Inspiration for corporate meeting planners. In collaboration with Seoul Tourism Organization

Transcription

1 Inspiration for corporate meeting planners In collaboration with Seoul Tourism Organization

2 Contents 4 Seoul at a glance 5 Accessibility 7 Venues 11 Sample itineraries 12 New SMA members 13 Team-building activities 15 Local attractions 17 Case studies 18 Support services 19 Essentials & Contacts Front cover bottom photo credit Danilo Dungo

3 WELCOME TO SEOUL R anking third in the latest Union of International Associations city rankings, Seoul is simply a premier locale for business events and incentives, playing host to 526 meetings in 2016, up from 494 in This accolade is a testament to Seoul s reputation as an unmistakable, dynamic MICE destination. A global business hub within a three-hour flight radius of a third of the world s population, Seoul offers a friendly, well-connected and innovative environment in which to do business. Convention centres offer state-of-the-art facilities, while unique venues range from traditional Korean-styled abodes to stunning waterfront spaces. All the while, hefty investment in modern, high-end hotels continues apace. For incentive groups, Korean cuisine needs no introduction, with top-tier restaurants and local hang-outs abound. Five royal palaces and five Unesco World Heritage sites located in the city allow groups to immerse themselves in Seoul s rich history, taking to the streets lined with art galleries and national museums, and trails alongside remarkable natural wonders. If shopping is your bag, look no further. Seoul s buzzing markets and upscale shopping districts offer the ultimate retail experience, with groups venturing to the city to buy up Korea s celebrated fashion, music, skin care products and technology. With the 2018 Winter Olympic Games taking place in Pyeongchang linked to Seoul in just over an hour via a brand new, high-speed train service there has never been a better time for groups to step into South Korea s beloved capital. CEI.ASIA 3

4 Seoul at a glance Seoullo 7017 Gyeongbokgung Palace Bukchon Hanok Village AREX Airport express Seoul STATION Dongdaemun Design Plaza Incheon International Airport Yeouido Park N SEOUL TOWER HAN RIVER Gangnam INCHEON Floating Islands of Some Sevit COEX Lotte World Tower 4 CEI.ASIA

5 Accessibility Transit metropolis Incheon Airport incorporates seven gardens fed by natural sunlight Connect with Seoul S outh Korea s thriving capital has one of the world s most efficient airports, while a sophisticated subway system means the city s main sights are all within easy reach. The gateway to Seoul is Incheon International Airport, South Korea s largest. With 91 airlines operating flights to 186 cities, Incheon is one of the world s best connected airports and the hub for South Korea s two major airlines, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. Within the Asia-Pacific region China, Japan and Taiwan can all be reached in around two hours and Hong Kong in just under four hours. Direct flights to Malaysia and Singapore, meanwhile, clock in at around six hours, with Sydney in Australia a ten-hour flight away. Major Asia-Pacific airlines flying to and from Seoul include Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Air China, Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways. CEI.ASIA 5

6 For 12 consecutive years, Incheon was recognised as the world s best airport by the Airport Service Quality Awards, and with a new terminal set to open in 2018 where Korean Air, Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be based Incheon expects to handle around a total of 72 million passengers a year, compared to the current 54 million. Seoul s second airport, Gimpo International Airport, operates flights to Japan, China and Taiwan, as well as domestic flights to other destinations across South Korea, including Jeju, Busan and Gwangju. Within and from the city Seoul s modern subway system is quick and very easy to navigate, with signs in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. With trains running from 5.30am until midnight, the system is the preferred means to get around the city, with major sights located north of the Han River, surrounding Gyeongbokgung Palace. Taxis are also plentiful and an inexpensive way to journey around Seoul, with taxi stands available in major sightseeing areas. Visitors can also benefit from the T-Money pass, a pre-charged transportation card that can be used on public buses, subways and taxis throughout South Korea. Delegates are spared the hassle of purchasing single journey tickets, and enjoy discounts on rides with transfers. The Discover Seoul pass also operating as a T-Money card is another asset useful for groups, wherein users are admitted to 21 different attractions around the city. For those who plan to extend their visit beyond the city of Seoul, the KTX high-speed rail network offers convenient and rapid service to cities across South Korea, with trains travelling at speeds of up to 300km per hour. An additional high-speed train service, the SRT, was launched in Seoul in December last year, connecting southern Seoul to the high-speed rail network. 6 CEI.ASIA

