HQ41 Seoul Supplement

HEADQUARTERS E U R O P E , M I D D L E - E A S T, A F R I C A

Destination Report Seoul is a special edition of HeadQuarters Magazine - October 2010 published by Meeting Media Company (Belgium) - www.headquartersmagazine.com - press@headquartersmagazine.com

SEOUL A HOSPITABLE HOST CITY

> INTRODUCTION

WELCOME TO

HOSPITABLE SEOUL

2010 HAS TRULY BEEN A LANDMARK YEAR FOR SEOUL, THE 600-YEAR-OLD CAPITAL CITY OF PERPETUAL GROWTH AND CHANGE, NOW A SHINING BEACON OF MODERNITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY AND ONE OF THE WORLD’S PREMIER CONVENTION CITIES. BESIDES HOSTING THE G-20 SUMMIT IN NOVEMBER, SEOUL HAS INDEED BEEN BRANDED THE OFFICIAL ‘WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL’ FOR 2010 AND WILL WELCOME THE KOREA MICE EXPO AT THE END OF THE YEAR. AS A HOSPITABLE HOST CITY, IT COULD HARDLY FARE BETTER.

THE 5TH G-20 SUMMIT The G20 is the jewel in the Seoul meetings industry crown and set to become lasting evidence of its competitive hosting capabilities. The event, running from November 11-12th, will see approximately 35 heads of state attending, along with an estimated 10,000 participants overall. Seoul is the first non-Western city to host the G20 summit since its inception in 1999.

The reasons why Seoul was chosen are obvious: abundant world-class accommodation, convenient transportation network and security infrastructure make it the ideal host venue. Held at COEX, Seoul’s premier conference and exhibition centre, the talks will focus upon the participation of the private sector in global economic recovery, and cover the four sectors of trade, investment, finance, green growth, and social responsibility.

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The G20 will increase Seoul’s visibility on the international scene and the tourism sector will surely benefit from it. In recognition of the event, the city produced ‘Seoul G20: The Capital’s Greatest 20 Experiences’, after foreign residents were asked to choose their favorite locations and activities from a list of 200 options. ‘Seoul G20’ is a handy guidebook that covers food, performances, temples, palaces, and various other attractions. It includes popular areas such as Myeong-dong and Insa-dong as well as more off-the-beaten-path experiences such as a traditional village near Namsan Mountain and health and wellness venues like Korean-style saunas.

SEOUL: WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL 2010 More and more people are growing aware of this but in terms of innovation in the field of design, Seoul has nothing to blush about.

Named ‘World Design Capital 2010’, it’s recognized for a design-led approach both modern, yet imbued with cultural sensibilities, while balancing economic and social considerations.

These efforts, combined with the global proliferation of Korean-produced high-tech consumer goods from well-known brands, have helped establish the nation’s 21st Century image as a design metropolis - and rightly so.

It’s only understandable that the Seoul Metropolitan government presided over the World Design Cities Summit last February. In attendance were the nation’s top policymakers, representatives, as well as global design experts. Further to this, the city of Seoul proposed the creation of a biennial summit during which design cities would meet and discuss. Worth mentioning also is the opening, last March, of the Seoul Design Foundation, set up to promote the local design industry, as well as lend expertise and boost its competitiveness.

Seoul’s well-deserved position as ‘World Design Capital 2010’ has to do with: + Technology - Designers create the latest home, but also street, appliances as to make 21st Century living easy, as well as ubiquitous high-speed internet.

> INTRODUCTION

KOREA MICE EXPO 2010 As the hospitable convention city par excellence, Seoul will host the Korea MICE Expo - the country’s sole exhibition for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions over the next 3 years, which will run from November 23-25 at COEX. Organized by the Korea Tourism Organization, the aim is to turn the expo into a major brand product for Seoul and Korea, with the goal of fostering

the creation of further MICE cities across the peninsula. Highlights of the expo will be the Seoul MICE Forum in which future meetings trends will be discussed, and the next IMEX-MPI-KME Future Leaders Forum. Approximately 2,000 people are expected to attend, including some 100 international buyers along with over 150 local buyers, with some 300 booths.

buses saw the light of day. Plans are also underway to build a new convention center by 2014 in the Seoul Station area, with a multipurpose cultural space totalling 55,000 m2.

