GITNUXREPORT 2026

Seoul Event Industry Statistics

Seoul's diverse and growing event industry significantly boosts the local economy.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The Seoul event industry employed 156,000 direct workers in 2023.

Statistic 2

Event planning firms in Seoul numbered 4,200 with 45,000 staff in 2022.

Statistic 3

Venue operation jobs in Seoul events reached 28,500 in 2023.

Statistic 4

Freelance event staff in Seoul totaled 67,000 in peak seasons 2023.

Statistic 5

MICE sector created 12,300 new jobs in Seoul in 2023.

Statistic 6

Hotel staff dedicated to events in Seoul: 35,200 in 2023.

Statistic 7

Catering and F&B event workforce in Seoul: 22,400 in 2022.

Statistic 8

Technical crew for AV and lighting in Seoul events: 9,800 employed.

Statistic 9

Marketing and PR roles in Seoul events industry: 7,500 in 2023.

Statistic 10

Transportation staff for events in Seoul: 14,200 drivers and logistics.

Statistic 11

Security personnel for Seoul events averaged 18,000 per year.

Statistic 12

Interpreters and translators for intl events in Seoul: 4,200 certified.

Statistic 13

Ticketing and box office staff: 3,900 in major Seoul venues.

Statistic 14

Cleanup and maintenance post-event workers: 11,500 in Seoul.

Statistic 15

COEX employs 2,500 full-time for events operations.

Statistic 16

KINTEX workforce stands at 1,800 direct employees for events.

Statistic 17

Seoul hosted 1,247 international conferences in 2023, generating KRW 1.8 trillion.

Statistic 18

Over 450 exhibitions were held in Seoul in 2023, attracting 12 million visitors.

Statistic 19

Seoul saw 2,300 corporate incentive tours in 2022.

Statistic 20

1,850 music concerts took place in Seoul venues in 2023.

Statistic 21

620 sports events occurred in Seoul stadiums in 2023.

Statistic 22

Seoul festivals numbered 1,420 in 2023, including 250 major ones.

Statistic 23

950 weddings and social events were tracked in major Seoul venues in 2022.

Statistic 24

780 trade shows focused on tech in Seoul in 2023.

Statistic 25

1,100 cultural performances hosted in Seoul theaters in 2023.

Statistic 26

420 e-sports tournaments held in Seoul in 2023.

Statistic 27

2,150 public events including markets in Seoul parks in 2022.

Statistic 28

560 medical and pharma congresses in Seoul in 2023.

Statistic 29

890 fashion and beauty events staged in Seoul in 2023.

Statistic 30

1,340 food and beverage festivals and expos in Seoul 2023.

Statistic 31

720 automotive and mobility shows in Seoul venues 2023.

Statistic 32

Seoul Jazz Festival economic impact: KRW 450 billion in 2023.

Statistic 33

1,500+ pop-up events in Seoul shopping districts 2023.

Statistic 34

650 gaming and animation expos in Seoul 2023.

Statistic 35

Seoul has 1,250 event venues including 450 convention centers.

Statistic 36

COEX covers 99,000 sqm exhibition space in Seoul.

Statistic 37

KINTEX provides 134,000 sqm of indoor space near Seoul.

Statistic 38

KSPO Dome seats 15,000 for concerts and events in Seoul.

Statistic 39

Jamsil Indoor Stadium has capacity for 11,000 event attendees.

Statistic 40

Seoul Arts Center hosts 20 theaters with 5,000+ seats total.

Statistic 41

Olympic Park has 10 venues totaling 100,000 sqm event space.

Statistic 42

Lotte World Adventure venue space for events: 50,000 sqm.

Statistic 43

High-speed internet coverage in 95% of Seoul event venues.

Statistic 44

320 hotels with MICE facilities in Seoul, 150,000 rooms total.

Statistic 45

Subway connectivity to major venues covers 98% of events.

Statistic 46

Sustainability certifications held by 65 Seoul event venues.

Statistic 47

Projected new venue additions: 5 convention centers by 2025.

Statistic 48

Event tech integration like VR in 40% of Seoul venues.

Statistic 49

Parking spaces at Seoul venues total 250,000 spots.

Statistic 50

In 2023, the Seoul event industry contributed approximately KRW 25.4 trillion to the local economy through direct and indirect spending.

