With 600 years and counting. The Seoul of. the East

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1 Changdeokgung Palace The Seoul of the East With 600 years and counting as Korea s capital, Seoul is a place of rich colors and immense character. This city of over 10 million isn t looking to rest, though, as it continues to push forward with energetic innovators in various industries and a thriving culture that has kept the city a constant place of surprise and discovery for its many international visitors. Seoul s meetings industry is an active example of these ongoing efforts of growth and improvement; with an already-impressive infrastructure in place for international events, Seoul is expanding its capabilities across the board. Quality accommodation offerings are on the rise, new event venues are opening up, and whole sections of the city are restructuring into dedicated business events zones. Seoul s multiple sights and activities are growing in numbers and are also a factor in drawing visitors to Korea 14 million in 2014 alone. Add to this Seoul s expanding services for international meetings support and it becomes easy to see why Seoul has consistently remained in the top five global convention city rankings according to the yearly data of the Union of International Associations (UIA). These new additions will join the many attractions Seoul already offers. Visitors today, for example, can explore Seoul s Five Grand Palaces, from which the country was governed during the Joseon Dynasty ( ), while at the same time staying connected and communicating online with ease thanks to the country s cutting-edge homegrown IT, much of which comes from the advanced capital. In between, they can enjoy Korea s rich and varied cuisine or a memorable meal at a gourmet international restaurant. All of which makes now a great time to discover Seoul an eclectic and exciting destination for business and travel. In fact, it s Your Complete Convention City.

2 Dongdaemun Design Plaza Seoul s Colorful Past and Cutting-Edge Future Among the many stunning sights awaiting international visitors to Seoul are opportunities to see both the city s historic architecture as well as the most recent towering additions to Seoul s skyline. Today, ancient palaces stand alongside some of Seoul s most striking unique venues with the following destinations just some of the stand-out recommendations within the metropolitan city. Dongdaemun Design Plaza Opening its doors in 2014, the eye-catching and impressive Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is one of Seoul s newest unique meeting venues. Its surrounding Dongdaemun district has long been the heart of the Korean design industry, and over the past 18 months the DDP has quickly become a central venue for design-related conferences, exhibitions and shows by global fashion brands including Chanel and Dior, and for Seoul Fashion Week. Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza s event facilities include two exhibition halls (total of 33,454 square feet), two convention halls (total of 48,868 square feet) and a conference hall (4,456 square feet). Nearby, one can stay at the recently opened JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square, Seoul s second JW Marriott property, offering 170 prime guest rooms. The surrounding Dongdaemun neighborhood is also a popular destination for retail, wholesale, and boutique vendors of various design-related goods. Deoksugung Palace One of the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul, Deoksugung was originally a royal residence. Following the destruction of the royal palaces of Joseon ( ), the building s status was elevated by Seonjo, Deoksugung Palace

