About 2,000 scientists from 50 countries expected; direct and indirect economic impact estimated at 5 billion won
Goyang, a special-status city in Gyeonggi Province, has secured the bid to host a major international academic conference drawing scientists from 50 countries, further cementing its reputation as a global convention destination.
According to the city, Goyang was officially selected as the host city for the 2029 Annual Meeting of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution (SMBE).
The society announced the decision on Tuesday, marking the first time in the conference's more than 30-year history that it will be held in South Korea. About 2,000 scientists and researchers from 50 countries are expected to attend, with foreign participants projected to account for 80 to 90 percent of the total.
The influx of overseas visitors is expected to boost demand at local hotels, restaurants and shops. The direct and indirect economic impact on the region is estimated at around 5 billion won ($3.74 million).
The successful bid drew on Goyang's strengths: the world-class convention facilities at Kintex, convenient transport links, and a wealth of tourism and cultural attractions. The convention bureau of the Goyang International Exhibition Foundation identified the opportunity early and partnered with the Korean Society for Evolutionary Biology to propose Goyang as the host city. The bureau then arranged a site visit to Kintex for conference organizers and provided support in preparing the bid documents.
The proposal also highlighted programs offering participants a taste of Korean culture — including K-pop and Korean food — along with distinctive local venues, emphasizing that attendees could enjoy a range of cultural and tourism experiences alongside the academic program.
Goyang plans to strengthen ties with local businesses in accommodation, dining and tourism to ensure the conference generates broader economic benefits for the city. It also intends to step up efforts to attract more international conferences and exhibitions centered on Kintex, and to create an environment where domestic and foreign visitors spend more time and money in the city so that the economic gains from international events spread throughout the community.
"Being selected as the first venue in South Korea for a world-class international academic conference is a meaningful achievement that demonstrates our competitiveness as a convention city," Goyang Mayor Min Kyung-sun said. "We will leverage Goyang's strengths — including Kintex and the GTX-A rail line — to attract more international events and ensure the benefits translate into a more vibrant local economy that residents can feel."
The convention bureau plans to work with the Korean Society for Evolutionary Biology to begin international promotional activities for the 2029 Goyang conference starting at the 2027 SMBE meeting in Quebec, Canada, and will continue preparations to ensure a successful event.
pjh@heraldcorp.com
