The government will foster at least five national and regional flagship exhibitions comparable to CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in the United States by 2030. It plans to strategically develop large-scale exhibitions that combine industry with culture and tourism, turning them into business platforms that support export expansion.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced the “Exhibition Industry Development Roadmap 2030” containing these measures at the Economic Ministers’ Meeting on the 14th.

The government will pursue four key strategies and 12 policy tasks: △ fostering national flagship global exhibitions △ fostering regionally specialized hub exhibitions △ expanding overseas presence of the K-exhibition industry △ strengthening the competitiveness base of the exhibition industry.

● Fostering national flagship global exhibitions and regionally specialized exhibitions

First, it will promote “K Connect AI” to nurture large-scale exhibitions that will represent Korea in advanced industries. Exhibitions in five advanced sectors—electronics, semiconductors, and robots, among others—will be linked under the theme of “AI” and held sequentially over about one month.

K-culture will be incorporated into consumer goods exhibitions such as food and cosmetics. Cultural and tourism programs such as culinary experiences, K-pop performances, and local festivals will be connected. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will focus on attracting buyers, relevant ministries will support participation by outstanding companies, and local governments will be responsible for linking festivals and providing transport and convenience support, establishing a pan-government cooperation framework.

Regional flagship exhibitions will also be fostered based on the “5 Poles 3 Special Zones” framework, which divides the country into five large-scale regions and three special self-governing provinces. Examples presented include shipbuilding and offshore in Busan, robots and mobility in Daegu, energy in Gwangju, and bio and cosmetics in Osong. The government plans to select four to five flagship exhibitions in each region early next year and provide phased support.

The government has expanded the exhibition industry support budget from KRW 7.0 billion this year to KRW 11.7 billion in next year’s government proposal.

● Expanding overseas presence and boosting utilization of regional exhibition centers

The overseas expansion of the K-exhibition industry will be broadened, focusing on strategic markets with high growth potential such as India, the Middle East, and Central Asia. To extend overseas exhibitions, which have been centered on consumer goods and the Southeast Asian market, to other product categories and regions, the government will support market research, establishment of local offices, and joint public-private brand entries.

The base of the regional exhibition industry will also be strengthened. From 2028, the government plans to designate “Exhibition Industry Development Zones” in regions with exhibition centers of at least 5,000㎡, supporting infrastructure upgrades and designating free outdoor advertising zones. Among 11 exhibition centers outside the capital area last year, 7 recorded utilization rates below 50%.

An “Exhibition Industry Development Committee” will also be formed with participation from central and local governments and the private sector. The government will promote amendments to the Exhibition Industry Development Act to expand the function of exhibitions from a focus on trade transactions to industrial innovation platforms, and will support exhibition organizers’ adoption of AI solutions, operation of eco-friendly exhibition facilities, and internship programs linked to recruitment.

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