7 Venues For every occassion COEX houses theatres, meeting rooms and exhibition halls alike F Seoul's showcase rom vast convention centres to high-end hotels, traditional venues to ultra-modern spaces, Seoul s best venues offer planners the chance to host stylish and memorable events. Large-scale spaces COEX Convention & Exhibition Center was South Korea s first of its kind. Located in the Gangnam district and connected with COEX Mall including a shopping mall, theatre, high-end restaurants and aquarium under one roof the venue itself features four exhibition halls spanning over 37,000 sqm. These can be divided into 12 spaces, including a convention hall catering for up to 7,000 people, with an additional 54 meeting rooms available. Unveiled in 2014, the cutting-edge Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) was designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The multi-purpose cultural centre, which caters for up to 1,500 for events, regularly hosts fashion and artthemed exhibitions, and houses a range of designer and boutique stores. The DDP facilities include two exhibition halls and two convention halls totalling 3,108 sqm and 4,540 sqm of floor space, respectively, and a 414-sqm CEI.ASIA 7

8 Searching for the right setting (clockwise from left to right) Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Some Sevit, Yeong Bin Gwan conference hall. Recent notable events at DDP include Seoul Fashion Week held every Spring and Autumn at the complex and the 2017 Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism. Venues with a view The luxury Signiel Seoul hotel opened in April inside the new Lotte World Tower, which debuted in March. The second highest hotel in the world, the 253-room Signiel is located from the 76th floor upwards. It features the highest ballroom in the world, also on the 76th floor, catering for up to 300. Groups can also enjoy a ride on the fastest double-deck elevator at Seoul Sky, the third highest observation deck in the world, sporting glass walls on all sides. The attraction opened in April on the upper floors of Lotte World Tower. Another elevated option, the 317- room Four Seasons Seoul offers views of the city and surrounding mountains from the hotel s Garden Terrace on the 15th floor. The space is primed to host private dinner parties for up to 80 guests, or cocktail parties for up to 125. Unique venues The Some Sevit cultural complex, known as the Floating Island, opened three years ago on the shores of the Han River and comprises three man-made floating 8 CEI.ASIA

9 Venues islands, with a convention hall hosting up to 1,000. Meanwhile, the Korean-style mountainside resort of Samcheonggak offers a welcome respite from the city. Enjoy dinner and cultural performances on the resort grounds, furnished with gardens and tearooms. Outdoor banquets and events can be hosted in the gardens of Ilhwadang for 60 to 150 people, while events for between 20 to 60 guests can be held in the Hanokinspired Cheongcheondang building. Yeong Bin Gwan is a Hanok-style, two-storey mansion located on the grounds of the five-star Shilla Hotel in the historic Jung-Go district. Modeled after traditional Korean homes, the venue surrounds an inner courtyard, with three banquet spaces catering for between 100 to 250 guests. New developments One of the latest hotels in Seoul is the 336-room Le Méridien Seoul, which opened in Gangnam district in September of last year. The hotel s notable design is based on European architecture with a modern twist. Art is a strong focus throughout the property, and takes shape in many of the event spaces the Da Vinci ballroom can host up to 500 for events, while the M Contemporary CEI.ASIA 9

