Korea’s seasonal attractions range from cherry blossom vistas in spring and outdoor activities at beaches and parks during summer, to autumn sojourns in national parks and skiing, shopping in underground malls and visiting bathhouses in winter.
“Our aim is to make Korea a go-to destination for international conventions, corporate meetings and incentive travel. Our team is committed to supporting organisers every step of the way to ensure the event’s success,” said KTO’s Sydney director, Hyeongjoon Kim.
KTO’s MICE market research showed the Australian and New Zealand market is most interested in unique venues, five-star accommodation, team-building activities and what Korea offers compared with other destinations.
Accessibility is also important in destination choice. Currently, five airlines operate direct services between Australia and South Korea – Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Qantas, Jetstar and T’way Air.
Korean Air and Asiana fly daily from Sydney to Seoul while Jetstar, Qantas and T’way Air operate three to four flights weekly.
From Brisbane, Korean Air will increase frequency from thrice-weekly to daily in late October, while Jetstar flies three times a week to Seoul. Asiana offers seasonal, four times-weekly flights from Melbourne.
From New Zealand, Korean Air’s thrice-weekly Auckland-Seoul frequency will become daily from late October, while Air New Zealand will resume thrice-weekly flights.
Targeted Korean cities for Australasian business events groups are Seoul, Daejeon, Gyeongju, Gangwon and Busan.
KTO’s pre-event support to business event planners considering Korea includes inspection tours comprising flights, land tours, event venue inspections and meetings arranged for qualifying events.
KTO has a strong partnership with MICE tour program operators and supports organisers with free cultural tours.
“These experiences are designed to add a special touch to business events. We also have a program to support the cost of these unique experiences,” said Kim.
Upcoming MICE promotions include the Korea MICE Expo in Incheon from November 6 to 8, comprising a conference, exhibition, business meetings and networking events for more than 3,500 participants.
KTO Sydney, which has participated in the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) since 2020, will be in Melbourne again for AIME 2025 in February.
