Jeju, as popularized by Korean television series and travel documentaries, conjures up images of a honeymoon destination, summer escapade and seaside resorts. However, this island, located at the south-most tip of the Korea peninsular, is just as beautiful in winter. It offers different sceneries and experiences for the visitors. For MICE organizers, Jeju in winter is less crowded with general tourists, making it easier to book special venues for functions.

Jeju is well equipped in terms of MICE facilities. The Jeju International Convention Centre can host events for up to 4,300 delegates, while major hotels such as Lotte Hotel and Jeju Grand Hotel, etc. can cater to MICE groups of up to 1,300. These are supported by other mid-size hotels and boutique hotels located either at the convenient Jeju-Si city in the north or at spectacular seafront Jungmun area in the south of the island.

The Jeju Tourism Organization (JTO) plays an active role in enhancing the island as a MICE destination. However, Jeju is after all one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and a UNESCO Natural Heritage site, so nature is still the key attraction for visitors, be it for MICE or for leisure. As a volcanic island, it has many amazing natural lava formations, rocky terrains, caves, craters and mountains. For example, the Jungmun Daepo Columnar-jointed lava site looks as though some higher being had shot hundreds of giant ‘pencil lead’ into the sea, while the Yongmeori Tuff Ring is a natural coastal sculpture masterpiece, and the volcanic formation Seong Ilchulbong stands out from the sea like a majestic medieval fortress. At the center of the island is the grand Mt Halla which rises 1,950m above sea level, with its great crater lake. These scenic routes are perfect for ‘amazing race’-styled team-building exercises, and are also great for pre or post conference tours. Visiting these sites in winter is cooler and more relaxing, and of course less crowded than the summer peak months.

But more can be done for Jeju in terms of MICE infrastructure and logistics. While limiting the number of direct flights to Jeju to protect its natural heritage is understandable, flight connections through Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, should be improved. Currently, most foreign visitors arriving at Incheon need to take a one-hour bus transfer to Gimpo Airport before boarding a connecting flight to Jeju. Also, facilities near the natural heritage sites should have better convention-class F&B outlets and larger function venues with good viewing decks. At the moment, at most of the nature attractions, there are only small eateries that cater to the general tourists. Nevertheless smaller MICE groups with less logistic requirements should still consider Jeju as their next meeting venue.

For more information, please visit: http://www.ijto.or.kr/english/