The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028.
This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th APMC in Brisbane last 5 February.
APMC, held every four years since 1956, is a key international academic conference bringing together approximately 1,500 experts from 20 countries to share the latest advancements in microscopy and imaging technologies essential for materials science and biomedical research. Korea previously hosted APMC in Jeju in 2008, and securing it once again reinforces the country’s status as a leader in the field while promoting Jeju as a premier MICE destination. With around 700 international attendees expected, the event is projected to generate over $3.5 million in economic benefits for Jeju’s hospitality, food, transport, and tourism sectors.
The successful bid was made possible through extensive collaboration between key organisations. The Korean Society of Microscopy, led by Professor Yeo Jong-Souk from Yonsei University, leveraged its experience from hosting the International Microscopy Congress (IMC20) in Busan in 2023 to prepare a strong bid. The Jeju Convention Bureau and Jeju International Convention Center provided key support, including bid proposal development and on-site promotional activities.
KTO also played a vital role in securing the bid. On 4 February, the day before the final selection, KTO Sydney sponsored a special dinner at Rydges South Bank Brisbane with key members of the microscopy community. This event provided an opportunity to engage with industry leaders and showcase Korea’s strengths as a premier MICE destination, further reinforcing Jeju’s suitability as the host city.
“This success reflects the strong collaboration between our MICE stakeholders,” KTO MICE Division director, Jung Chang-wook, said. “With increased international conference support funding in 2025, we will continue working closely with key partners to attract more large-scale events to Korea.”
Looking ahead, KTO Sydney is planning further MICE initiatives in 2025 to attract more international conferences and business events to Korea. The team will also attend AIME 2025 in Melbourne, one of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading MICE trade shows, to strengthen industry partnerships and promote Korea as a top MICE destination.
