Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Seoul has made a remarkable achievement in 2024 by topping Asia and coming in as the world’s third-best international conference host city, as per Union of International Associations (UIA). The rise of Seoul as a world’s top MICE events city is a testament to its calculated efforts and further world-class infrastructure developments. Last year, Seoul hosted a total of 180 international conferences and overpowered many of the world’s leading MICE hubs, such as Paris and Tokyo, to cement its status as a venue city of choice for business, tech, and medical conferences. The ranking is a huge jump from its last 4th position worldwide and 2nd in Asia.

According to the UIA’s International Meetings Statistics for 2024, Seoul ranked 3rd globally in the number of international conferences held, behind Brussels (338 conferences) and Vienna (239). The city’s strategic efforts to cater to both business and niche industries, such as healthcare and technology, have allowed it to rise above traditional MICE cities like Tokyo, which ranked 5th with 148 conferences. This achievement is particularly notable as it places Seoul ahead of well-established MICE hubs in Europe and Asia, reinforcing its growing influence on the global stage.

Seoul’s ascent in the global MICE rankings is a direct result of several key factors, including:

Seoul’s success in medical conferences is particularly significant. The city ranked 4th globally in this category, hosting high-profile medical events such as the Asia Pacific Nephrology Conference and the International Society for Hypertension. These conferences draw thousands of delegates and further solidify Seoul’s reputation as a key player in the healthcare and medical research sectors. The city’s healthcare system, along with its commitment to medical innovation, has made it an ideal venue for medical conferences.

Another key trend contributing to Seoul’s rise as a MICE destination is the increasing popularity of “bleisure” tourism, which blends business travel with leisure activities. As MICE events attract business professionals from around the world, Seoul offers a unique opportunity to extend business trips into personal vacations. The city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant food scene, and wide range of entertainment options make it a perfect destination for bleisure travelers. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has supported this trend by creating packages that combine business events with leisure activities, further boosting the local economy.

Looking to the future, Seoul is committed to expanding its MICE infrastructure. By 2031, the city plans to create new MICE hubs in the Jamsil Sports Complex and around the northern station area of Seoul Station. This expansion will provide additional venues capable of hosting large-scale events, ensuring that the city can accommodate the increasing number of conferences in the years to come. Additionally, the Seoul Convention Bureau (SCB) continues to innovate by offering more comprehensive support and services to global MICE organizers.

As part of its broader sustainability goals, Seoul is also working towards becoming a carbon-neutral MICE city. This initiative is in line with global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of large-scale events. By prioritizing sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, using energy-efficient technologies, and promoting green travel options, Seoul is setting an example for other MICE cities worldwide. The city’s dedication to sustainability is expected to play an important role in attracting eco-conscious organizations and international events that prioritize environmental responsibility.

Seoul is positioning itself at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and the MICE industry. With its growing focus on AI and fintech conferences, Seoul is emerging as a leading destination for global tech events. By attracting leaders in these industries, Seoul ensures that it remains at the forefront of innovation while bolstering its MICE sector. Events like the Korea Fintech Week and the Global AI Summit are part of the city’s long-term strategy to become a hub for technological innovation.

Seoul’s status as a leading international MICE events city is a result of its visionary infrastructural investments, focused marketing efforts, and sustainability and innovation efforts. As Seoul continues to organize international conferences across a wide range of industries such as healthcare, IT, and finance, it cements its position as a major player in the global MICE market. With future expansions, more emphasis on bleisure tourism, and sustainable MICE, Seoul is set to become the world’s best MICE city.

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