Upcoming International Events in Seoul (Late October 2026)

Seoul continues to host a steady flow of international events through the end of October. The following list focuses on exhibitions and congresses with clear international participation, primarily at COEX, from October 19 through October 31, 2026.

Overview of Key Events

Event Dates Venue Focus Notes
18th World Stroke Congress (WSC 2026) Oct 21–23 COEX Medical / Neurology Major international medical congress
Seoul International Stationery & Office Fair (SISOFAIR) Oct 22–24 COEX Stationery & Office Products Export-oriented; international buyers
International Franchise Show (IFS) Seoul Oct 22–24 COEX Franchising International franchise brands and investors
BIOPLUS-INTERPHEX KOREA (BIX 2026) Oct 28–30 COEX Biopharmaceutical & Pharma Tech Korea’s leading bio/pharma exhibition
Smart Energy Plus 2026 Oct 28–30 COEX Energy Technologies & Sustainability Professional energy and sustainability show
28th APLAR Congress Oct 28 – Nov 1 Seoul (COEX area) Rheumatology Asia-Pacific medical association congress

Detailed Notes by Period

October 21–24

  • World Stroke Congress (WSC 2026)
    A large-scale international medical meeting focused on stroke research, treatment, and prevention. It draws clinicians and researchers from multiple countries and is one of the more prominent association congresses in Seoul this month.
  • SISOFAIR 2026
    Korea’s largest stationery and office products fair. It regularly includes exhibitors from China, Japan, Europe, and other markets and actively invites overseas buyers.
  • International Franchise Show (IFS)
    A major franchising exhibition that brings together international franchise brands, operators, and potential investors. Previous editions have featured participants from multiple Asian and Western markets.

October 28–31

  • BIOPLUS-INTERPHEX KOREA (BIX 2026)
    The leading biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical technology exhibition in Korea. It attracts international companies in drug development, manufacturing equipment, and related technologies.
  • Smart Energy Plus 2026
    A specialized show covering energy technologies, smart grid solutions, and sustainability. It is primarily aimed at industry professionals rather than the general public.
  • APLAR 2026
    The Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Congress. As a regional association meeting, it brings medical specialists from across Asia-Pacific and is held in the COEX vicinity.

Practical Notes for Visitors

Most of the events listed above take place at or near COEX in Gangnam, which is well connected by subway (Samseong Station). Several run concurrently in late October, so planners or attendees visiting multiple shows should check hall allocations and opening hours in advance.

Registration requirements vary. Trade shows such as BIX and Smart Energy Plus are generally restricted to professional visitors, while association congresses like WSC and APLAR typically require advance registration through their official channels.

This selection covers the main internationally oriented events scheduled in Seoul during the second half of October. Exact schedules and participation details can shift closer to the dates, so confirming with organizers is recommended.

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