Gangwon Province Operates Integrated Gangwon Pavilion at CES 2026 for the First Time... Contract Promotion Amount Up 57%

All Key Indicators Show Growth:
Participating Companies Up 90%, Consultation Outcomes Up 169%, Contract Promotion Amount Up 57%

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced that by operating the "Integrated Gangwon Pavilion" at "CES 2026," the world's largest IT and electronics exhibition, it achieved a contract promotion amount of $8.17 million, marking a 57% increase compared to the previous year.

A panoramic view of Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government.

CES 2026 was held in Las Vegas, USA, for four days from January 6 to 9. Following last year’s first independent operation of the Gangwon Pavilion, the province consolidated the previously separate Gangwon Pavilion, Gangwon Technopark Pavilion, and Wonju Pavilion into a single "Integrated Gangwon Pavilion" this year, running the largest booth in its history.

The number of participating companies increased by 90% from 10 last year to 19 this year. The number of consultations rose by 39% from 527 to 734, consultation outcomes surged by 169% from $27.34 million to $73.6 million, and the contract promotion amount also increased by 57% from $5.22 million to $8.17 million, showing clear growth in all major indicators.

The province established a close support system led by the operations team (headed by Director of Industry Sim Wonseop) throughout the entire process of exhibition, consultation, contract, and networking, promptly addressing on-site difficulties and actively supporting companies in achieving results. In addition, a student supporter group from Kangwon National University (10 members) played a practical role in operating the Integrated Gangwon Pavilion by assisting with company promotions and interpretation for pre-matched consultations.

During the event, several National Assembly members, including Lee Cheol-kyu, Chairperson of the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee; Choi Minhee, Chairperson of the Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee; and Maeng Sung-kyu, Chairperson of the Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Committee, visited the pavilion and showed great interest in the global expansion of Gangwon-based companies.

Notably, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority in the United States organized a seminar on successful U.S. market entry cases for Gangwon companies, laying the groundwork for a collaborative network and providing an opportunity to expand global connections.

The province plans to expand the number of participating organizations, companies, and student supporters in 2027, and to increase the number of award-winning companies by starting CES Innovation Award consulting earlier. Furthermore, it will ensure thorough post-management by supporting company promotional activities not only before but also after the exhibition.

Governor Kim Jin-tae stated, "At CES 2026, the first-ever operation of the Integrated Gangwon Pavilion, the largest number of participating companies, and the highest level of budget support all contributed to the outstanding contract promotion results. We will continue to strengthen our support so that Gangwon-based companies can thrive stably on the global stage."