Why Seoul?    Yunah Lee, Deputy Chief of MICE Planning Team at Seoul Convention Bureau       Did you know that...   + Seoul now ranks in 4th place worldwide for the number of international congresses it held the previous year according to the UIA’s 2013 International Meetings Statistics Report, with 242 meetings recorded?   + Seoul also currently ranks 9th in ICCA’s 2013 Country and City Rankings statistics report with 125 meetings, representing a 25% increase over the previous year and a rise of 8 places on the ranking table?   + As a result, Seoul held 2.3% of all international congresses in 2013 by UIA standards, and 1.07% of the total according to ICCA criteria?     Where to meet?   Seoul’s main convention centers are the aT Center, Coex, and SETEC, all located in or near the Gangnam district. The city is also home to a variety of unique meeting venues, the most recent of which includes the newly-opened Dongdaemun Design Plaza with a total floor space of 86,574m² and the Hangang River-based Floating Island complex, offering a total building space of 9,995m².     Where to stay?   In over 204 hotels and 30,820 rooms: + 5-star hotels with 18,107 rooms, including JW Marriott, Millennium Seoul Hilton, The Westin Chosun Seoul, Grand Hilton, Sheraton Seoul, and Park Hyatt Seoul + 4-star hotels with 5,221 rooms, including Ibis Ambassador and Best Westin New Seoul Hotel + 3-star hotels with 1,390 rooms, including New Hilltop Hotel and Hotel Dynasty   How to get there?   Seoul is served by two international airports. Incheon International Airport, winner of the ACI’s “Best Airport Asia-Pacific” and “Best Airport by Size (25-40 million passengers), making arrivals in Seoul a breeze thanks to efficient service and providing every facility you could possibly want in an airport.   From there, congress attendees can easily reach their event venue or hotel via high-speed rail, airport ‘limousine’ bus services, and taxis staffed by English-speaking drivers (or free interpretation service). It is located just 30 miles from Seoul, while Gimpo International Airport is just 40 minutes away.   Commuting throughout Seoul itself is also easy, thanks to a modern 18-line subway system, (including 9 urban rail lines in Seoul) that connects every corner of the city and has signage, maps, and announcements in English, as well as a smart, extensive bus system.     Any special services/assistance for associations?   + The Seoul Convention Bureau (SCB) will personally assist association organizers conduct site inspections of recommended meeting venues, accommodation options, and other places relevant to the event.   + Get your Seoul-based congress promoted on Incheon International Airport’s large digital display screens at the arrivals terminal completely free.   + The SCB will also help with the creation of promotional materials for your event and issue attendees our complimentary Seoul Welcome Kit, which includes a Business Traveler’s Guide to Seoul, a coupon book for local businesses, and more!     Whom to contact in Seoul?   Ms. Yunah Lee, Deputy Chief of MICE Planning Team at Seoul Convention Bureau, Phone: +82-2-3788-0865     The Seoul Convention Bureau (SCB), a division of the Seoul Tourism Organization, is the official government-sponsored body representing and promoting the city overseas as a prime venue for meetings, conventions and exhibitions. The SCB is in charge of international marketing and public relations for Seoul as a convention city. For more information on Seoul’s meetings industry and the new venues mentioned above, please visit the official Seoul Convention Bureau website. w w w. miceseoul. com