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Hey! G-MICE Connected Subscribers,
Get ready for some thrilling news from Gyeonggi-do this July! Gyeonggi-do has just revealed 10 brand-new, incredibly unique venues that are perfect for hosting your next unforgettable MICE event. If you’re tired of the same old conference rooms and boring event spaces and you’re yearning to sprinkle a bit of magic and excitement into your events, then this is for you!
Hold on to your seats and get ready to discover these extraordinary new venues that will leave you and your guests spellbound!
In this issue:
GMICE Hot Topics: 10 spectacular new Gyeonggi-do's unique venue
GMICE Tips: MICE and Gyeonggi-do's unique venues
GMICE News: Uncover every hidden corner of the DMZ
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How to wow your guests
with an extraordinary venue?
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Imagine giving a presentation in front of the Egyptian Pyramids! How cool would it be to have a photo like that in your collection?
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Unique Venues are not your typical conference facilities, but amazing spaces where MICE events can happen with flair. These venues originally served different purposes but are bursting with local charm and character. This year, Gyeonggi-do has handpicked 10 incredible new unique venues for you!
After considering factors like unique location features, Gyeonggi's brand essence, management and marketing prowess, and engaging experiential programs, these <> have been carefully selected. Ready to get a sneak peek for your next spectacular event?
Don't wait to jump in and create your unforgettable experience now!
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1. Aegibong Peace Ecological Park [Gimpo City]
Discover the serene beauty and profound symbolism of Aegibong Peace Ecological Park, a unique gem located in a free zone jointly used by North and South Korea. This iconic spot not only represents peace and harmony but also offers breathtaking landscapes that will captivate your senses. Wander through the park and fully engage with its immersive, realistic video exhibitions.
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Step into history at 111CM! This unique venue was once a cigarette manufacturing plant, producing a staggering 110 billion cigarettes from 1971 to 2003, symbolizing the era of modernization. Now transformed into a multifaceted cultural facility, it offers versatile indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for performances, lectures, exhibitions, and screenings, providing a dynamic and engaging setting for all types of gatherings.
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3. Yeongheung Arboretum [Suwon City]
Discover the tranquil charm of Yeongheung Arboretum, nestled within the heartwarming embrace of the award-winning Yeongheung Forest Park. This urban sanctuary, honored with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award in the private sector at the 13th Korea Landscape Awards, showcases breathtaking natural beauty amidst the bustling city. The park beautifully weaves storytelling elements unique to Suwon, including a garden inspired by the deep filial piety of King Jeongjo. These enchanting features were pivotal in its selection, making it a perfect blend of nature, history, and heartfelt stories for your next event.
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4. BonDavinci Museum Sihwa [Siheung City]
Dive into the artistic wonderland of BonDavinci Museum Sihwa, a permanent media art exhibition hall on Turtle Island in Siheung! This venue dazzles with its unique storytelling art tours, creating an unforgettable and immersive exhibition experience. Treat yourself at the "Salon de Gogh" café, where you can savor the delightful bread and coffee that Van Gogh himself adored. And with its convenient location near Incheon Airport, getting here is a breeze.
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5. Pocheon Art Valley [Pocheon City]
Witness the incredible transformation of an abandoned quarry into the multifaceted cultural gem that is Pocheon Art Valley! A vast depression carved out by granite quarrying has now been transformed into the breathtaking Cheonju Lake, a pristine first-grade body of water. This remarkable site has evolved into a symbolic landmark, boasting a stunning media facade that captivates all who visit. The variety of attractions here is boundless, including an astronomy science museum and captivating sculpture exhibitions. This venue is also perfect for outdoor performances and festivals, offering endless entertainment possibilities. Get ready to be amazed by all that Pocheon Art Valley has to offer!