3 gates; four great and four lesser entrances. Two of the surviving main gates are, along with their surrounding districts, major tourism attractions today: Sungnyemun (the South Gate), the merchant s gateway to the still-operating Namdaemun Market; and Heunginjimun (East Gate), leading to what is now the popular Dongdaemun shopping district and nearby Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Deoksugung Palace the dynasty s 14th king. Once Changdeokgung Palace was restored in 1618, Deoksugung became an auxiliary palace for Joseon s rulers. It returned to the forefront of Korean affairs 270 years later when Korea s last king, Gojong, took up residence at the site and had it significantly extended. As a result, Deoksugung, meaning Palace of Virtuous Longevity, contains more variations in architecture from vastly different time periods than any of the other Grand Palaces, and as such is a fascinating time capsule of Seoul s long history as the nation s capital. Seoul City Wall The 11.5-mile Seoul City Wall originally enclosed the nation s capital during the Joseon Dynasty when Seoul went by the name of Hanyang. Although much of the original wall was demolished or worn down by time and weather, restoration efforts are heavily underway. Today, the wall passes along many hiking trails that will take the visitor past various sites of interest, including great peaks, stunning viewpoints, various historic sites and local districts. In the past, the wall allowed access to and from Seoul via eight The Floating Islands of some sevit Also a recent addition, the ultra-modern some sevit is located directly on the Hangang River, making possible a wide range of events to be held against the picturesque backdrop of the city s striking skyline through the venue s diverse facilities. A shining example of Seoul s efforts to expand its business events infrastructure, some sevit is a part of the city s aim to restore and revamp Seoul s riverside with park space and multipurpose facilities. In structure, some sevit is made up of three islets that are designed to provide flexibility when the water level of the river shifts. The islets making up the 107,585-square-foot complex are linked by a sequence of walkways and together resemble a giant flower when viewed from above. Each islet offers different facilities, including a 8,202-square-foot convention hall, restaurants, a roof garden and an on-shore media gallery/stage, all of which allows for a wide range of events such as conferences, seminars, receptions and more. During its operation season, the colorful Banpo Moonlight Rainbow Fountain the world s longest bridge fountain atop the Banpo Bridge adds to some sevit as a truly unique and memorable venue for any function. some sevit Seoul City Wall some sevit Seoul City Wall

4 Four Seasons Seoul Four Points by Sheraton Seoul Memorable Stays in Seoul Every year, Seoul welcomes new accommodations, reflecting the ever-growing demand for the city as a travel destination. Quality local and international hotel brands provide rooms at a range of budgets to suit the needs of all kinds of visitors, all ensuring memorable stays in Seoul. The following are just a few examples of Seoul s diverse accommodation options. Four Seasons Seoul The Four Seasons brand makes its Korean debut on October 1st with the arrival of the Four Seasons Seoul, located right in the heart of the downtown area. The five-star hotel offers 317 guest rooms, including 43 suites, as well as two ballrooms able to hold up to 800 persons. Local attractions and top shopping sites are found within walking distance including Seoul s Five Grand Palaces, Cheonggyecheon (a popular restored stream within Seoul), Gwanghwamun Square and Seoul City Hall. Shilla Stay Part of the successful Korean Shilla hotel brand, Shilla Stay aim to provide value for money in the areas of comfort, intuitiveness, modernity, practicality and eco-friendliness. Since 2013, several locations have opened across Seoul, with more on the way. Already open is the Shilla Stay Dongtan, offering 143 rooms and three meeting rooms with a capacity for up to 64 persons; the Shilla Stay Yeoksam, containing 306 rooms and three meeting rooms able to seat up to 42 persons; the Shilla Stay Seodamun, offering 319 rooms and one meeting room with a capacity for 30 persons; and the most-recently opened Shilla Stay Mapo, offering 383 rooms. Four Points by Sheraton Seoul The first Four Points by Sheraton property in Seoul opened last May in the Yongsan district, famous for its vibrant international quarter. The hotel is also conveniently close to major transportation hubs via Seoul Station, connecting it with the KTX high-speed rail link to Incheon International Airport. Facilities include 342 guest rooms, two meeting rooms (each 955 square feet, and one seminar room (4,844 square feet). Nearby N Seoul Tower atop Mt. Namsan offers stunning panoramas of the entire city. Millennium Seoul Hilton The Millennium Seoul Hilton recently completed its grand renovation which includes its new meeting space, The Atrium. The Atrium is a mid-sized event space with a glass ceiling skylight and large windows all of which allow ample day light to flow into it. These sources of day light can also be closed off during presentations. Built into 2 locations of the venue are electronically operated drop down screens, rendering maximum use of the space. This sophisticated new area can be customized to suit a variety of configurations, making it ideal for conferences, presentations, lectures, weddings, large dinners and more. The Atrium also boasts an outdoor terrace large enough to accommodate up to 120 persons for seated weddings, banquets or stand-up cocktails. Shilla Stay Yeoksam Grand Room The Atrium at the Millennium Seoul Hilton