Statistic 51

The MICE sector in Seoul grew by 12.5% year-over-year in 2022, reaching a market value of USD 18.7 billion.

Statistic 52

Seoul's convention and exhibition market size was valued at KRW 8.2 trillion in 2023, with projections to hit KRW 10.1 trillion by 2025.

Statistic 53

The total revenue from Seoul's performing arts events reached KRW 4.7 trillion in 2022.

Statistic 54

Seoul's event industry export value stood at USD 2.3 billion in 2023, primarily from international conferences.

Statistic 55

The festival segment of Seoul's events generated KRW 3.1 trillion in economic impact in 2023.

Statistic 56

Seoul's wedding and banquet event market was worth KRW 6.8 trillion in 2022.

Statistic 57

Corporate event spending in Seoul increased by 15.2% to KRW 5.4 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 58

The K-pop concert market in Seoul alone generated KRW 1.9 trillion in ticket sales in 2023.

Statistic 59

Seoul's sports event industry revenue hit KRW 7.2 trillion in 2022 post-COVID recovery.

Statistic 60

Inbound tourism events contributed USD 1.5 billion to Seoul's economy in 2023.

Statistic 61

The digital event platform market in Seoul grew to KRW 1.2 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 62

Seoul's cultural heritage events market size was KRW 2.8 trillion in 2022.

Statistic 63

Projected CAGR for Seoul events industry is 8.7% from 2024-2028.

Statistic 64

Total event-related investments in Seoul reached KRW 4.1 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 65

In 2023, Seoul's event industry is expected to grow to USD 20 billion by 2025.

Statistic 66

The exhibition segment alone was KRW 9.5 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 67

Performing arts revenue up 18% to KRW 5.5 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 68

Total attendance at Seoul events reached 45.2 million in 2023.

Statistic 69

COEX exhibition center saw 15.8 million visitors in 2023.

Statistic 70

KINTEX in Goyang near Seoul hosted 8.4 million attendees in 2023.

Statistic 71

Seoul Olympic Stadium concerts drew 2.1 million fans in 2023.

Statistic 72

Jamsil Arena events attracted 1.9 million in 2022.

Statistic 73

International conference delegates in Seoul totaled 350,000 in 2023.

Statistic 74

Domestic event-goers in Seoul numbered 32.7 million in 2023.

Statistic 75

Festival crowds in Seoul averaged 1.2 million per major event in 2023.

Statistic 76

KCON Seoul 2023 had 150,000 attendees over 3 days.

Statistic 77

Seoul International Auto Show drew 450,000 visitors in 2023.

Statistic 78

Tech conferences like CES Asia affiliate in Seoul had 120,000 attendees.

Statistic 79

Sports events at Seoul World Cup Stadium saw 1.5 million in 2023.

Statistic 80

Wedding expos in Seoul attracted 300,000 visitors annually.

Statistic 81

E-sports World Cup in Seoul had 250,000 live attendees in 2023.

Statistic 82

Cultural festivals like Hanbok event drew 800,000 in 2023.

Statistic 83

Food expos in COEX had 1.1 million visitors in 2023.

Statistic 84

Music festivals like Waterbomb Seoul attracted 500,000 in 2023.

Statistic 85

Fashion weeks in Seoul saw 180,000 attendees in 2023 seasons.

Sources
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Beyond the neon lights and K-pop beats, Seoul's event industry is a powerhouse fueling its economy, generating a staggering KRW 25.4 trillion in 2023 alone.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2023, the Seoul event industry contributed approximately KRW 25.4 trillion to the local economy through direct and indirect spending.
  • The MICE sector in Seoul grew by 12.5% year-over-year in 2022, reaching a market value of USD 18.7 billion.
  • Seoul's convention and exhibition market size was valued at KRW 8.2 trillion in 2023, with projections to hit KRW 10.1 trillion by 2025.
  • Seoul hosted 1,247 international conferences in 2023, generating KRW 1.8 trillion.
  • Over 450 exhibitions were held in Seoul in 2023, attracting 12 million visitors.
  • Seoul saw 2,300 corporate incentive tours in 2022.
  • Total attendance at Seoul events reached 45.2 million in 2023.
  • COEX exhibition center saw 15.8 million visitors in 2023.
  • KINTEX in Goyang near Seoul hosted 8.4 million attendees in 2023.
  • The Seoul event industry employed 156,000 direct workers in 2023.
  • Event planning firms in Seoul numbered 4,200 with 45,000 staff in 2022.
  • Venue operation jobs in Seoul events reached 28,500 in 2023.
  • Seoul has 1,250 event venues including 450 convention centers.
  • COEX covers 99,000 sqm exhibition space in Seoul.
  • KINTEX provides 134,000 sqm of indoor space near Seoul.

