South Korea's hosting of 2027 Technology Conference & Exhibition officially announced at WCO Council, expanding international cooperation in customs technology
The World Customs Organization's 2027 Technology Conference & Exhibition — a flagship event drawing customs authority representatives from all 187 WCO member states to discuss global customs policy and operational direction — will be held in Songdo, Incheon, in 2027.
The Korea Customs Service made the official announcement at the WCO Council session held in Brussels, Belgium, from June 25 to 27 (local time), formally declaring South Korea as the next host country and launching international promotional efforts.
The WCO Technology Conference & Exhibition is the organization's signature event and its largest international gathering in the technology field. It brings together customs authorities, international organizations, global companies and industry experts to discuss the latest technology trends and international standards in customs administration and share innovation case studies.
The most recent edition was held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in January, drawing 2,125 registered participants from 109 countries and operating more than 60 exhibition booths, cementing its status as the premier international event in the global customs technology field.
As the newly selected host country, South Korea plans to hold the three-day event at Songdo Convensia in Incheon from March 9 to 11, 2027.
The successful bid marks the first time South Korea has hosted the event since Seoul in 2008 — a gap of 19 years — and is expected to expand international cooperation in AI-based customs technology in line with the government's "Global AI Hub" strategy.
The achievement reflects close collaboration between the Korea Customs Service and the Korea Tourism Organization throughout the bidding process. The Korea Tourism Organization actively engaged with WCO headquarters through its London office and fully supported an inspection delegation's visit to South Korea in April, including tours of major MICE infrastructure.
The Korea Tourism Organization projects the event will draw customs officials, international organization representatives and global business figures to South Korea, generating an estimated economic impact of about 10.2 billion won ($6.61 million) across sectors including accommodation, transportation, tourism and exhibitions.
The two agencies plan to use the 2027 event to showcase South Korea's digital customs administration capabilities and innovation achievements to the world, strengthen cooperation with the international community, and further raise the country's profile as a destination for international conferences.
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
