At a recent MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry gathering, IMEX Frankfurt 2025, Travel and Tour World spoke with the spokeperson from AT Center, Korea Agro Trade Centre, MICE Division, one of Seoul’s emerging convention venues. Located near the bustling Gangnam district, the AD Center is quickly gaining attention for its versatile spaces and global outlook.

The spokeperson from AT Center, Korea Agro Trade Centre, MICE Division shared insights on the center’s facilities, current projects, and future ambitions as it works to become a premier destination for international events.

Introducing AD Center and Its Vision

The spokeperson from AT Center, Korea Agro Trade Centre, MICE Division says that they provide flexible facilities for all kinds of events—large exhibitions, corporate conferences, and private meetings. Our spaces are designed to accommodate different sectors, industries, and formats.”

She explained that the center’s mission is to be adaptable and offer the infrastructure organizers need to create meaningful, effective experiences—whether for local businesses or global enterprises.

History of the aT Center: From Vision to Landmark Venue

The aT Center, now a prominent landmark in Seoul’s event and exhibition landscape, has its roots in South Korea’s broader vision to promote its agro-fisheries sector through global trade and engagement. Its journey began in October 1995, when the government initiated the establishment of a dedicated facility to support trade promotion activities in the agricultural and fisheries industries. This marked the formal launch of the construction implementation agency tasked with bringing this ambitious project to life.

Progress followed steadily, and by August 1998, the groundwork was officially laid as construction commenced. The center’s development was driven by the need for a state-of-the-art venue that could host exhibitions, conferences, and trade-related events focused on agriculture, fisheries, and the broader food industry. With meticulous planning and sustained commitment, the aT Center moved from blueprint to reality over the next few years.

A major milestone came on September 18, 2002, when the construction of the aT Center was successfully completed. The facility stood as a symbol of innovation, designed to foster both domestic and international cooperation in the agro-food sector. The center began to serve as a multifunctional venue, catering to a wide array of events ranging from trade exhibitions and promotional showcases to educational seminars and industry forums.

The evolution of the aT Center continued, and in November 2011, the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation officially opened the center to the public. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, where the facility became not just a venue, but a platform for industry stakeholders to engage in meaningful exchange and global outreach.

Shortly thereafter, in January 2012, the organization overseeing the center underwent a rebranding to reflect its expanded vision and modernized approach. The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation officially adopted the name aT Center, aligning the corporate identity with the physical facility. This change symbolized a more dynamic, future-oriented strategy in promoting Korea’s agricultural and fisheries trade on a global scale.

Today, the aT Center continues to stand as a hub for innovation, business, and culture. With its modern infrastructure, strategic location, and deep industry ties, it plays a vital role in supporting Korea’s position in the global agro-food market—bridging producers, buyers, innovators, and the wider community.

A Strategic Location Near Gangnam

One of AT Center, Korea Agro Trade Centre, MICE Division’s major assets is its prime location. Situated near Gangnam, the center is easily accessible by public transportation and sits next to Yeongdong Citizens’ Forest, offering both convenience and a touch of nature.

“This area is surrounded by more than 30 hotels, including international names like the InterContinental and Conrad, plus smaller boutique hotels,” she noted. “That makes it ideal for international guests and event participants who want nearby accommodation options.”

A Closer Look at the Facilities

The venue features two large exhibition halls designed for maximum flexibility and capacity:

• The ground floor hall covers approximately 4,000 square meters and can host up to 190 booths.
• The first floor hall is slightly larger, with 4,200 square meters, accommodating around 200 booths.

In addition to exhibition space, the center also includes multiple conference rooms of varying sizes, from large open halls to intimate, private settings. “These can be customized to fit everything from seminars to private boardroom meetings,” she added.

A Versatile Venue for Diverse Events

The AT Center has hosted events from a wide range of industries. “We recently welcomed Microsoft for a session focused on AI technology,” said Suyun. “We’ve also had agriculture-related exhibitions and events centered around sustainability and innovation.”

She emphasized that the center’s ability to cater to both tech-forward companies and more traditional industries demonstrates its flexibility. “Every event is different, and we’re ready to adapt.”

