Busan Exhibition And Convention Center

Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO): Comprehensive Visitor Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Located in the thriving Centum City district of Busan, South Korea, the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) has solidified its reputation as a premier venue for international exhibitions, conventions, concerts, and cultural festivals. Since opening in 1995, BEXCO’s innovative architecture and expansive facilities have contributed significantly to Busan’s growth as a global hub for business and culture. This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about visiting BEXCO, including up-to-date visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, transportation, insider travel tips, and nearby attractions to enhance your Busan experience (BEXCO Official) (BusanNavi) (Trip.com).

History and Development
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Architectural Highlights and Facilities
Transportation and Accessibility
Major Events and Festivals
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Visitor Comfort, Safety, and Services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Final Tips
Sources

1. History and Development

Founding and Growth (1995–2000):
BEXCO emerged as a strategic project to position Busan as a leading city for international trade and cultural exchange. Its initial facilities quickly attracted a range of significant business events and conventions.

Expansion and International Recognition (2001–2010):
BEXCO gained global prominence by hosting events like the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final Draw Ceremony and serving as the main press center for the 2002 Asian Games. Major improvements enabled the center to accommodate simultaneous large-scale events including the 2005 APEC Summit.

Facility Enhancements (2011–2020):
The addition of 16 exhibition halls and 56 meeting rooms enabled BEXCO to diversify its event portfolio, notably hosting technology and cultural summits such as the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference and the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit.

Recent Developments (2021–2025):
BEXCO now hosts over 100 exhibitions and 1,000 meetings annually, including the prestigious World Smart City Expo 2025, reinforcing its role in innovation and digital convergence.

2. Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours

General Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily (may vary by event).
Event-specific Hours: Always confirm via the official BEXCO website or event page.

Tickets and Entry

Entry: General access to public spaces is free. Most exhibitions, events, and concerts require tickets.
Purchasing: Tickets are available online, via official event pages, or at the venue. Early reservations are recommended for popular events.
Discounts: Group and early-bird discounts are available for select events.

Accessibility

Physical Access: Step-free entrances, wide corridors, elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms.
Visitor Services: Multilingual signage, information desks, free Wi-Fi, and digital kiosks.
Family & Special Needs: Nursing rooms, baby-changing stations, stroller rentals, hearing assistance devices, and on-site medical services (BEXCO Official).

3. Architectural Highlights and Facilities

Exterior and Design

BEXCO’s signature glass façade and pillar-free halls create a modern, expansive atmosphere. The building is notable for its natural lighting and modular spaces (BusanNavi).

Key Facilities

Exhibition Hall 1: 26,500 m², divisible into five halls, high ceilings, and advanced interpretation systems.
Exhibition Hall 2: 20,000 m², easily connected for large events (AIPC).
Convention Hall: 37 meeting rooms, including a grand ballroom for up to 2,400 guests.
Auditorium: 4,002-seat capacity, acoustically optimized, ideal for concerts and conferences (Wikipedia).
Auxiliary Facilities: Business center, permanent exhibition hall, shopping mall, diverse dining, medical room, bank, ATMs, lost and found, and ample parking (Expofp).

Environmental Features

LED architectural lighting and skylights maintain energy efficiency and visual appeal (Color Kinetics).

4. Transportation and Accessibility

Subway & Metro

Centum City Station (Line 2): Direct access to BEXCO.
Busan Museum of Art Station: Additional metro option (Klook Busan Guide).

Bus

Multiple routes (5-1, 39, 40, 63, 115, 141, 155, 181) serve BEXCO with bilingual digital displays at stops.

Taxis are readily available; rides from Busan Station cost ~15,000–20,000 KRW.

Airport & KTX

Gimhae International Airport: 45 minutes by taxi or limousine bus (Route 2).
KTX: High-speed train to Busan Station, followed by Metro Line 2 (KTX Tickets).

Parking

Over 3,000 spaces, including disabled and EV charging spots. Fees: 1,000 KRW per 30 minutes.

5. Major Events and Festivals

Annual Flagship Events

Busan International Seafood & Fisheries Expo (BISFE): Leading seafood trade fair, Nov 5–7, 2025 (Trade Fair Dates).
Busan One Asia Festival (BOF): K-pop & K-culture, June 11–13, 2025 (KAvenyou).
Art Busan & BAMA: Major art fairs drawing global galleries and collectors.
G-Star: Asia’s premier gaming expo (Trip.com).

Other Notable Events

Busan International Food Expo, Home Table Deco Fair, RailLog Korea, Busan International Magic Festival, and Busan Sea Festival (AllEvents.in) (TravelSetu).

Concerts & Pop-Ups

Frequent concerts, immersive exhibitions (e.g., The Wizard of Oz), and themed experiences (Trip.com).

Event Support

Multilingual interpretation, high-speed Wi-Fi, state-of-the-art audiovisuals, and interactive signage (Expofp).

6. Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Attractions Within Walking Distance

Shinsegae Centum City: Massive shopping, spa, cinema, and dining.
Busan Museum of Art
Busan Cinema Center: Home of BIFF (KoreaToDo Festivals).

Easy-Access Destinations

Haeundae Beach: Famed for festivals and coastal scenery.
Dongbaekseom Island: Scenic walks, Nurimaru APEC House.
Gwangalli Beach: Stunning night views of Gwangan Bridge.
Haeundae Blueline Park: Sky Capsule and Beach Train (KoreaToDo Experiences).
Gamcheon Culture Village: Colorful art installations.

Practical Travel Tips

Use a transportation card (e.g., Hanaro) for seamless travel.
Spring and autumn offer mild weather and vibrant festivals.
Coin lockers and luggage storage available at BEXCO and nearby stations.

7. Visitor Comfort, Safety, and Services

HVAC: Modern climate control for year-round comfort.
Security: 24/7 surveillance and security personnel.
Accessibility: Comprehensive barrier-free facilities.
Family Services: Nursing rooms, stroller rentals, and baby-changing stations.
Emergency Services: On-site medical care.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are BEXCO’s standard visiting hours?
A: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Check event-specific times online.

Q: Are tickets required for entry?
A: General entry is free; event tickets may be required.

Q: Is BEXCO wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Q: How can I purchase event tickets?
A: Online via official event sites or at the venue. Platforms like Klook are also available.

Q: Are guided tours offered?
A: Yes, by request or during certain events.

Q: What are some nearby attractions?
A: Haeundae Beach, Busan Cinema Center, Shinsegae Centum City, Dongbaekseom Island, Busan Museum of Art.

9. Conclusion and Final Tips

BEXCO is a dynamic landmark that unites innovation, culture, and accessibility in the heart of Busan. Its world-class facilities and strategic location offer seamless access to major events, efficient transportation, and a variety of nearby attractions. For the optimal experience, check current event schedules, purchase tickets in advance, and explore guided tours or photographic spots for memorable moments. Stay connected via official channels and the Audiala app for real-time updates and visitor perks.

BEXCO is more than just a convention center—it’s a gateway to the vibrant pulse of Busan’s economic, cultural, and social life. Whether you’re attending an international expo, a concert, or simply exploring Centum City, BEXCO ensures a welcoming and enriching experience.