Tri-Bowl Songdo
Increasing globalisation has given rise to international events that host participants and visitors from around the globe.
One destination that is seeing a rise in popularity for such events is South Korea.
To address the surge in demand for unique venues to host international events, South Korea has stepped up efforts to invest and develop more such places across the country.
Unique venues are essential to add memorable touches to a business trip, while showcasing the attractions of the country.
All these contribute to making a positive impression on business clients during networking and other such events.
Since the outbreak of Covid-19, South Korea’s fast and well organised response towards the pandemic has enabled the country to remain safe for businesses and conventions.
You can see and experience this at any of the 40 Korean unique venues selected by the Korea Tourism Organisation.
Among these are 13 newly recognised venues introduced under the categories of creative, modern, traditional heritage and nature.
These venues help showcase a vibrant arts and culture scene, rich history and beautiful natural scenery.
Along with that, these venues provide not only convenient facilities and amenities but also a stage for motivation and inspiration, as well as safety from the current pandemic.
They will lead the way for the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) industry in the post-Covid-19 era.
Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite and BTS’s hit song Dynamite demonstrate multifaceted aspects of Korean arts and culture.
The inspirations behind their creative endeavours can be found in fine arts, crafts, animation and many other genres.
The following venues offer unique charms and new experiences that tap into our diverse culture.
Museum DAH in Busan City: Paik Nam-june (1932-2006) is widely recognised as the founder of video art. The Museum DAH pays tribute to the man who inspired generations of Korean artists thereafter.
The name DAH refers to digital, art, and house. The museum building itself is a work of digital art made with 80 million LEDs and an arena for creativity that looks like something out of a fantasy film.
A standing party, reception or any other event can be turned into a special occasion through the use of media art and videos.
Located on Haeundae Beach, one of South Korea’s most famous and popular beaches, it is only 700m from BEXCO (Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre), 100m from the Busan Cinema Centre (official venue of the Busan International Film Festival), and 500m from APEC Naru Park.
Sunshine Studio in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do Province: Sunshine Studio is a film set where a large part of the 2018 hit television series Mr Sunshine was shot.
It is now used as a K-drama theme park that recreates features of early 20th century Seoul, like the Hanseong Electric Utility Company, Daeanmun (the main gate of Deoksugung Palace), and an old-fashioned streetcar.
The most popular location on the set is the Glory Hotel where the leading character Eugene, played by Lee Byung-hun, stayed and many important scenes were filmed.
As the interior decoration remains unchanged, you will feel as if you have set foot in the drama when you have a meeting, reception, or party here.
The cafe terrace on the second floor commands a sweeping view of the entire studio set.
Located some 20km from here are the Donam Seowon Confucian Academy, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site, and a village of traditional hanok buildings.
Contemporary Korean culture is bursting with character, much like the venues in this category.
From an art complex that reimagines the possibilities of an old cigarette factory to a performance hall with avant-garde influences, these venues will impress you with their originality and inspire new ideas for your business.
Daegu Art Factory in Daegu City: Like the Orsay Museum in Paris, Daegu Art Factory came about as the result of urban renewal when the warehouse of a cigarette factory built in 1949 was converted into an art space.
The old exterior walls of red brick remain, but the interior now features a wide lobby, experimental installation art and large works that reach up to the fifth floor.
The complete effect delivers a unique spatial experience when visitors step inside.
Facilities include the 120-seat Suchang Hall for performances, the community room with a pleasant outdoor view, small meeting and seminar rooms, and a second-floor book cafe with a sophisticated ambience.
While in the neighbourhood, you may also want to visit Suchang Youth Mansion next door, which was once the factory dormitory, and the Daegu Modern Culture Alleys – a 1.2km stretch of architecture and culture from the first half of the 20th century.
Tri-Bowl in Songdo, Incheon City: Tri-Bowl, a portmanteau of triple and bowl, is a cultural complex as unique as its name.
At night, the venue looks like a UFO with LED lights studded between the aluminium panels on the exterior walls and reflected on a fountain pond.
Music videos of the band Big Bang’s Beautiful Hangover and the singer BoA’s Hurricane Venus were filmed here.
The 300-seat performance hall has no division between the stage and audience seats, and the exhibition hall can be creatively rearranged with movable walls and screens.
Guided tours offer a unique experience of this unusual structure.
The venue is located within the Songdo International Business District and near Songdo Central Park and accessible from Central Park Station on Incheon Subway Line 1 and 30.7km from Incheon International Airport.
As soon as the pandemic abates, South Korea will be ready and waiting to host your events. You may consider these venue options in South Korea for your next overseas networking event to jumpstart your business.
Curious about South Korea MICE? Visit www.koreaconvention.org for more details.
