Coex, Korea’s leading exhibition organizer and venue, has announced the appointment of Jo Sang Hyeon as its 20th CEO. His appointment was announced during a board meeting, chaired by Yoon Jin-sik, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), and the general shareholders’ meeting held on the 26th. Mr. Jo, formerly the Director of KITA’s International Trade and Commerce Research Institute, will serve as Coex’s CEO for a three-year term from March 2025 to March 2028.
Coex, Korea’s premier destination for conventions, exhibitions and events since 1979, is set for a new facade facelift to its exterior as well as indoor spaces. The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) announced on March 14 that the British architectural firm Heatherwick Studio won the international design competition for spearheading the project, which is planned for completion by 2029.
From December 4-6, Coex once again organized and hosted the annual Seoul International Sourcing Fair in Hall C. First held in 1991, the event is the only exhibition in Korea for consumer goods manufacturing and distribution. This year, the event featured over 400 booths from 350 participating companies specializing in different products, such as kitchenware and cleaning supplies, but also in beauty, skincare, body care, and much more.
Located in the Gangseo-gu district, Coex Magok Lewest is expected to bring new life to the MICE industry. The full-fledged convention center featuring a 7,352 sqm exhibition hall, 4-star hotel, and other meetings facilities has become the largest MICE complex in Seoul. With over 100 events already planned for 2025 and thanks to its convenient location just 15km away from Incheon Airport, it has quickly secured its spot as a new landmark for businesses and exhibitors in the city and globally.
From November 20-24, 2024, Hall A-D of the convention center transformed into a treasure trove of gourmet food items, baked goods, and all things delicious. With over 1,000 participating companies coming from all over the world, the event shone a light on everything new within the industry, from premium food products to innovative machines, proving itself once again as a must-see exhibit for all.
As the largest franchise-related event in the country, Coex annually hosts the IFS both in the spring and fall, allowing participants to discover and engage with hundreds of new brands and businesses each year. With up to 50,000 prospective entrepreneurs participating annually and consulting services present on-site, the event is not just a showcase; it is also an incredible hub for networking, building connections, and gaining valuable tips regarding the F&B sector and much more.
Global art fairs Kiaf Seoul and Frieze Seoul returned to the halls of Coex from September 4 to 8, 2024 for their third collaboration in showcasing works of established and emerging artists from around the world. Kiaf, the country's longest-running international art fair since 2002 featured works of over 200 galleries from 22 countries while over 110 galleries and dealers participated in Frieze.
Global art fairs Kiaf Seoul and Frieze Seoul returned to the halls of Coex from September 4 to 8, 2024 for their third collaboration in showcasing works of established and emerging artists from around the world. Kiaf, the country's longest-running international art fair since 2002 featured works of over 200 galleries from 22 countries while over 110 galleries and dealers participated in Frieze.
Coex, the leading conversion and exhibition center in Korea, continually strives to meet the evolving demands of the events industry. Returning for the 23rd edition, the annual Character Licensing Fair at Coex from July 18-21, 2024 was the largest to date, featuring 724 booths from over 190 participating companies, a significant increase from just 576 booths in the previous year. This year, Coex implemented a new initiative that removed booth fees for participating companies and free admission for visitors. This move significantly lowered the financial barriers, attracting a record-breaking number of exhibitors and attendees.
Returning for the 12th edition, this year’s Korea Hotel Show featured a lineup of over 150 exhibitors across more than 400 booths, showcasing the latest trends, technologies, and solutions in the hotel and hospitality industry. The event attracted a diverse array of participants, including hoteliers, industry experts, and service providers, in search of new business solutions and networking opportunities.
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