Banpo Fountain Bridge

+ Architecture and renovation - In Seoul, modern, environmentally-sustainable buildings are designed to put the needs of people first while existing buildings go green, such as COEX and its ongoing efforts to use energy-efficient lighting, waste disposal and energy generation. + Restoration - Bringing back the natural world to the urban landscape, the Han River Renaissance Project and Seoul Forest testify to Seoul’s ongoing commitment to become a green metropolis. The Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project aimed to restore the city’s once-covered urban waterway to its former glory.

Opened in January 2010, Floating Island is the nation’s first truly floating artificial island complex, designed for entertainment, as well as international meetings and exhibitions. The island of Seonyudo stands reborn as a verdant public park that underscores the city’s aims of green space and industrial necessity standing in harmony. + Infrastructure - Travelling around has never been so easy - and pretty! - in Seoul as new subway lines, high-speed rail such as the KTX-II connecting Incheon International Airport with the city, ‘smart bus stops’ and compressed natural gas

Seoul is celebrating its designation through a variety of events clearly showcasing its hospitable abilities. From September 17 - October 7, the Seoul Design Fair highlighted past achievements and future trends in an array of fireworks and activities. Seoul Design Market offered a platform for international transactions, exploration of business partners, new design material, etc. Last but not least, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a major urban development project, will revitalize the Dong-

The G20 is the jewel in the Seoul meetings industry crown and set to become lasting evidence of its competitive hosting capabilities. The event, running from November 11-12th, will see approximately 35 heads of state attending

daemun area and create the focal point of the Asian design industry, set for completion in 2011.

VISIT KOREA YEAR 2010-2012 The least we can say is that Seoul likes to think big. The largest tourism campaign the nation has seen in over a decade, ‘Visit Korea 2010-2012’ is centered around Seoul in 2010 and promotes Korean culture under the theme of ‘design, green tourism and Korean cuisine’.

A multitude of events have taken or will take place to celebrate the city’s unique vibrancy.

For instance, the very best of Korean cuisine was showcased to the world during the Seoul Gourmet 2010 food festival. The colorful event was an eclectic mix of Korean and international cuisine for the enjoyment of all.

Other festivals include the annual Seoul Grand Sale, which aims to promote the Korean capital as a shopping mecca with significant discounts on a wide range of goods. The most recent Grand Sale ran from July 21 to September 12, offering shoppers discounts of up to 60 percent at over 5,000 businesses in 20 categories. In addition, the Seoul Lantern Festival brings together locals and international visitors each November in the spirit of peaceful cooperation amidst a backdrop of multicolored night lights.

Han River

> M E E T I N G FAC I L I T I ES

When history meets modernity

MEETING VENUES IT’S OBVIOUS FROM THE MANY MODERN AND PRIME MEETING VENUES ALONE WHY SEOUL WAS APPOINTED ‘WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL 2010’ AND WHY IT’S THE #2 ASIAN INTERNATIONAL MEETING CITY FOR ASSOCIATIONS. HERE ALONE ARE JUST THE TOP CONFERENCE LOCATIONS. COEX

CONVENTIONS & EXHIBITIONS

SETEC

Seoul Partner’s House

COEX (Convention Exhibition) Center is an expanding complex of exhibition halls for large conventions and trade shows. Located next to the Korea World Trade Center, the main hall can accommodate almost a dozen different exhibitions at any time. With its 437, 221 m2, 51 conference rooms and 4 exhibition halls, 2 luxury hotels, a casino, multiplex cinema and over 100 restaurants, it’s the ideal place for any large event.

Seoul Trade Exhibition & Convention Center (SETEC) offers 34,600 m2 of floor space overall, with 15,630 m2 of adjustable floor space for exhibitions and conventions, 4 meeting rooms and 3 exhibition halls. It is equipped with various subsidiary facilities that make it possible to diversify space utilization for different types of exhibitions, fairs, conferences and other types of events.

