The nation's capital has been named the world's best city for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) for the 10th straight year. (iclickart) *[Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the above photo is strictly prohibited under copyright laws and regulations.]

By Koh Hyunjeong

Seoul has been named the world's best city for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) for the 10th consecutive year.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Dec. 2 said the capital was named Best MICE City of 2024 by Global Traveler, a U.S.-based magazine covering world business travel.

MICE is a complex industry that goes beyond mere tourism, breaking down the barriers between business and travel and providing a global networking platform.

The city said systematic marketing at home and abroad was behind Seoul's top ranking, having taken part in MICE exhibitions and holding promotions abroad.

By 2031, the city plans to create MICE hubs in areas like Jamsil Sports Complex and the area north of Seoul Station to raise the number of exhibitions and fairs. It will also focus on hosting events on future strategic sectors such as bio, artificial intelligence and robotics. 

Kim Young Hwan, director-general of the city's Tourism and Sports Bureau, said, "Seoul has recently emerged as a global attention-grabbing hub thanks to K-pop and K-food, and is deemed an attractive host city for MICE."

hjkoh@korea.kr