- The largest global gathering of Korean entrepreneurs, welcoming 3,000 participants from 64 countries -

- Held in Songdo Convensia after eight years and first annual session in Incheon since launch of the Overseas Koreans Agency -

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it was officially selected as the host city for the 24th World Korean Business Convention in 2026, organized by the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA).

The decision was finalized on Apr. 17 (local time) during the steering committee meeting for the 23rd convention this year held in Atlanta, Georgia.

As the premier global economic networking event for Korean entrepreneurs, the World Korean Business Convention welcomes 3,000 participants from 64 countries, including overseas Korean business leaders and domestic business owners. The event plays a pivotal role in supporting the global expansion of Korean SMEs and facilitating international business collaboration.

With this latest success, Incheon will host the convention for the third time, following its two hostings in 2009 and 2018, marking a return to Songdo Convensia after eight years. This achievement holds particular significance as it is the first time the convention is held in Incheon after the launch of the OKA in June 2023.

The city’s successful bid is the result of Incheon’s strategic campaign, including the hosting proposal highlighting the city’s strengths, such as business, investment, culture, and tourism, and the active promotion of the advanced MICE infrastructure in the Incheon Songdo International Conference Complex Zone (ICCZ). The convention also owes its success to the city’s diverse efforts, which include delivering Incheon’s will to host the event to leading overseas Korean business associations.

The 2026 convention is set to take place over three days in April or October, with the detailed schedule to be confirmed in consultation with the OKA. Major facilities, including the main venue and surrounding hotels, have already been pre-booked.

As the host city, Incheon will lead key areas such as the official welcoming banquet, transportation and logistics for participants, volunteer coordination, and event promotion. The city also plans to implement a region-tailored management strategy and develop large-scale programs and follow-up projects in line with the convention to focus all efforts on bringing success to the event. According to The Incheon Institute, the event is expected to generate approximately ₩17.7 billion in local economic benefits.

Incheon Director-General of Foreign Affairs Kim Yeong-sin stated, “Incheon’s capabilities and appeal will be on full display for Korean entrepreneurs worldwide. Celebrating the ‘Overseas Koreans Incheon Exchange and Visit Year 2025–2026,’ we hope this convention will be a turning point for domestic businesses to enter overseas markets and expand their global cooperation opportunities, as well as reinvigorate the local economy.” He added, “Incheon will work closely with the Overseas Koreans Agency to ensure seamless operation from event planning to post-convention impact assessment.”

Incheon Director-General of Foreign Affairs Kim Yeong-sin explaining the significance of hosting the World Korean Business Convention during a Q&A session at the event’s steering committee.