Seoul's diverse and growing event industry significantly boosts the local economy.

Employment and Workforce

  • The Seoul event industry employed 156,000 direct workers in 2023.
  • Event planning firms in Seoul numbered 4,200 with 45,000 staff in 2022.
  • Venue operation jobs in Seoul events reached 28,500 in 2023.
  • Freelance event staff in Seoul totaled 67,000 in peak seasons 2023.
  • MICE sector created 12,300 new jobs in Seoul in 2023.
  • Hotel staff dedicated to events in Seoul: 35,200 in 2023.
  • Catering and F&B event workforce in Seoul: 22,400 in 2022.
  • Technical crew for AV and lighting in Seoul events: 9,800 employed.
  • Marketing and PR roles in Seoul events industry: 7,500 in 2023.
  • Transportation staff for events in Seoul: 14,200 drivers and logistics.
  • Security personnel for Seoul events averaged 18,000 per year.
  • Interpreters and translators for intl events in Seoul: 4,200 certified.
  • Ticketing and box office staff: 3,900 in major Seoul venues.
  • Cleanup and maintenance post-event workers: 11,500 in Seoul.
  • COEX employs 2,500 full-time for events operations.
  • KINTEX workforce stands at 1,800 direct employees for events.

Employment and Workforce Interpretation

This snapshot of Seoul’s event ecosystem reveals a city that doesn't just host gatherings but operates a sprawling, 156,000-person-strong machinery of logistics, creativity, and hospitality, ensuring every microphone is live, every name tag is straight, and every coffee break is precisely on schedule.

Event Types and Numbers

  • Seoul hosted 1,247 international conferences in 2023, generating KRW 1.8 trillion.
  • Over 450 exhibitions were held in Seoul in 2023, attracting 12 million visitors.
  • Seoul saw 2,300 corporate incentive tours in 2022.
  • 1,850 music concerts took place in Seoul venues in 2023.
  • 620 sports events occurred in Seoul stadiums in 2023.
  • Seoul festivals numbered 1,420 in 2023, including 250 major ones.
  • 950 weddings and social events were tracked in major Seoul venues in 2022.
  • 780 trade shows focused on tech in Seoul in 2023.
  • 1,100 cultural performances hosted in Seoul theaters in 2023.
  • 420 e-sports tournaments held in Seoul in 2023.
  • 2,150 public events including markets in Seoul parks in 2022.
  • 560 medical and pharma congresses in Seoul in 2023.
  • 890 fashion and beauty events staged in Seoul in 2023.
  • 1,340 food and beverage festivals and expos in Seoul 2023.
  • 720 automotive and mobility shows in Seoul venues 2023.
  • Seoul Jazz Festival economic impact: KRW 450 billion in 2023.
  • 1,500+ pop-up events in Seoul shopping districts 2023.
  • 650 gaming and animation expos in Seoul 2023.

Event Types and Numbers Interpretation

Seoul's event industry is a hyper-efficient economic engine disguised as one endless, spectacularly diverse party that somehow still finds time to talk business, cure diseases, and host a wedding.

Infrastructure and Venues

  • Seoul has 1,250 event venues including 450 convention centers.
  • COEX covers 99,000 sqm exhibition space in Seoul.
  • KINTEX provides 134,000 sqm of indoor space near Seoul.
  • KSPO Dome seats 15,000 for concerts and events in Seoul.
  • Jamsil Indoor Stadium has capacity for 11,000 event attendees.
  • Seoul Arts Center hosts 20 theaters with 5,000+ seats total.
  • Olympic Park has 10 venues totaling 100,000 sqm event space.
  • Lotte World Adventure venue space for events: 50,000 sqm.
  • High-speed internet coverage in 95% of Seoul event venues.
  • 320 hotels with MICE facilities in Seoul, 150,000 rooms total.
  • Subway connectivity to major venues covers 98% of events.
  • Sustainability certifications held by 65 Seoul event venues.
  • Projected new venue additions: 5 convention centers by 2025.
  • Event tech integration like VR in 40% of Seoul venues.
  • Parking spaces at Seoul venues total 250,000 spots.

