seoul convetion bureau

Seoul Ranks 6th for Hosting International Conferences – 4th in the Medical Sector

Seoul Achieves Its Highest-Ever Ranking as a Global MICE Hub

Seoul has once again demonstrated its capabilities as a world-class MICE city by ranking 6th globally out of more than 1,500 cities in terms of the number of international conferences hosted. This represents a four-spot improvement from the previous year and marks the city's highest ranking since records began in 2005. Within the Asia-Pacific region, Seoul ranks second, behind only Singapore.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization (CEO, Kil Ki-yon) announced that, according to the 2024 international meetings market analysis released by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) on Tuesday, May 20 (local time in the Netherlands), Seoul hosted a total of 124 international conferences last year — an increase of 21 compared to 2023.

The ICCA, headquartered in Amsterdam, is the world’s largest organization for international meetings and annually releases a global ranking based on the number of international conferences held in cities worldwide. This year’s top cities are as follows:

▲1st – Vienna, Austria (154 conferences)

▲2nd – Lisbon, Portugal (153)

▲3rd – Singapore (144)

▲4th – Barcelona, Spain (142)

▲5th – Prague, Czech Republic (131)

▲6th – Seoul, South Korea (124)

Seoul also ranked 4th globally in the medical sector, further solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for international medical conferences. This achievement reflects the city's growing healthcare industry and international recognition in the field.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has been actively fostering the growth of the MICE industry. This year, the city plans to invest KRW 9.5 billion (approximately USD 7 million) to position itself as a forward-looking, innovative global MICE city.

Efforts to expand infrastructure are also underway. By 2031, Seoul plans to establish a large-scale MICE cluster centered around the Jamsil Sports Complex and the northern area of Seoul Station.

In addition, MICE hubs are being developed in three major regions:

▲The central area (Seoul Station, Namsan, and Gwanghwamun)

▲The southeastern area (Jamsil to COEX)

▲The southwestern area, including the newly opened Magok Convention Center (opened in November 2023)

Seoul’s reputation as a global MICE city is further affirmed by its numerous accolades. It has been named 'Best MICE City' for ten consecutive years by Global Traveler, a leading U.S. business travel magazine, earning a place in its prestigious Hall of Fame. Additionally, Seoul ranked 1st in the 'Best Leisure Destination in Asia' category in the magazine’s 2025 Leisure Lifestyle Awards.

Kil Ki-yon, CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization, stated, “This milestone represents Seoul’s highest-ever ranking as an international conference city. The 4th-place global ranking in the medical sector, in particular, highlights the city’s recognized expertise in healthcare. We will continue to enhance our global competitiveness by leveraging Seoul’s unique and differentiated MICE assets.”

Gu Jong-won, Director-General of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Tourism and Sports Bureau, added, “Seoul has achieved this significant result in the global MICE market, which is growing at an annual average of 8.9%. We will build on this momentum to enhance the city’s global competitiveness, expand support for Korea’s MICE industry, and promote Seoul as a top-tier host city to the world.”