One of the most wired places on Earth, and with the third-strongest economy in Asia, South Korea is a destination where business gets done by day and the country's famous food and sights spice up your group's free time.
On the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, South Korea, or more officially, the Republic of Korea, has four main regions: high mountains in the east, rolling hills and a coastal plain in the west, more mountains and valleys in the southwest, and a relatively flat southeastern section.
Because of shared American and Korean history--including close business ties--English is widely spoken here. And, in part because it's the 10th-largest economy in the world, the country is no stranger to hosting group events ranging from exclusive incentives to citywide conventions.
Seoul is a study in modernism that meets Korea's unique brand of Asian charm. Seoul is without a doubt the capital of business, as well as being the political capital.
Nearby Incheon International Airport is less than a decade old and is well served by Korean Air, the national carrier. Korean Air flies from 11 major cities across the U.S. and Canada to Incheon. Business travelers who are then going elsewhere in Asia will be cheered to know that Incheon--one of the nicest, easiest-to-navigate airports going--is frequently the layover point for a slew of other Asian destinations.
Seoul's convention center, the COEX (www.coex.co.kr/eng), is called “the hub of Korea” and is located in the Korean World Trade Center Complex. COEX has a convention hall that accommodates 7,000 people, 61 conference rooms and the latest in high-tech features.
The Korean World Trade Center Complex is also home to two InterContinental Hotels, a shopping mall, a serviced residence hotel for longer-term visitors, and even a "City Air Terminal," where you can get bus transfers to Incheon and Gimpo airports. Depending on your airline, you can check-in and go through expedited immigration procedures right there--it's like having an air terminal right next to your convention facilities.
For a rundown on Seoul's many tourist attractions, see our "Korea: Top Sites" sidebar.
Other cities of interest in Korea include meetings-friendly Daegu--a must-see for Korean War history buffs--and Busan, Korea's second-biggest city, biggest port and home to a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene.
Nature lovers will be happy to know that there are a number of scenic national parks here, many of which show off the country's rugged mountains. Seoraksan National Park is the most famous--the Seoraksan Mountains break through the clouds and the green valleys below are perfect for hikers who prefer to avoid the high peaks.
Bird-watching and island expeditions abound in Korea, and for a truly memorable daytrip, consider a DMZ tour in which attendees get up close and personal with the border between North and South Korea.
Most people who have never visited the country primarily know Korea through its food, and the cuisine will not disappoint. Kim chi is the most famous export, but Korean barbeque (here's it's just "barbeque") and the country’s hearty stews will leave your attendees with a smile on their face.
No matter what your meeting and free time entails, doing business in Korea is truly a pleasure.
