News

Before presenting the detailed translations, here is a summary of key news from Korea: Today's headlines feature major exhibition and convention events happening across Korea, including the Seoul Coffee Expo opening today, Samsung Welstory's F&B Biz Festa, the upcoming Seoul Mobility Show, and preparations for the APEC meetings in Jeju. There's also significant news about regional MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) development with several cities being designated as preliminary international conference districts.

Exhibition and Trade Show News

Poke All Day to Participate in First Franchise Exhibition, Offering Up to 20 Million Won in Franchisee Support

Link: https://www.enetnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=36399

Premium poke franchise 'Poke All Day' will participate in the 2025 IFS Franchise and Industry Exhibition at COEX from April 10 to 12. The company plans to showcase their brand and offer attractive franchising packages that emphasize franchisee profit protection along with financial incentives of up to 20 million won for new franchisees.

Largest First-Half Coffee Industry Exhibition 'Coffee Expo Seoul 2025' Opens Today

Link: http://www.econonews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=381846

The '2025 Seoul Coffee Expo,' organized by COEX and the Korea Coffee Association, opens today. This exhibition is considered the largest coffee industry event in the first half of the year, bringing together key players in the coffee industry. The expo follows last year's successful 2024 Seoul Coffee Expo which saw significant participation from both domestic and international coffee businesses.

Samsung Welstory Hosts Korea's Largest B2B Food & Beverage Exhibition 'F&B Biz Festa'

Link: https://www.getnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=814362

Samsung Welstory announced that it will host '2025 F&B Biz Festa,' Korea's largest B2B food and beverage exhibition, for three days from April 2 to 4 at the aT Center in Yangjae-dong, Seoul. The event aims to showcase innovative food solutions and create business networking opportunities in the food industry sector, bringing together suppliers, buyers, and industry professionals.

The Moim Company to Participate in '2025 Seoul Mobility Show'

Link: https://news.ifm.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=414055

The Moim Company will participate in the '2025 Seoul Mobility Show' to be held at KINTEX Exhibition Center 1 in Ilsan from April 3 to 13. The company plans to showcase new automotive digital environments and innovative solutions that enhance the car user experience in the digital age. The Seoul Mobility Show is one of Korea's premier automotive technology exhibitions.

International Certification and Government Initiatives

Goyang International Flower Exhibition Obtains 'International Certified Exhibition+' Status

Link: https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/021/0002700259?sid=102

Goyang City announced that the 2025 Goyang International Flower Exhibition has been certified as an 'International Certified Exhibition+' by the Korea Exhibition Industry Association under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The flower exhibition has also been selected for the 2025 domestic exhibition hosting support program, enhancing its status as a globally recognized event.

Ministry of Culture Selects Four Cities as 'Preliminary International Conference Districts'

Link: https://www.newspim.com/news/view/20250402000055

Kim Geun-ho, Tourism Industry Policy Director at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, announced that Gunsan, Yeosu, Ulsan, and Wonju have been selected as 'Preliminary International Conference Districts.' This initiative aims to establish international conference infrastructure that leverages each region's unique characteristics, helping Korea to continuously strengthen its position in the global MICE market. The designation is expected to stimulate regional economies and enhance Korea's competitiveness in attracting international events.

International Business and Events

KOTRA to Host Webinar Analyzing China's Economic and Technology Policies

Link: https://www.tfmedia.co.kr/news/article.html?no=183797

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced that it will host a webinar titled "Understanding China's Economic, Industrial, and Scientific Technology Policy Trends Through the 2025 Two Sessions" on April 3. This webinar aims to provide Korean businesses with insights into China's latest policy directions and opportunities for bilateral trade cooperation.

Thorough Preparations for APEC Jeju Meeting as Full Response System Activated

Link: http://www.samdailbo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=244236

The APEC Second Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM2) and Ministerial Meetings on Trade, Education, and Human Resources will be held at the Jeju International Convention Center (ICC JEJU) from May 3 to 16. Local authorities have activated a comprehensive response system to ensure successful hosting of these high-profile international events. Preparations include security measures, transportation logistics, cultural experiences for delegates, and medical support systems.

[Conclusion]

Korea continues to strengthen its position in the global MICE industry through various exhibitions, trade shows, and international conferences. Government initiatives to support regional conference infrastructure development and the certification of international exhibitions demonstrate Korea's strategic approach to growing this sector. Meanwhile, major corporations and industry associations are actively organizing events that showcase Korean innovation and create business opportunities across multiple industries.