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6. First Garden [Paju City]
First Garden is a sprawling cultural center covering 52,893㎡ , offering an abundance of attractions and activities! It boasts 23 themed European and ecological gardens, along with playgrounds for children, ensuring there's something for everyone. The venue is perfect not only for grand outdoor banquets but also for small indoor gatherings, making it ideal for corporate events and small incentive meetings. With so much to see and do, First Garden promises an unforgettable experience for all your guests!
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7. Dongducheon Natural Recreation Forest [Dongducheon City]
Immerse yourself in the healing embrace of Dongducheon Natural Recreation Forest, a nature-friendly recreational complex specialized in the theme of 'healing.' Just looking at the pictures will make you feel rejuvenated! This place is absolutely amazing! With seminar rooms that can fit anywhere from 40 to 150 people and a Forest Recreation Center that can hold up to 120 people, it's perfect for incentive tours. But wait, there's more! Right next to the venue is a fantastic family theme park where you can dive into thrilling forest adventures no matter the season or weather. It's the ultimate spot for an exciting, lively, and unforgettable experience that participants will rave about!
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8. Agit Analog [Yangpyeong City]
Agit Analog is renowned for its luxurious and hip interiors, with each themed space offering a unique and vibrant charm. From the stunning purple tennis court that will thrill tennis lovers to the gallery-like building exteriors, this place is perfect for small events or corporate workshops. Imagine spending the entire day taking selfies in such a picturesque setting!
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9. Koo House [Yangpyeong City]
Can you believe a house has become an art museum? Koo House, built as both a home and a museum with a lifetime collection of art, was designed by Jo Min-seok, the architect who won the Golden Lion at the 2014 Venice Biennale. This unique building boasts an exterior as distinctive as its interior. Each year, it showcases various genres of contemporary art and design works in ten rooms named after living spaces like the living room, study, and lounge. Just imagining hosting a small seminar that values artistic taste in such a setting is enough to make anyone excited!
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10. E-Ham Campus [Yangpyeong City]
Welcome to E-Ham Campus, a multifaceted cultural space spread over 33,058㎡ of land! Featuring eight exposed concrete buildings and quaint gardens, this venue includes museums, cafes, and accommodations. The blend of cool concrete structures with warm natural surroundings creates a unique and inviting atmosphere. With its high potential for customization and expansion, this place is perfect for hosting special events. Imagine models walking between the concrete spaces – it's an ideal location for VIP brand events. Catering services are also available, making E-Ham Campus a must-visit for any unforgettable gathering!
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Wondering why Gyeonggi Province is putting the spotlight on unique venues and what value they bring? Discover the charm and benefits these special venues offer.
Get friendly advice from experts on how the selected Gyeonggi Unique Venues can boost their added value as MICE facilities. Let’s explore how these venues can shine even brighter in the MICE industry together!
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- The top must-visit destination for foreigners in Korea
- The world's only demilitarized zone tour
- A unique spot where you can see North Korea just an hour from Seoul
These are the phrases we often use to introduce the DMZ.
However, after recently taking the new OPEN DMZ Tour (Docent Tour) by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, we feel compelled to add another phrase:
"A treasure trove of rich stories that allows you to thoroughly understand Korea's modern history in just three hours."
But wait, there's more! For just 15,000 Korean won, you get the full docent tour experience, including a gondola ride. It's an unbeatable deal!
Get ready to be thrilled as we share our adventure on the OPEN DMZ Tour. Led by a specialized DMZ guide, we'll explore the restricted civilian control zone and uncover every hidden corner of the DMZ through captivating stories. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!
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Did you know there are three ways for the general public to cross the Civilian Control Line (CCL)?
Our guide began the briefing by emphasizing the unique and extraordinary opportunity to traverse the DMZ, an area steeped in heavy security and a somber atmosphere. It's an experience like no other!
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The first way is to walk alongside the barbed wire fences on the ecological trail. This 'walking' method lets us immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the DMZ, a path not many have the privilege to tread. We were excited to experience this unique journey, but unfortunately, due to security concerns, walking was not allowed that day.
