An Event Planner's Guide To South Korea

Broadsword’s Project Coordinator, Christine, had the opportunity to visit South Korea to take part in a familiarisation trip. She shares the best places for events delegates to visit and meet across the vibrant cities of Seoul, Busan, Andong, and Icheon.

Thanks to the Korea Tourism Organisation, Christine had the opportunity to explore the culture in South Korea with highlights including renting Hanbok (simply meaning Korean clothes), watching traditional dance and music performances at the National Gugak Centre, riding on moon boats on Nakdong River, and visiting unique event spaces …

Andong is set along the Nakdong River, providing the opportunity to experience moon boats along with traditional performances.

Andong’s traditonal Hahoe Folk Village is a valuable part of Korean culture because it preserves Joseon period-style architecture, folk traditions, valuable books, and an old tradition of clan-based villages. It is listed by the South Korean government with UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Busan is a busy port city in South Korea known for its beaches and mountains. One of the top eco-friendly destinations is the Haeundae Blueline Park spanning a picturesque 4.8 kilometers from Haeundae Mipo to Songjeong along the coast which you can journey across by beach train or sky capsule.

Christine visited SIGNIEL Busan, a 260-room luxury hotel located in the LCT Tower, a landmark in Haeundae. As the second hotel from SIGNIEL (following their launch in Seoul) SIGNIEL BUSAN provides fantastic ocean views, an infinity pool, an activity garden, and a grand ballroom for up to 900 guests.

To take in 360-views of South Korea’s capital city, head to the Seoul Sky Observatory. Located at the top of the Lotte World Tower, it’s the world’s fifth tallest building standing 123 stories and 555 meters high.

HiKR Ground is a four storey venue is an interactive centre with a K‑pop museum as well as media installations and exhibitions — it’s name a nod to its ability to act as a playground for visitors.

Located in the heart of Seoul, Novotel Ambassador Seoul Yongsan is in a great location for business travel — connected to Yongsan Station and only ten minutes from the financial centre.

In Icheon, Christine visited MADE LIM Café – a church with 120 years of heritage, reimagined as a modern venue. Within it’s main hall is an indoor forest in reflection of the venue’s philosophy as a forest of culture, along with experiential exhibition spaces, and a performance hall.

Also on the itinerary was Inspire Resort, a 5‑star hotel made up of three towers with 1,275 rooms. Inside is a dividable 2,579 square meters ballroom with 7.4m high ceilings for up to 3,000 guests along with eight meeting rooms.

Also on offer is a multi-purpose indoor water park under a glass dome, available for exclusive poolside events.