TOP 5 UNIQUE VENUES

1.

Fradia

Samcheonggak

National Museum of Korea

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A former government residence, Seoul Partner’s House is a meetings venue for small and medium companies. It has an event hall that can seat 100 attendees, a seminar room capable of holding up to 20 persons, and a seminar lounge able to seat 10. Also included are a business center, a rooftop garden, a restaurant and 9 guest rooms with all the facilities a business tourist would expect, including high-speed internet.

2.

Yeong Bin Gwan

Fradia is a floating cultural and artistic space that offers a 40-seat area that can be used for such events as presentations, meetings, brand promotions, small banquets and press conferences. It also has extensive audiovisual and presentation

systems suitable for any event. The stage and seating can be arranged freely, offering planners a wide variety of options. Adding to Fradia’s attraction is its location right on the water.

3.

The National Museum of Korea is the nation’s greatest repository of its long history and cultural heritage. The current incarnation of the museum occupies brand-new headquarters completed in 2005 with capacity not only for 6,000 years of history, but a multitude of event halls suitable for a variety of purposes, including special exhibition halls, auditoriums, lecture rooms and a performance stage.

4.

Samcheonggak, or ‘The Pavilion of the Three Purities’, was created as a special entertainment venue for high-ranking government officials. Today, it is open to the public and contains a performance hall, a restaurant, a teahouse, guest accommodations and a number of assembly halls, including an international conference hall.

Located in the lush green forest of Mt. Bukaksan, Samcheonggak is close to major Seoul attractions.

5.

Yeong Bin Gwan, or ‘State Guest House’, is the jewel in the crown of super deluxe business hotels, the Shilla.

Built in 1967 by the Seoul government to house and entertain international state visitors, it is now the Shilla’s banquet hall complex. The three halls are capable of seating 100-250 guests at a time and the building is surrounded by lush grounds, making garden parties possible.

> ACCOMMODATION

Take your pick

SEOUL’S BUSINESS HOTELS SEOUL HAS NUMEROUS SUPER-DELUXE CONVENTION HOTELS IN CONVENIENT LOCATIONS CAPABLE OF HANDLING EVENTS AND CONFERENCES OF VARYING SIZES. THE FOLLOWING SELECTION IS ALSO VARIED: IT INCLUDES INTERNATIONAL HOTEL BRANDS AND KOREAN HOTELS, BUT IN EVERY CASE YOU CAN DEPEND ON QUALITY AND MEETING ORIENTED SERVICE.

CENTRALLY LOCATED Naturally, several hotels can be found in the city center, offering attendees the possibility to visit the many delights of Seoul, right outside the hotel’s meeting rooms.

The Westin Chosun Hotel is one of the top 100 hotels in the world, according to the respected finance publication Institutional Investor and ‘the best hotel in Seoul’ according to ASIA Money. The hotel has in total 453 rooms and has long proved itself to be top in the areas of excellence and convenience. In the past, it has hosted major events for Merck, Toyota, and the IISS. Centrally located, the Lotte Hotel Seoul is a super-deluxe hotel boasting a grand total of 975 guest rooms and 15 meeting halls designed to suit a variety of needs. It guarantees elegance, quality and top service with a long track record of excellence.

The super-deluxe Shilla Hotel has successfully hosted many state visits and major conferences in its decade of operation. Its 462 guest rooms and 13 meeting rooms ensure it can handle all events great and small.

‘CONVENTIONALLY’ LOCATED Those attending conferences at COEX will be delighted with the choice of hotel accommodation nearby. The Park Hyatt is conveniently situated across from COEX at the center of the city’s financial and business district, Gangnam. The facilities of the 24-story, 5-star luxury hotel include a business center and six meeting rooms with high-speed Internet access and wireless LAN.

Westin Chosun Hotel

Crystal Ballroom - Lotte Hotel

The JW Marriot, located in the heart of the Gangnam district, near COEX, has 497 rooms and suites equipped with state-ofthe-art technology, as well as nine meeting rooms including a Grand Ballroom for largescale events.