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The second way is to take a gondola and 'fly through the sky.' Gliding above the Imjin River for 890 meters, the breathtaking aerial view is absolutely unparalleled. It's an extraordinary and thrilling experience that offers a completely unique perspective of the DMZ.
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The third way is to drive across the legendary Unification Bridge. Now, this isn’t just any ordinary bridge. Stretching over the Imjin River, it leads straight to the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom. This bridge is famous for more than just its structure. It played a pivotal role in inter-Korean talks and gained legendary status when Hyundai Group's founder, Chung Ju-yung, drove 1,001 cattle across it to North Korea as a gesture of goodwill. If you join the DMZ tour, which includes stops at the JSA and Dora Observatory, you’ll get special permission to cross this iconic bridge.
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Today, we are set to cross the Civilian Control Line by taking the gondola, but before that, there's a must-see spot we need to visit. It's an underground bunker that was actually used during the Korean War!
The BEAT 131 underground bunker is believed to have been a military facility used for ammunition storage during the Korean War. Nowadays, it houses a fascinating exhibit of military items from that era, including landmines, firearms, canteens, helmets, and radios. It's like stepping back in time to witness a piece of history up close.
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When you emerge from the confines of the underground bunker, you'll see a massive, abandoned steam locomotive. This train was destroyed by our allied forces at Jangdan Station during the Korean War to prevent it from falling into the hands of the North Korean army as our troops retreated from Seoul due to the Chinese army's invasion. Imagine the desperation of the situation 73 years ago—this steam locomotive, which once traveled between Seoul and Sinuiju, was riddled with 1,020 bullet holes by our forces. Isn't it a poignant reminder of the intense urgency and chaos of that time?
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Just a step away, there's another fascinating bridge that leads into the Civilian Control Zone, marked by a yellow line. It's the Imjingang Dokgae Bridge. This bridge was destroyed during the Korean War and left with only its piers standing. Now, a skywalk has been installed on the remains of the Gyeongui Line railroad bridge in front of Imjingak. They've even recreated the interior of the old Gyeongui Line train. If you look down, you can clearly see the bullet marks embedded in the piers.
And here's a historical and moving fact: the Gyeongui Line played a significant role in the journey of Son Ki-jeong, the marathon gold medalist at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. After arriving at Busan Port from Tokyo, he took a train from Busan to Sinuiju, passing through Harbin, Russia, and Poland, before finally reaching Berlin—a journey that took about two weeks. Isn't that incredible?
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Just a short walk away, you'll find the National Memorial Museum of the Korean War Abductees, where you can immerse yourself in Korea's painful history through the stories of our neighbors. On our tour, the children found this place the most fascinating and spent the most time here. They were captivated by the vivid tales of modern Korean history, brought to life through videos and photographs.
It is estimated that 100,000 civilians were abducted to North Korea during the war. The museum tells the heartbreaking stories of the families left behind and the harrowing lives of those taken as prisoners. These are stories that tug at the heartstrings and bring to light the human cost of war
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As we cross over on the gondola, the last stop on our tour comes into view: Camp Greaves. This isn't just any site; for over 50 years after the Korean War Armistice Agreement, it was occupied by U.S. forces. Following their departure, it was transformed into a unique tourist experience facility, rich with history and stories.
In the Grieves Gallery Exhibition Hall, we were captivated by copies of the Armistice Agreement signed by the UN, North Korea, and China. The original documents have never been publicly displayed, and these rare copies were obtained by Gyeonggi Province from Swiss archives. Isn't it incredible to witness such a special piece of history up close?
Oh, and if you’re an international visitor, we highly recommend spending a night at Camp Greaves Youth Hostel, the only place within the DMZ where you can stay overnight! While you're there, K-Drama fans of "Descendants of the Sun" can sign up for special experience programs at the actual filming location. Don’t miss this unique opportunity—make sure to book your stay and immerse yourself in this incredible experience!
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