Seoul emerges as world’s third-busiest conference hub

Artists perform on a stage set up for the Seoul Friendship Festival 2025 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, May 24. Newsis

Seoul has risen to third in the Union of International Associations’ annual ranking of cities hosting international meetings, reinforcing its status as a leading global destination for conferences and events.

According to the 66th edition of the International Meetings Statistics Report, released last week, Seoul moved up one spot in the 2024 rankings compared to the previous year. The Korean capital now sits just behind Brussels (388 meetings) and Vienna (239), having hosted 180 international meetings. Among Asian cities, Seoul leads the pack, outpacing Tokyo (148), Dubai (109), Kuala Lumpur (71) and Bangkok (65).

Seoul Metropolitan Government officials attributed the city’s success to persistent efforts to position Seoul as an ideal host for global conferences, including financial and administrative support for event organizers. The city government said it tried to help facilities host 329 meetings in 2024 ― a notable increase from 299 in 2023.

Looking ahead, city officials pledged to continue their support to enhance Seoul’s image as a premier destination for international events. Special emphasis will be placed on attracting meetings focused on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence. Additionally, plans are underway to develop new event venues.

“This achievement in the international meeting city rankings once again proves that Seoul is a leading city in the global MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) market,” said Gu Jong-won, director-general at the tourism and sports bureau of the city government. “To establish Seoul as a city that leads trends in the changing MICE industry environment, we will continue to spare no effort in providing timely policy support.”