As the name implies, the COEX Intercontinental Seoul is conveniently located next to COEX, one of the city’s major convention centers, as well as the World Trade Center casino. Guests have all the entertainment facilities of COEX at their disposal as well as a City Air Terminal to make international travel all the more convenient. The hotel provides 652 guest rooms and 11 meeting rooms.

The Shilla Seoul

Last but not least, the Millennium Hilton lets its guests make conferences more recreational. Just a short ride from central Seoul at the foot of Namsan Mountain, it features nearly 700 recently-renovated rooms. Its deluxe facilities include a business center and numerous recreational facilities.

Grand Hyatt Seoul JW Marriott

Grand Intercontinental Seoul

Park Hyatt

Millennium Seoul Hilton

Well-placed nearby Seoul’s major commercial and shopping districts, the Grand Hyatt makes getting about the city easy. With its 601 guest rooms and 9 meeting rooms, it is well-catered for business events.

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> HIGHLIGHTS

Gyeongbokgung

Leeum

Namsan Hanok Village

N Seoul Tower

Plenty to do, plenty to see

TOP ATTRACTIONS SEOUL’S OFFICIAL NAME IS ‘SEOUL SPECIAL CITY’, A FACT WITH WHICH YOU’RE IMMEDIATELY CONFRONTED WHEN VISITING THE SPRAWLING METROPOLIS BEFORE AND AFTER A CONFERENCE: THERE ARE PLENTY OF HISTORICAL, CULTURAL AND TOURISTIC SITES TO VISIT AND SIGHTS TO SEE.

For a complete overview of the city, you should visit N Seoul Tower high atop Mt. Namsan in Central Seoul. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the city below that can be enjoyed from the comfort of 4 observation decks and 2 revolving restaurants. Visitors can access the tower via a spectacular cable car ride over the city, while those in search of exercise can hike their way up through the Namsan forest.

Gyeongbokgung or ‘The Palace Of Shining Happiness’ (established 1394) is the city’s largest royal palace replete with ancient buildings, and relics. Like many of Seoul’s palaces, Gyeongbokgung is also used for Korea’s many popular historical dramas, and an authentic changing of the guard ceremony is regularly enacted for visitors, its performers fully-clothed in the traditional costumes of

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the time. Nearby, the National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum brings the history of Seoul to life through a variety of informative exhibits.

Cheongwadae (The Blue House) is the site of the presidential residence and home to many historic venues. The building was used until 1993, when a replacement was constructed and the older one demolished. The guided tour requires registration at least 10 days in advance and runs for about one hour and 30 minutes. The tour is composed of seven sites, including the presidential residence, Nokjiwon Garden, the state guesthouse, the old site of Gyeongmudae, and others.

The Namsan Hanok Village of traditional Korean houses (hanok) showcases 5,000 years

Gwanghwamun Square

of history. There are a wide range of venues located in the village, including a traditional garden, famous houses and mansions, a museum displaying the history of Korean society, a traditional music hall, and a time capsule prepared in 1994 meant to be opened in 2394.

There are various performances; interactive activities and various everyday traditional rituals; also, classes that are available throughout the day on a monthly basis. Namsan Hanok Village provides an opportunity to view and experience a range of cultural and traditional activities in an area meticulously preserved for optimal historical fidelity.

The new Leeum Permanent Exhibition of Modern & Contemporary Art is divided into three buildings, with the first showcasing traditional Korean works of art dating back to the Three Kingdoms period, while the second houses modern artwork produced by both Koreans and foreigners, and the third, the Samsung Child Education & Culture Center, attempts to bring art to the next generation of future leaders. The design of each building actively contributes to Seoul’s ongoing efforts to show why it was designated ‘World Design Capital 2010’. In addition to the standing exhibits, visitors can also engage in hands-on activities, such as developing graphic art and drawing.

> SERVICES

A wealth of services

SEOUL CONVENTION BUREAU view to COEX

THE SEOUL CONVENTION BUREAU IS YOUR FIRST STOP ALONG THE PATH TO THE SUCCESSFUL HOSTING OF AN EVENT IN THE KOREAN CAPITAL. YOU’LL BE SURPRISED AT JUST HOW MUCH HELP ITS DEDICATED TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS CAN OFFER.