10 Fit for forward-thinking events Dragon City, opened in October Art Center, located on the first floor, features works from South Korean new media artists that guests are free to browse at their leisure. The space is open to events of all sizes. The newly-opened Dragon City is one of the city s boldest new MICE developments, strategically located in Yongsan, near Yeouido, Itaewon, and Seoul s central business districts. Made up of four interconnected Accorhotel brands, the space totals 1,700 rooms, multiple restaurants and a four-floor entertainment complex. The complex takes shape as a remarkable, suspended sky bridge featuring five lounge bars and independent party rooms for holding spontaneous, postmeeting celebrations. The facilities also include 17 stateof-the-art meeting rooms and two grand ballrooms hosting up to 1,740. In the pipeline Looking ahead, Seoul is expected to build several megastructures for accommodating large-scale events. One such project is the transformation of the city s Olympic sports complex in Jamsil into a 100,000 sqm conference and exhibition centre. A 1,500-room hotel is planned to sit within the grounds, and the complex will be linked with nearby MICE facilities including COEX. Construction will commence in 2019, with a 2025 completion date. Hyundai Global Business Centre in the Gangnam district is also set to be one of the world s most impressive skyscrapers. Expected in 2022, the structure will house a hotel and convention centre alongside concert and exhibition halls. 10 CEI.ASIA

11 O City trekking rnate palaces, bustling markets and river cruises explore a range of Seoul s sights with this sample itinerary. Day one Head to Gyeongbokgung Palace built in 1395, it is the grandest of the five royal palaces in Seoul. On site, experience the mesmerising and historical changing of the guard ceremony. After lunch, stroll along Insadong Street for an introduction to Korean fine art, featuring paintings and sculptures. Make a stop at Bukchon Hanok Village, home to hundreds of traditional houses, before spending the evening winding your way through Gwangjang Market, South Korea s oldest, crammed with street food vendors and traditional craft stalls. After getting your fill, enjoy a late dinner with panoramic views at the iconic N Seoul Tower. Itineraries Day two For some retail therapy, visit Dongdaemun Market home to Korea s largest clothing and fabric suppliers, the market includes 20 shopping malls, wholesale shops and boutique stores. Then head east to Myeongdong Market home to designer brands and local food stalls alike. Setting the district apart, Myeongdong also offers the chance to see Seoul s landmarks like the gothic-style Myeongdong Cathedral and the charming, traditional 600-year-old Namdaemun street market. Rounding out the day,stop by the Hongdae region in western Seoul, home to vintage shops, cafés and popular nightclubs. As the city s fine arts hub, live music, street performances, and abundant artwork are a perfect way to greet the evening. A storied structure Constructed in 1395, Gwanghwamun gate is a symbol of South Korea s long history CEI.ASIA 11

12 Greeting progress SMA members form the backbone of Seoul s MICE community Welcoming SMA members perated by the city of Seoul and the Seoul Tourism Organization O(STO), Seoul MICE Alliance (SMA) is a partnership between government agencies and private-sector organisations aimed at bettering the city s competitiveness in the international business events sphere. In 2017, 38 new members were welcomed, totalling 260 current SMA members. Since its initial round of 47 members in 2010, SMA has been steadily growing, striving to bring the best of Seoul s culture, infrastructure and accommodation to the world. A variety of different sectors have taken up membership with SMA, from travel agencies, venues and hotel groups, to entertainment facilities and retail outlets. STO and SMA members cooperate in attracting, promoting and hosting events, and both event planners and organisers that utilise SMA member companies receive additional benefits. As member organisations and the MICE industry play a pivotal role in the growth of the city s MICE industry, Seoul city and STO are making every effort to support both the partnerships SMA accommodates, and the opinions of the current alliance s members. 12 CEI.ASIA

13 F Team building Bonding over eats and beats ood, culture, the arts and sport Seoul has team building options for groups of any inclination. Food for thought For a revitalising, food-themed cleansing experience, opt for a Buddhist temple cuisine activity. The fresh food features organic, local and meat-free ingredients enhanced with natural flavours like mushroom, kelp powder and kimchi. The emphasis is on creating simple tastes, helping to restore energy levels and refocus the mind. Groups of up to 24 can enjoy a temple cuisine experience with a Buddhist monk at the Korean Temple Food Center the first cultural complex in South Korea aimed at enhancing knowledge of Korean Buddhism and temple food. For another take on Korean food, sharpen your palette with a visit to the Kimchi Museum. Delegates can learn about the different varieties of kimchi and take part in a hands-on cooking activity, ideal for groups of up to 30, although larger groups can be adequately accommodated. Music and tech Groups of 10 to 200 can recreate their own K-Pop moment in a dedicated Budding chefs Enjoying a catered cooking course CEI.ASIA 13