Looking Ahead to IMEX 2025 and Future Goals

Suyun shared that AD Center is looking to expand its international presence and build lasting relationships with global industry players. One key target is participation in IMEX 2025, the leading global trade show for the MICE industry.

“We’ve had contact with the Renewable Wind Energy Council, and we’re hoping to host their annual meeting in the future. That would be a big step in expanding our role in sustainability-focused events.”

Travel and Event Trends for 2025

As the events landscape evolves, the spokeperson pointed out that diversification is key. “We’re expanding into new exhibition themes like pets, fashion, and other lifestyle categories. These are areas with growing interest, and we want to offer a space where all industries feel welcome.”

She explained that diversification is not just about attracting different clients—it’s about anticipating market demand and staying relevant in a fast-changing global environment.

Growth from Emerging Source Markets

In addition to expanding event types, AD Center is seeing new interest from unexpected sectors. “Retail companies, including one of the world’s largest grocery supply chains, have started using our space to promote their brand,” she revealed.

This reflects a broader trend where even non-traditional players in the MICE space are seeing the value in face-to-face engagement. “Our role is to help these companies connect with customers, promote their products, and explore new business opportunities,” said the representative.

Plans for Global Outreach and Marketing

To support its growth, AT Center is investing in global promotion. The team has already participated in key trade events, including Frankfurt (2023) and Las Vegas, where they showcased the center to an international audience.

“We’ll continue to attend major MICE exhibitions. It’s part of our effort to build our brand and form partnerships around the world,” she shared. “We want event organizers from Europe, Asia, and beyond to know what we offer.”

What Sets AT Center Apart

When asked what differentiates AD Center from its competitors, Suyun pointed to a combination of location, facility quality, and a commitment to adaptability.

“We offer modern infrastructure in one of Seoul’s most accessible districts. But beyond that, we’re proactive. We constantly adapt to the needs of organizers and attendees, whether they’re in tech, fashion, energy, or agriculture.”

An Open Invitation to the Global MICE Community

Suyun closed the conversation with a message for potential partners: “We’re excited about the future and welcome everyone—whether you’re planning a global summit or a focused industry event. We’re not just providing space—we’re providing a platform to create memorable, successful experiences.”

With its world-class facilities, growing international presence, and diverse event portfolio, AT Center is well on its way to becoming one of Asia’s leading venues in the global MICE industry.

History of the aT Center: From Vision to Landmark Venue

The aT Center, now a prominent landmark in Seoul’s event and exhibition landscape, has its roots in South Korea’s broader vision to promote its agro-fisheries sector through global trade and engagement. Its journey began in October 1995, when the government initiated the establishment of a dedicated facility to support trade promotion activities in the agricultural and fisheries industries. This marked the formal launch of the construction implementation agency tasked with bringing this ambitious project to life.

Progress followed steadily, and by August 1998, the groundwork was officially laid as construction commenced. The center’s development was driven by the need for a state-of-the-art venue that could host exhibitions, conferences, and trade-related events focused on agriculture, fisheries, and the broader food industry. With meticulous planning and sustained commitment, the aT Center moved from blueprint to reality over the next few years.

A major milestone came on September 18, 2002, when the construction of the aT Center was successfully completed. The facility stood as a symbol of innovation, designed to foster both domestic and international cooperation in the agro-food sector. The center began to serve as a multifunctional venue, catering to a wide array of events ranging from trade exhibitions and promotional showcases to educational seminars and industry forums.

The evolution of the aT Center continued, and in November 2011, the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation officially opened the center to the public. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, where the facility became not just a venue, but a platform for industry stakeholders to engage in meaningful exchange and global outreach.

Shortly thereafter, in January 2012, the organization overseeing the center underwent a rebranding to reflect its expanded vision and modernized approach. The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation officially adopted the name aT Center, aligning the corporate identity with the physical facility. This change symbolized a more dynamic, future-oriented strategy in promoting Korea’s agricultural and fisheries trade on a global scale.

Today, the aT Center continues to stand as a hub for innovation, business, and culture. With its modern infrastructure, strategic location, and deep industry ties, it plays a vital role in supporting Korea’s position in the global agro-food market—bridging producers, buyers, innovators, and the wider community.

The post From Vision to Reality: The Evolution of aT Center into Korea’s Premier Agro-Food Trade Hub appeared first on Travel And Tour World.