5 Korean Meal A Taste of Seoul Chief among the discoveries that regularly delight visitors to Seoul is the array of dining options which includes local and international cuisine. Seoul offers some of the best Korean dishes from each of the nation s provinces as well as many memorable dining choices from around the world. Whether one is looking for something traditional, modern, or even daring, Seoul has something for every palate. Traditional Today s Korean dishes have been developed from centuries of enjoyment, whether they were exclusive to the royal elite or beloved by all social classes. Korean royal cuisine involves a series of courses designed to achieve a harmony of flavors, the skills and techniques of which were passed down through the ages by generations of experts. Today, it is available to all at a wide range of restaurants across Seoul. Harmony is also the basis of bibimbap, a popular mixed rice dish of meat, eggs, chili paste and various vegetables and greens, with each topping optional, making it suitable also for vegetarians. Another favorite for many is the Korean classic dish of bulgogi. The dish of marinated beef is enjoyed barbecued or stir-fried and literally means, fire meat. Modern As Korean cuisine grows in recognition abroad, the rise in cultural exchange means international cuisine has also soared in popularity in Seoul. In addition to non-korean cafes, bars and bakeries, interesting fusion dishes combining Korean with other cuisine and non-traditional techniques are creating a splash on the global scene. Meanwhile, the rise of health conscious diners in Korea is good news for vegans, as completely meat-free dining has risen in popularity. Korean Buddhist temple cuisine, with its focus on vegetarian and in-season ingredients, is increasingly being sought after, offering tasty yet meat-less spins on popular Korean dishes such as japchae and more. Even halal diners can now comfortably enjoy a range of restaurants near the Seoul Central Mosque in the multi-ethnic neighborhood of Itaewon. Daring For those looking for something more adventurous, a whole world of lesser-known but memorable Korean cuisine awaits Seoul s visitors. Seafood lovers, for example, should not miss out on trying sannakji, in which a live small octopus is diced seconds before being served, still Bibimbap A variety of authentic and delicious international cuisine are found in Seoul wriggling, and accompanied by a simple dip of sesame oil and salt. Sundae, meanwhile, is the Korean equivalent of black pudding (aka blood sausage), typically accompanied by sliced liver. Expertly prepared gopchang, or cattle and pig tripe barbecued or fried and served with vegetables, also has its share of fans and can be enjoyed as the locals do, with soju (an immensely popular rice-based spirit) or beer. Wondering where to try the dishes on this page? Log on to www. visitseoul.net for restaurant recommendations!