Infrastructure and Venues Interpretation

Seoul's event ecosystem is a meticulously crafted behemoth, boasting over a thousand venues where you can host anything from a massive convention with room to spare to a stadium concert with every attendee online, all while knowing you'll probably get there by subway, park your car, and likely never notice the sustainable, tech-savvy machinery humming perfectly behind the scenes.

Market Size and Growth

  • In 2023, the Seoul event industry contributed approximately KRW 25.4 trillion to the local economy through direct and indirect spending.
  • The MICE sector in Seoul grew by 12.5% year-over-year in 2022, reaching a market value of USD 18.7 billion.
  • Seoul's convention and exhibition market size was valued at KRW 8.2 trillion in 2023, with projections to hit KRW 10.1 trillion by 2025.
  • The total revenue from Seoul's performing arts events reached KRW 4.7 trillion in 2022.
  • Seoul's event industry export value stood at USD 2.3 billion in 2023, primarily from international conferences.
  • The festival segment of Seoul's events generated KRW 3.1 trillion in economic impact in 2023.
  • Seoul's wedding and banquet event market was worth KRW 6.8 trillion in 2022.
  • Corporate event spending in Seoul increased by 15.2% to KRW 5.4 trillion in 2023.
  • The K-pop concert market in Seoul alone generated KRW 1.9 trillion in ticket sales in 2023.
  • Seoul's sports event industry revenue hit KRW 7.2 trillion in 2022 post-COVID recovery.
  • Inbound tourism events contributed USD 1.5 billion to Seoul's economy in 2023.
  • The digital event platform market in Seoul grew to KRW 1.2 trillion in 2023.
  • Seoul's cultural heritage events market size was KRW 2.8 trillion in 2022.
  • Projected CAGR for Seoul events industry is 8.7% from 2024-2028.
  • Total event-related investments in Seoul reached KRW 4.1 trillion in 2023.
  • In 2023, Seoul's event industry is expected to grow to USD 20 billion by 2025.
  • The exhibition segment alone was KRW 9.5 trillion in 2023.
  • Performing arts revenue up 18% to KRW 5.5 trillion in 2023.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

Seoul's event industry isn't just throwing parties—it's building an economic empire, one meticulously planned K-pop concert, corporate gala, and international convention at a time.

Visitor and Attendance Statistics

  • Total attendance at Seoul events reached 45.2 million in 2023.
  • COEX exhibition center saw 15.8 million visitors in 2023.
  • KINTEX in Goyang near Seoul hosted 8.4 million attendees in 2023.
  • Seoul Olympic Stadium concerts drew 2.1 million fans in 2023.
  • Jamsil Arena events attracted 1.9 million in 2022.
  • International conference delegates in Seoul totaled 350,000 in 2023.
  • Domestic event-goers in Seoul numbered 32.7 million in 2023.
  • Festival crowds in Seoul averaged 1.2 million per major event in 2023.
  • KCON Seoul 2023 had 150,000 attendees over 3 days.
  • Seoul International Auto Show drew 450,000 visitors in 2023.
  • Tech conferences like CES Asia affiliate in Seoul had 120,000 attendees.
  • Sports events at Seoul World Cup Stadium saw 1.5 million in 2023.
  • Wedding expos in Seoul attracted 300,000 visitors annually.
  • E-sports World Cup in Seoul had 250,000 live attendees in 2023.
  • Cultural festivals like Hanbok event drew 800,000 in 2023.
  • Food expos in COEX had 1.1 million visitors in 2023.
  • Music festivals like Waterbomb Seoul attracted 500,000 in 2023.
  • Fashion weeks in Seoul saw 180,000 attendees in 2023 seasons.

Visitor and Attendance Statistics Interpretation

Seoul’s event industry is clearly in a committed relationship with its citizens, as last year’s collective RSVP of over 45 million people essentially amounted to the entire city saying, “Yes, we’ll be there, now where’s the food, fashion, and K-pop?”

Sources & References

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