Gangwon Province Concludes Gangwon Medical Device Exhibition with Record $36.14 Million in Export Contracts

Export Contracts Up 46% Year-on-Year
Over 150 Overseas Buyers Visit Gangwon
Governor Kim Jintae: "Thanks to the Dedication of Business Leaders on Site"

The 21st Gangwon Medical Device Exhibition (GMES 2025), co-hosted by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jintae) and Wonju City (Mayor Won Gangsu), concluded successfully on the 19th, achieving a record-high export contract total of 36.14 million US dollars (approximately 50.4 billion Korean won).

Kim Jin-tae, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (fourth from the left in the front row), and Won Kang-soo, Mayor of Wonju City (fifth), along with other attendees, are opening the 21st Gangwon Medical Device Exhibition (GMES 2025) held on the 19th. Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

The 36.14 million US dollars (approximately 50.4 billion Korean won) tallied as of this day represents a 46% increase compared to the previous year, far surpassing the initial target of 40 billion won. Remarkably, the target amount was already exceeded on the very first day of the event.

The main export items included hospital equipment and consumables such as patient monitors and electrocardiographs, as well as digital home care devices like beauty equipment and data platforms.

This year’s outstanding performance was the result of various support programs designed to help local companies secure overseas markets and successful export contracts. These included pre-event online export consultations and one-on-one matching between companies and buyers, fostering trust between the parties.

Notably, leading companies representing Gangwon, such as Neobiotech (dental equipment), Bioprotech (electrocardiogram sensors), Mediana (patient monitors), CU Medical Systems (defibrillators), and Boditech Med (diagnostic devices), participated and drew significant attention from buyers.

Promising companies also stood out, including Team Elysium (body composition analyzers), which received an Innovation Award at CES 2025, and IBEX Medical System (hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices), which holds the top market share in Korea.

During the exhibition, the Korea-Japan Technology Exchange Meeting provided a platform for Japanese companies, including those from the Tottori Industrial Promotion Organization and the Kobe International Medical Alliance Foundation, to collaborate with local companies. They engaged in technical cooperation and consultations to enhance product functionality, laying the groundwork for mutual exchange and expansion.

Additionally, in response to rapidly changing overseas market regulations, such as US customs policies, the Medical Device Regulatory Affairs (RA) Forum was held for the first time this year. The forum invited local experts on regulatory approvals and clinical research from major export destinations such as Vietnam and Europe, offering in-depth strategies for market response and receiving the highest level of engagement from participating companies.

Governor Jin Tae Kim of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and Mayor Kang Su Won of Wonju City are receiving an explanation at the 21st Gangwon Medical Device Exhibition (GMES 2025) on the 19th. Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

Especially notable this year was the introduction of the "Smart Medi-Home" special exhibition, designed as a model house showroom. This provided an experiential space for both business visitors and general consumers to enjoy hands-on use of medical devices. The event also featured various programs, such as a local company-linked discount fair, encouraging direct participation from local residents. As a result, the number of visitors reached 1,790, a 73% increase compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, the Gangwon Medical Device Exhibition (GMES), now in its 21st year since its inception in 2006, is the largest medical industry exhibition in Gangwon Province. Every year, it attracts over 100 overseas buyers from more than 30 countries. Over the past three years, export contract achievements have steadily increased by more than 20% annually, serving as a practical bridgehead for local medical device companies to expand overseas.

Governor Kim Jintae stated, "At the opening ceremony last week, I set a goal of reaching 40 billion won, but we achieved 50 billion won, which is nearly a 50% increase over last year. This accomplishment is thanks to the hard work of the businesspeople on site."

He added, "We will continue to provide unwavering support so that GMES can grow into a global exhibition and the Gangwon medical device industry can stand tall on the world stage."