Politics · South Korea · 1 hr ago
South Korea plans five major exhibitions by 2030, boosts regional funding
South Korea plans to develop at least five major exhibitions by 2030 as part of a new government roadmap for the exhibition industry.
The plan aims to link events with advanced manufacturing and Korean culture, and to support exhibitions outside the capital region.
Funding for regional events will rise to 11.7 billion won next year, up from 7 billion won this year.
The push comes as regional venues struggle to attract events: seven of the 11 outside the capital had occupancy rates below 50% last year.
Low use reflects gaps in transport, accommodation and distinctive content, according to the government.
The government also plans to bring several technology exhibitions together under an artificial intelligence theme when a new exhibition hall at KINTEX is completed in November 2028.
It aims to increase combined industry-and-culture exhibitions from 5% to 20% by 2030, but whether the plans improve regional venue use and exhibition competitiveness remains uncertain.
South Korea plans to develop at least five major national and regional exhibitions by 2030.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced the plan on October 14 as part of its Exhibition Industry Development Roadmap 2030.
Funding for regional exhibitions is set to rise from 7 billion won this year to 11.7 billion won next year.
The plan links exhibitions with advanced manufacturing, K-culture, and regional tourism and cultural programs.
Low use of regional exhibition centers remains a challenge, with seven of 11 centers outside the capital region operating below 50% capacity last year.
- Who
- South Korea’s government, led on this policy by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
- What
- It plans to develop at least five major national and regional exhibitions by 2030 and increase funding for regional events.
- When
- The roadmap was announced on October 14, 2026, with increased regional support planned from next year.
- Where
- Across South Korea, including regional exhibition centers outside the capital region.
- Why
- The government aims to strengthen the exhibition industry, support exports and industrial innovation, and bring activity to regional economies.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
South Korea enacted the Exhibition Industry Development Act.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced the Exhibition Industry Development Roadmap 2030.
The government plans to increase regional exhibition support funding to 11.7 billion won and select regional flagship exhibitions for focused support.
The third exhibition hall at KINTEX is scheduled for completion.
The government aims to develop at least five major exhibitions and raise the share of large-scale industry-and-culture exhibitions from 5% to 20%.
- Exhibition target
- At least five national and regional flagship exhibitions by 2030
- Regional funding
- 11.7 billion won next year, up from 7 billion won this year
- Regional venues
- 7 of 11 venues outside the capital region had utilization below 50% last year
- KINTEX expansion
- Third exhibition hall scheduled for completion in November 2028
- Hybrid exhibitions
- Planned share to rise from 5% to 20% by 2030
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What people are saying
The exhibition industry is a key high-value-added industry that drives export growth and industrial innovation for our companies and brings vitality to regional economies
We will work together with the government, local authorities and the exhibition industry so that the exhibition industry can rise as a global business platform befitting the era of $1 trillion in exports