Visitors can enjoy both first-rate MICE infrastructure and a diverse marine experiences in Busan (Photo: Ahalya Suresh/Unsplash)
As part of its vigorous marketing efforts that it held during the month of June to promote Busan as a city where visitors can enjoy both first-rate MICE infrastructure and a diverse marine experiences, the Busan Tourism Organisation has selected ‘Best Bleisure City Busan,’ as the new slogan to represent the MICE city.
Located at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, the coastal city of Busan features diverse elements ranging from a world-class MICE infrastructure to mountains, rivers, and the sea, making it an optimal location to enjoy both business and pleasure. As a result, the number of bleisure and workcation visitors is on the rise in the city.
In particular, Haevenue, an international conference complex located in Haeundae-gu, is a place where one can enjoy all the merits of Busan. It is also the perfect place to attend a large-scale international event, while enjoying the diverse attractions and tourist sites the maritime city has to offer.
World’s Only Global Bleisure MICE Complex
Located in a concentrated area with numerous international conference facilities and tourism resources, Haevenue was specially designated by the Korean government in 2020 to foster the country’s MICE industry. As the optimal district for bleisure activities, the international conference complex not only features the famous Haeundae beach, but also offers facilities such as Bexco, Busan Cinema Centre, 5-star hotels, and shopping malls.
By hosting international events on diverse scales, Busan’s convention centre, Bexco, has grown to become Asia’s premier exhibition and convention hub, says a press release. Now that the pandemic is finally receding, numerous large-scale events are being held or scheduled consecutively, such as the 2022 Busan International Motor Show (July 15-24) and the 74th World Foundry Congress (October 16-20), both of which are taking place for the first time in four years, adds the press release.
The statement adds that aside from Haevenue, the Busan Cinema Centre is another famous visual and cultural complex that has been the venue for countless international events and performances, including the opening ceremony of the Busan International Film Festival, Asia’s most prestigious cinema event. It has also hosted the welcome banquet for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference and an annual meeting of the African Development Bank.
Lined with luxury hotel chains including The Westin Josun, Paradise Hotel, Grand Josun, and Park Hyatt, Haeundae Beach, an urban and popular beach in the city is the perfect destination for leisure activities and relaxation. In addition to these, there are also large-scale shopping and cultural facilities nearby such as Shinsegae Department Store and Lotte Department Store, allowing for easy and enjoyable shopping excursions.
Special Maritime Experience in the MICE City of Busan
A popular activity for the bleisure visitors in the city is the yacht experience available at The Bay 101. Holding a seminar on board, with Busan’s glistening sea as the background, will surely be a memorable event. Visitors can also try kayaking and riding ‘dragon boats’ for free on the Suyeong River.
In addition to its shallow waters along with perfect waves and wind for surfing, Songjeong is considered as a surfing mecca. Several surfing companies are currently operating at Songjeong Beach, making it easier to receive systematic and professional training.
Lastly, at the Gwangalli Beach which is another famous beach in Busan, one can try the ‘Gwangalli SUP’ experience, which involves practicing yoga by the sea during the day in full view of Gwangan Bridge and then watching the sunset on a paddle boat at night.
The press statement adds that currently, Busan offers diverse forms of support such as general maintenance expenses, venue rentals, souvenirs, and tour programmes for companies that are interested in hosting corporate meetings and incentive trips in the area, says the press release.
