Due to the remodeling of Coex, some exhibition halls will be closed starting in the second half of next year, prompting 28 exhibitions to relocate to other venues in the metropolitan area. The government and the exhibition industry are working to secure alternative spaces while also providing cost support and easing rental conditions.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on August 11 that it signed a "cooperation agreement for the exhibition industry’s coexistence due to Coex remodeling" with industry stakeholders at the SETEC Convention Center in Seoul.
Coex is set to undergo remodeling in conjunction with the construction of the Gangnam Complex Transfer Center in Seoul. The construction is scheduled to take place from July 2027 to December 2028, during which operations in Hall A and Hall C will be suspended.
Concerns have been raised about potential disruptions to the schedules of major exhibitions that are typically held at Coex, as half of the exhibition halls will be unavailable for 18 months.
In response, the Ministry has formed a "Task Force for the Coexistence of the Exhibition Industry" since April, involving major exhibition organizers, the Korea International Trade Association, and Coex to communicate closely about the remodeling plans and the allocation of alternative exhibition spaces.
As a result, the 28 exhibitions requiring alternative spaces next year will be held at the SETEC Convention Center, Coex Magok, aT Center, KINTEX, and Songdo Convensia.
Additional measures will be implemented to reduce space shortages. The Korea International Trade Association and Coex are exploring the use of nearby cinemas and hotel banquet halls as exhibition and meeting spaces. The exemption time for preparation and dismantling of exhibitions will also be extended from 10 hours to 15 hours to lessen the burden on organizers.
Other venues are also stepping up to accommodate events that cannot be held at Coex. SETEC, KINTEX, and the Incheon Tourism Organization will support the rental of spaces for exhibitions in need of alternative locations.
Support will also be provided for additional costs incurred from relocating events. The Korea Exhibition Industry Promotion Association plans to utilize domestic exhibition support programs to assist with promotional and transportation costs. Organizers unable to find alternative venues will receive assistance in connecting with other exhibition spaces.
This agreement involves seven organizations, including the Korea Exhibition Organizers Association, the Korea Exhibition Industry Promotion Association, the Korea International Trade Association, Coex, SETEC Convention Center, KINTEX, and the Incheon Tourism Organization.
The government aims to link the dispersion of exhibition demand due to the Coex remodeling with the revitalization of the regional exhibition industry. It plans to encourage exhibitions concentrated in the metropolitan area to move to regional venues and promote the development of regional exhibitions in connection with the "Five Extremes and Three Special Growth Engines" initiative starting next year.
Kim Gam-chan, Director of the Trade and Investment Bureau at the Ministry, stated, "This agreement marks the starting point for overcoming potential disruptions to exhibitions caused by the Coex remodeling in collaboration with the industry. We will actively foster regional exhibitions to enhance the global competitiveness of the domestic exhibition industry."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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