14 Journey through the past The Seoul Lantern Festival, celebrated for two weeks in early November studio, with instruction followed by a group performance. For those interested in accessing South Korea s tech sphere, DMC Pacific World suggests getting creative with a 3D printing experience. Surrounded by almost 100 cameras, the groundbreaking technology snaps a 360 degree photo of groups, which is quickly recreated as a 3D-printed replica. Festivals Seoul Lantern Festival is a must-see for groups seeking a singular South Korean experience. Annually held in November in the downtown Cheonggyecheon Stream an urban renewal project from hundreds of thousands of lanterns fill the streets and waterways, with both modern and traditional themes. Lighting up the night skies of Yeouido, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival in September draws vast crowds to view the world s top pyrotechnics in action. Firework companies from across the globe hold events throughout the day, all culminating with the evening s display. Running Man challenge Bring the South Korean variety show, The Running Man, to life with a series of challenges based on the hit programme. Visit Gwangjang Market to complete a number of tasks, including finding holein-the-wall restaurants to gobble up specialty dishes. Also in keeping with the show s spirit, groups can play a game of bubble football a rowdy take on the sport wherein players compete while encased in giant inflatable balls. 14 CEI.ASIA

15 Attractions Signature Seoul S avoury snacks, high-end dining and a bumping nightlife the city is full of post-meeting options. For the foodies Last November marked the launch of the first-ever Michelin Guide to Seoul, with Korean cuisine taking the spotlight. The three Michelin-starred La Yeon has a private dining room for 10, providing a sublime setting for intimate gatherings and a chance to enjoy hansik Korean Haute Cuisine. There are an array of set menus to choose from, and the restaurant s location on the 23rd level of Eat like a Korean king Banchan, classic side dishes The Shilla Hotel provides stunning views of the city. For a dining experience like no other, check out fusion Korean dishes at one- Michelin star Jungsik. The restaurant, which has garnered praise for its molecular gastronomy approach to food, features sea urchin, octopus and abalone. The upstairs private dining room seats up to 20. Large groups can get to grilling at Samwon Garden a Korean-style barbecue with several branches around the city. The restaurant s primary location is surrounded by traditional CEI.ASIA 15

16 Green spaces The Seoul skyline harmonises with the Seoullo 7017 sky garden gardens and cascading waterfalls. Rachel Choi, account executive at DMC Pacific World, says it is just one of the best places to taste barbecued beef, with so many Korean entrees to choose from. The bulgogi thin slices of beef or pork is unmissable. Chicken ginseng soup is the main attraction at Tosokchon Samgyetang, where groups of up to 60 can enjoy chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, boiled in a spiced broth. Into the after hours Enjoy a sky-high drinking and dining experience at Walking on the Cloud, located on the 59th floor of the 63 Building in Yeouido business district. Choose from dishes such as steak, lobster and lamb chops. Those searching for spirits can head to the venue s Wine & Whiskey bar, with an impressive cellar featuring 1,500 bottles of wine. The restaurant seats up to 200 people, a private dining room accommodates between guests, the wine bar hosts up to 60, while the whiskey bar caters for up to 50. Indulge in cocktails with breathtaking views of the city at Conrad Seoul s newly-revamped rooftop space, VVertigo, which opened in April. Located on the 9th floor of Conrad Seoul, it accommodates up to 120. One of Seoul s latest landmarks is the sky garden, Seoullo 7017, a highway transformed into an urban garden and the city s answer to New York s High Line. Opened in May, groups can wind along 17 pathways above traffic in a natural setting, often enjoying street performances. Seoul s nightlife is best experienced in the Itaewon and Gangnam districts the former very popular with foreign visitors, while the latter houses some of the city s best cocktail venues. 16 CEI.ASIA

