KINTEX (Korea International Exhibition & Convention Center) is Korea’s largest exhibition venue, located in Goyang-si just outside Seoul and 30 minutes from Incheon International Airport. With 108,000 square meters of exhibition space across two halls, KINTEX hosts Korea’s biggest industrial and consumer shows — KIMES, Seoul Motor Show, G-STAR, and more. This guide covers everything international visitors need to know before attending exhibitions at KINTEX, from transport to venue logistics.
Venue Essentials
- Location: 217-60 KINTEX-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Distance from Seoul: 30-40 minutes by subway or car (Line 3 to Daehwa Station)
- Distance from Incheon Airport: 30 minutes by car (closer than COEX)
- Exhibition space: 108,000 sqm across KINTEX 1 and KINTEX 2 (largest in Korea)
- Facilities: 37 conference rooms, food court, restaurants, convenience stores, nursing rooms, duty-free shop
What to Expect at KINTEX
KINTEX hosts 200+ events annually, with the largest shows being KIMES (Korea International Machinery & Equipment Show, held every 2 years), Seoul Motor Show, G-STAR (gaming expo), Korea Build (construction), SIMTOS (machine tools), and KIMES (medical). The venue is designed for B2B exhibitions and large-scale consumer shows. KINTEX halls are modern, well-lit, and equipped with high-speed WiFi. Each major show has its own mobile app with floor plans, exhibitor lists, and matchmaking features.
Getting to KINTEX and Tips for International Visitors
KINTEX is the EASIEST major exhibition venue to reach from Incheon International Airport — about 30 minutes by car via the Incheon Airport Expressway. This is a significant advantage over COEX (60-90 minutes from Incheon). From central Seoul, take Seoul Metro Line 3 to Daehwa Station, then walk 5-10 minutes to KINTEX 1 or take a shuttle bus to KINTEX 2. For international visitors, apply for K-ETA at k-eta.go.kr at least 72 hours before departure. KINTEX is in Goyang, a satellite city with fewer tourist amenities than central Seoul, so plan transportation and meals carefully.
Beyond the Show
KINTEX is in Goyang, a suburban city north of Seoul. The nearby Ilsan area has excellent restaurants and cafes catering to exhibition attendees, with prices typically lower than central Seoul. For day trips, central Seoul (Gangnam, Hongdae, Itaewon) is 30-40 minutes by subway. The KINTEX area itself has limited tourist attractions, so plan accommodation in Seoul or near KINTEX hotels. Some international visitors stay at airport-area hotels for early flight convenience on departure day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is KINTEX closer to Incheon Airport than COEX?
A. Yes, KINTEX is about 30 minutes from Incheon Airport by car, compared to 60-90 minutes for COEX. This makes KINTEX more convenient for short-trip international visitors.
Q. How do I get to KINTEX from Seoul?
A. Seoul Metro Line 3 to Daehwa Station (the terminus), then walk 5-10 minutes to KINTEX 1. KINTEX 2 requires a shuttle bus or taxi.
Q. Are there hotels near KINTEX?
A. Yes, several hotels within walking distance including KINTEX Hotel and various business hotels. Ilsan Lake Park area (10 min by taxi) has mid-range options.
Q. Is KINTEX suitable for large B2B events?
A. Yes, KINTEX is designed for B2B exhibitions. Its 108,000 sqm exhibition space is the largest in Korea, suitable for heavy machinery, automotive, and large-scale B2B events.
Q. What are the major shows at KINTEX?
A. KIMES (machinery, biennial), Seoul Motor Show, G-STAR (gaming), Korea Build (construction), SIMTOS (machine tools), and many more. Check kintex.com for the current schedule.
Q. Can I attend KINTEX events as a tourist?
A. Some shows are trade-only (B2B), others are consumer-facing. Seoul Motor Show and G-STAR are open to public. Always check the individual show’s admission policy.
Authoritative Sources
- KINTEX official website (Korean/English)
- COEX event calendar (for comparison)
- Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy
- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
- Korea Tourism Organization
I’m 솔로키친, a Melbourne-based writer covering Korean exhibitions for international visitors. This KINTEX guide is part of my regional coverage of Korea’s exhibition venues — COEX, KINTEX, BEXCO, and beyond. Subscribe for monthly pre-event guides and venue profiles.