondowon (Muju) and National Gugak Center (Seoul), both of which showcase the uniqueness of Korean culture; and the Asia Publication Culture & Information Center (Paju), where visitors can experience Korean book and publishing culture; 10-Years-Later Ground (Gwangju), based on the community of Yanglim-dong, Gwangju; Gyeongju Expo Grand Park (Gyeongju); SKY31 Convention (Seoul); BUSAN X the SKY (Busan); YEULMARU and Jangdo Arts Island (Yeosu); FE01 Regeneration Complex Cultural Space (Ulsan); Tower of Great Light (Hanbit Tower) at Daejeon Expo Science Park (Daejeon); Cheongnamdae (Cheongju); Korean Culture Theme Park (Andong); and 9.81 Park (Jeju) are among the 52 Korea Unique Venues.

 “Top 52 Korea Unique Venue” Designation Agreement Ceremony Held, motivated businesses and awarded plaques

In addition, the Ministry held an agreement ceremony to promote collaboration between venues on the selection of the “Top 52 Korea Unique Venues.” On July 6 (Thur), both the new and existing unique venues gathered together at P.ARK, Busan, which received the best evaluation in the new designation competition, to motivate them to participate in the “Korea Unique Venue” project and present a plaque.

KIM Sang Wook, the Ministry’s Director-General of tourism industry policy, said, “To attract more international conferences to Korea Unique Venue, we plan to provide tailored support based on event size, improve facilities, create promotional content, and strengthen public relations and marketing efforts to increase overseas awareness. With its distinct Korean charm, we hope that Korea Unique Venue will greatly contribute to attracting high-value foreign tourists.”

List of 52 Korea Unique Venues is attached.