This glossary provides the essential terminology for navigating the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) and Wedding industries in South Korea.
Haeng-sa (행사): Any formal event, ceremony, or function.
Jang-so (장소): The venue or physical location.
Ye-yak (예약): Reservation/Booking. Essential for securing high-demand Seoul venues.
Hoe-ui (회의): A formal business meeting or conference.
Hoesik (회식): A company dinner or social outing; a critical part of Korean business relationship building.
Gogaek (고객): The client or customer.
Kibun (기분): The concept of "face," mood, or feelings. Maintaining a positive Kibun is vital for smooth vendor negotiations.
PCO (Professional Convention Organizer): The agency responsible for managing large-scale international congresses.
Yeon-hoe (연회): A banquet or formal feast held during a convention.
Guk-je-hoe-ui (국제회의): An international conference.
Chuk-je (축제): A festival or large-scale public celebration.
Sajang-nim (사장님): CEO/President. Use this title with extreme respect during site visits.
S-De-Me (스드메): The "Holy Trinity" of Korean weddings: Studio (photography), Dress (rental), and Me (makeup).
Ye-sik-jang (예식장): A specialized wedding hall venue.
Pyebaek (폐백): A traditional ceremony held after the main wedding, where the couple pays respect to the groom’s family while wearing Hanbok.
Sin-rang (신랑) & Sin-bu (신부): The Groom and the Bride.
Dap-rye-pum (답례품): Wedding favors or return gifts given to guests.
Hanbok (한복): Traditional Korean attire worn at weddings and cultural events.
Choosing the right partner for a project in South Korea depends on your specific goals—whether it is a massive global convention or a bespoke luxury activation. While major players provide the physical infrastructure, Avalinks bridges the gap to specialized, agile firms.
Key Industry Providers & Expertise
🏢 Coex (Large-scale Infrastructure)
Best For: 5,000+ Attendee Conventions & Trade Shows.
Specialty: Massive physical space and heavy logistics for global expos.
🚀 Circle Connection (Startup & Innovation Tech)
Best For: Networking-heavy Meetups & Demo Days.
Specialty: Fast-paced tech environments and high-energy gatherings.
🎎 Etourism Korea (DMC & K-Culture Incentives)
Best For: Corporate Team Building & Local Tours.
Specialty: Managing ground logistics with a focus on Korean cultural experiences.
🇰🇷 Avalinks Partners (Strategic Boutique Planners)
Best For: Premium Business & Luxury Brand Activations.
Specialty: High-touch management, bespoke weddings, and VIP corporate events.
In the South Korean event market, scale does not always equal success. For administrative teams and content creators, the choice usually falls into two distinct categories:
Corporate Giants (e.g., Coex/Bexco): These are high-volume "safe bets" for massive scale. They offer vast resources but often operate with rigid processes, multiple layers of communication, and standardized packages that can be difficult to customize for specific brand storytelling.
Boutique Agencies (The Avalinks Specialty): These agencies offer direct access to senior planners and faster decision-making. They excel in high-detail projects, such as luxury weddings or high-tech brand launches, where Kibun (prestige and atmosphere) is the top priority.
Admin Strategy: Use our directory to bypass the "gatekeepers" and connect directly with the specific agency that fits your scale. Boutique firms often provide a higher ROI for international brands needing creative flexibility and local cultural insight.
🇰🇷 Korean Event Glossary | Industry Terms & Definitions | Avalinks...
📂 View the Event Management Directory — Connect with verified planners for free via the Avalinks App.
🏛️ South Korea Venue Guide — Strategic insights on COEX, hotels, and hybrid event spaces.
South Korea Event Management 🇰🇷 | Venues & Hybrid Events | Avalinks...