BIDDING SUPPORT

SUPPORT PACKAGES

When bidding for an association conference, the Seoul Convention Bureau can provide all kinds of administrative, organizational or financial support; they can help you in all bidding activities from site inspections to proposal preparation (including information and data gathering), and can even get a letter of recommendation or video message from the CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization to support the bid!

Different financial support packages are offered for non-profit international conferences or profit-driven corporate meetings, depending on the number of overseas participants, length of stay and number of meetings scheduled.

PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT In terms of promotion, the Seoul Convention Bureau offers financial support for mail abroad and information and advice on convention hosting. To increase the visibility of your event, they can provide a promotion booth, as well as promotional film material demonstrating the assets of Seoul city as a congress destination or just a close and friendly collaboration should you choose to produce your own promotional film.

EXPERT SUPPLIERS The SCB has a database of all graduates of the Seoul Convention Academy, Seoul Convention Bureau Volunteer Team and those of 19 convention-related departments of 11 Seoul colleges that they can access to provide a highly-trained pool of volunteers for the smooth running of your event. Volunteers are top students chosen from 19 conventionrelated departments from 11 universities in Seoul Convention Academy graduates.

The convention bureau holds a database of highly-trained volunteers together with many other industry service suppliers.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT EVENT & MEETING OPERATIONS SUPPORT During the event itself, the Seoul Convention Bureau will make sure you get the best service possible. In addition to the possibility of having a banquet hosted by the mayor of Seoul himself, financial support is offered for publications and the hiring of conference venues and tours. The SCB will also secure qualified, bilingual volunteers to help at your event, while assisting you in the production of a tourism brochure you may want to distribute to your participants.

Complimentary advertising at Incheon International Airport is also an option.

This includes airport welcoming services and transport arranged upon request, as well as familiarization tours for event organizers, media and travel agents to help acclimatize business tourists with Korea.

Namsan Cable Car

When bidding for an association conference, the Seoul Convention Bureau can provide all kinds of administrative, organizational or financial support

CONTACT Seoul Convention Bureau / Seoul Tourism Organization Katie Kim T: 82-2-3788-0853 katie@seoulwelcome.com www.miceseoul.com

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My Story, Seoul Welcome to Korea with a Seoul smile.

After many years working as a foreign correspondent and a UN official, I have returned to South Korea and its capital Seoul, my hometown. What I have found is a city that has been transformed into a proud world-class metropolis. Today, as the chief executive of the Seoul Tourism Organization, my responsibility is to showcase Seoul globally.

Less explored than other Asian capitals, Seoul startles even veteran travelers. What’s intriguing is the city's blend of history derived from the country’s long line of Kings, Queens and deep Buddhist traditions. What has arisen today is a mega-city of 10 million that stands at the pinnacle of modern technology. You need but experience Seoul’s ultra-efficient Incheon International Airport, a public transportation system that goes everywhere, top-of-the-line luxury hotels, service with a smile, exquisite dining, 24-hour shopping, classical music performances of the highest order and cutting-edge modern art and entertainment. And that’s just a taste of the discoveries that await.

One example of Seoul’s growing international acclaim is its designation as the World Design Capital 2010, given for the city’s progress in revitalizing the urban landscape. Moreover, the city is at the forefront of South Korea’s current national tourism campaign Visit Korea Year 2010-2012. Topping that, Seoul will welcome global leaders to the city for the fifth G20 Summit in November 2010.

At any time, a fresh, fascinating and friendly place to enjoy, Seoul will be the place to be in 2010.

I look forward to welcoming you as well!

G20 Seoul summit

World Design Capital Seoul 2010

Visit Seoul 2010

Korea Mice Expo 2010

Samuel Koo Seoul Tourism Organization & Seoul Convention Bureau President & CEO

Seoul Metropolitan Government, Tourism Promotion Division www.miceseoul.com/www.visitseoul.net Contact Us : Seoul Tourism Organization TEL 82-2-3788-0821~4, FAX 82-2-3788-0899 Email mice@seoulwelcome.com