6 Organizers given a professional tour of a business event venue The Seoul MICE Alliance gathered at its annual meeting Welcome messages being displayed at the airport baggage carousel for arriving business event delegates MICE Supporters offering operational support at a business event The MICE Help Desk and Hotline Event Planners Get More in Seoul Seoul offers a wide range of support and expertise to help ensure the success of international meetings, incentive trips, conventions and exhibitions held in Korea s vibrant capital. In addition, Seoul is actively working to tailor its services for the North American market through ongoing interaction with buyers, media and industry professionals at IMEX America and other industry events. Services and support include the following. Financial Support for International Conferences and Meetings Financial support is available for events that meet certain criteria in terms of size and duration, and can also include the services outlined below. Please visit the Seoul Convention Bureau (SCB) homepage ( or contact SCB (mice@seoul welcome.com) for more information on eligibility and the types of support packages offered. Site Inspections The SCB offers accommodation and transportation services to board members or executives visiting Seoul for event feasibility studies. This includes venue recommendations, city tours and site inspections of business events infrastructure and local attractions. In addition, the SCB can provide a letter and video message of support for proposed events from the mayor of Seoul and the CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization. Promotional Support For events hosted in Seoul, the SCB provides a range of promotional materials, including the Meeting Planners Guide, a leaflet outlining 10 Reasons to Choose Seoul, and a USB of digital promotional content. International event attendees can also receive the Seoul Welcome Kit, comprising a Business Travelers Guide, postcards and a coupon book. The SCB can even arrange for complimentary event Welcome Messages to appear at Incheon International Airport s multicube digital displays on all its baggage carousels, an especially popular service with event planners. Operational Support For logistics support at business events, organizers can apply for the assistance of the Seoul Convention Supporters. These are a highly trained and dedicated pool of multilingual personnel chosen from convention-related departments of universities who are able to provide operational assistance for international congresses or other events upon request. For events that qualify, SCB subsidizes half of the daily rate for use of the Supporters. Information and Communications The SCB s professional and experienced staff are ready and able to respond to all questions in English and are well-experienced for North American meeting planners. In addition, the Bureau s official website ( provides a wide range of information on Seoul s meetings industry and business events services, as well as the latest industry news via a monthly webzine. The Seoul MICE Alliance The Seoul MICE Alliance (SMA) is a partnership between the Seoul Metropolitan Government and 195 meetings industry stakeholders in 10 different categories. These include the city s main convention centers and hotels, as well as unique venues, professional convention organizers, destination management companies, transportation services, event service and equipment providers, selected retail outlets, entertainment agencies and local organizers. They are dedicated to enriching the overall experience for event planners and attendees alike to ensure success for all events. Get in touch: Contact the Seoul Convention Bureau today by phoning , visiting us online at or ing us at mice@seoulwelcome.com. Have a specific query? Call our Help Desk at !

7 Body and Seoul: ICN 2015 Nurses Congress Celebrates Korean Healthcare Centenary Seoul recently hosted the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Conference and CNR, bringing together 13,000 nurses from 112 countries to share knowledge on global nursing, health and healthcare practices. The week-long event, held from June 19-23, was especially meaningful for Seoul as it coincided with the centenary of the establishment of the Korean nursing industry. Held at Coex, Seoul s largest convention center, ICN 2015 also gave international participants the chance to discover Korea s vibrant capital through a series of cultural programs sponsored by the city. Co-hosted by the Korean Nurses Association, the 2015 Seoul conference was held under the theme of Global Citizen, Global Nursing, with nurses coming from all corners of the globe. Notable speakers at the opening ceremony included South Korean president Park Geun-hye, former ICN President and former Korean Minister of Health and Welfare, Dr. Mo Im Kim, and Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Margaret Chan. During the conference, an endowment fund was established to support the education of girls in developing countries, as was a new award to recognize nurses demonstrating policy innovation and impact in the nursing field. Additionally, a nursing leadership institute was established in Seoul to expand the political influence of nurses; the first ICN office located outside its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. A range of cultural programs were included in the ICN schedule, such as a special hanbok (traditional Korean cloth- ing) show featuring the works of prominent designer Lee Young Hee. On the final day of the conference, nurses took part in complimentary professional visits as part of special city tours arranged by the Seoul Convention Bureau. Organized by the Korean Nurses Association (KNA) and supported by the SCB, the visits allowed participants to gain insights into Korean nursing practices and health care by touring key venues such as university nursing facilities. These were paired with cultural visits to popular Seoul sites such as Insadong, Bukchon Hanok Village and the War Memorial of Korea. In addition to the special tour, the event also benefited from SCB support such as the popular Incheon International Airport digital display welcome message, Seoul Welcome Kits for attendees, operational support through the Seoul Convention Supporters, promotional street banners, a Seoul welcome booth, and special reusable public transportation cards called MICE cards for ICN delegates. For ICN attendee and first-time Seoul visitor Feng Zhang, a nurse from Shanghai, the trip proved to be filled with discovery: I was surprised at how modern, clean, and fresh Seoul is. And the people proved to be so friendly and helpful, she said. Everything was great, agreed professional nurse and university lecturer Mariko Nishikawa, also making her first visit to Seoul, adding, I felt very safe and you could tell Seoul had prepared very hard to be a good host.

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