17 Case Studies Stories from the ground Han River cycling tour Under blue skies, insurance group AXA hailing from Indonesia visited Seoul as part of a three-night, four-day incentive tour this year. Some 100 AXA employees participated in a 2.5 km bike tour using Seoul s public bike rental programme, where the city operates 450 public bike rental spots across 11 districts, with 5,600 bicycles available to the public. The group received a warm welcome by none other than Seoul s mayor, Park Won Soon, and South Korea s Minister of the Indonesian embassy, Cecep Herawan, with the group enjoying cultural activity booths before the bike ride. The tour is part of Seoul s new experience programme. Under this initiative, groups taking part qualify for additional financial subsidies. Taking to the streets Seoul is best explored on two wheels Seoullo 7017 walking tour Vietnamese manufacturer Vina Chang Tai Underwear visited Seoul with 178 participants in attendance. Delegates stayed at the Galaxy Hotel and visited several sights during their stay, including Cheongwadae (Blue House), Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea, Jogyesa Temple and the Everland theme park featuring wooden roller coasters, log flumes, live music and a petting zoo. Throughout the experience, the group feasted on local dishes such as Korean chicken soup, dak-galbi (spicy chicken), and fresh grilled fish. The highlight of the group s journey was an hour-long Seoullo 7017 walking experience. Proposed by Seoul Tourism Organisation, the sky garden stroll is one of several custom tours available through Seoul s experience programme. The tour serves as a perfect opportunity for groups to witness the city s defining convergence of the natural and urban, with stunning views of the Seoul skyline had among sweeping gardens of approximately 24,000 flowers and plants. CEI.ASIA 17

18 T Adding value he PLUS Seoul Support Package offers support services to enhance events. Launched in May by Seoul Convention Bureau, benefits include a maximum of 150 million KRW (US$ 130,770) for international conferences and up to 100 million KRW for corporate meetings and incentives. Groups can receive administrative support, from sourcing venues and site inspections, to bid-specific guidance including an official Seoul bid support letter. Professional bidding consultation and a one-on-one bidding clinic are also opportunities for those considering the city. Qualifying groups will also receive Seoul welcome kits and a greeting message at the airport on arrival. Tailormade MICE city tours, a Seoul welcome booth and additional venue hosting support are also available. For international groups, bilingual MICE supporters can be provided to aid in arrangements. For 2017, incentive options will include a Seoullo 7017 walking tour, a Han River cycling tour, an excursion on Seoul City Wall, a K-beauty make-up experience and the chance to dive into K-pop dance. Seoul MICE Alliance (SMA) member companies will offers benefits as part of PLUS Seoul, and with 23 new SMA members recently inducted, incentives now include VIP guest room upgrades, hotel discounts, markdowns on attraction and transportation fees, MICE package discounts, and much more. 18 CEI.ASIA

19 WEATHER South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Be sure to bring clothing and other items appropriate for the current season. Spring (March to May) A warm and sunny season (12 degrees Celcius on average), bring a long-sleeved shirt for spring frost and variations in temperature throughout the day. Summer (June to August) Summer is hot and humid (23 27 C). Bring lightweight summer clothes, and be sure to pack an umbrella for the rainy days between mid- June to early July. Autumn (September to November) Cooler temperatures (11 19 C) make Autumn a great season for outdoor activities. Bring a jacket, sweater and scarf for chilly winds. Winter (December to February) Cold and dry with an average temperature of -6 to 7 C. Bring a hat, umbrella, gloves and a scarf for snowy days. Essentials Contacts Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) USEFUL INFORMATION Restaurant etiquette If you want more side dishes, just point at them and say Deo Juseyo! There is no additional charge. Tipping is not required, and almost all product prices and service charges are already included in the Value Added Tax. On the street Some buildings open their restrooms to the public, with signs on the street if available. Other public restrooms are available for a fee of KRW 100 per minute (US 9). Arisu (tap water), is safe to drink and approved by the World Health Organization, is available on the street. Luggage storage If you want to store your luggage after checking out of the hotel, use a locker in a subway station. Around Myeongdong, you can use the Luggage Storage Service at the Seoul Center for Culture & Tourism ( ). Shopping All product prices already include Value Added Tax (10 percent). International credit cards are accepted at most major stores, and in hotels, department stores, and duty free shops. Seoul MICE Alliance (SMA) mice@seoulwelcome.com

20 Published by