Over 900 Korean Businesspeople Gather in Andong
More Than 2,000 Export Consultations and $84 Million in Contracts
Contributing to Wildfire Recovery and Revitalizing Local Commerce
Andong City in North Gyeongsang Province, in partnership with the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations (World-OKTA), has successfully concluded a global MICE event that simultaneously contributed to overcoming wildfire damage and revitalizing the local economy.
World-OKTA and Andong's partnership, commemorating the 26th World Congress that overcame wildfires and realized regional coexistence.
On May 2, Andong City announced that it had successfully hosted the "26th World Congress of World-OKTA Representatives and 2025 KOREA BUSINESS EXPO ANDONG" from April 28 to May 1, a four-day, three-night event held at the Andong International Convention Center and throughout the city.
The event was co-hosted by North Gyeongsang Province, Andong City, and World-OKTA. It brought together over 900 Korean businesspeople from 108 cities in 51 countries, more than 100 overseas buyers from 13 countries, and 249 domestic small and medium-sized enterprises and institutions, operating a total of 256 booths.
The number of participants exceeded 2,000, establishing Andong as a new hub for global economic exchange.
In particular, the local community, which had suffered significant damage from a large wildfire just before the event, debated whether to proceed. Ultimately, reflecting the citizens' desire for recovery and a return to normalcy, the event went ahead as planned. The organizers focused on the essence of the event by canceling all performances at the opening ceremony and refraining from serving alcoholic beverages, creating a solemn atmosphere.
This congress has been recognized as a model case of regional coexistence, going beyond simple business exchanges. Participants demonstrated solidarity with the local community by holding a commemorative tree-planting event, delivering donations for wildfire recovery in Andong, and signing an agreement to create the "OKTA Forest."
Additionally, local businesses were actively utilized throughout the event, and participants were given Andong Love Gift Certificates to promote local spending. Banquet venues were also moved to local commercial areas such as Hahoe Market and Andong Galbi Alley, providing tangible benefits to the local economy.
The core program, the "2025 KOREA BUSINESS EXPO ANDONG" export consultation, was held over two days starting April 29. It resulted in a total of 2,010 export consultations and actual contracts worth $84.28 million (approximately KRW 121.1 billion).
Including the value of export consultations, the total amounted to $164 million (approximately KRW 235.8 billion). In the Andong region, 56 companies participated, conducting 428 consultations and signing contracts worth $1.16 million. On-site sales over the two days reached KRW 26 million.
From a cultural tourism perspective, participants explored major attractions in Andong such as Hahoe Village, Dosan Seowon, and Woryeonggyo Bridge. They also experienced Andong's traditions and charm by watching the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and a performance by the Andong City Choir.
Park Jongbum, President of World-OKTA, stated, "Korean businesspeople from around the world gathered to stand in solidarity with the citizens of Andong," adding, "This congress went beyond economic exchange to realize the true meaning of regional coexistence."
Kwon Kichang, Mayor of Andong, awarded President Park an honorary citizenship certificate in recognition of his contribution to the event's success, saying, "Through this event, we were able to promote the value of Andong to the world and achieve tangible results in helping local companies expand overseas. We will continue to do our best to ensure that Andong emerges as a center for global exchange."
World-OKTA and Andong's Partnership, Overcoming Wildfires and Achieving Regional Coexistence Participants of the 26th World Congress are exploring major attractions in Andong and watching the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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