□ On September 1st (Friday), Dongguk University’s MICE Tourism Industry Research Institute and Hotel and Tourism Management Department signed a business agreement with Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Bureau at the Dongguk University WISE Campus Promotion Center for the development of the local tourism and MICE industry.

□ Through this business agreement, the two organizations agreed to cooperate in various areas based on mutual respect and trust, including ▲attracting and hosting international conferences, exhibitions, and other events to vitalize the local MICE industry, ▲conducting research and technology development projects to develop the local tourism and MICE industry, ▲nurturing talent through theoretical and practical education on the local tourism and MICE industry, and ▲expanding the promotion and operation of local tourism promotion organizations (DMOs).

□ This agreement signing ceremony was attended by officials from both organizations, including President Yongguk Kim and Director Jaegil Choi of the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Bureau, Professor Namhyun Kim and Research Professor Jinseok Han, both of the Department of Hotel and Tourism Management/MICE Tourism Industry Research Institute at Dongguk University’s WISE Campus.

□ Kim Yong-guk, president of the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Bureau, said, “The two organizations have already been cooperating in many fields, and I expect that cooperation to expand and continue through this business agreement.” He added, “As the role of academic institutions is growing in various fields such as ESG and talent development, this business agreement will be of great help in the development of the local community’s tourism and MICE industry.”

□ Dongguk University WISE Campus Director Kim Nam-hyun said, “Expanding cooperation with the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Bureau will be an important opportunity to foster professional manpower centered on MICE and tourism industry practices, and we will also be able to join forces in attracting APEC to Gyeongju,” adding, “We expect this agreement to also contribute to the development of the local MICE and tourism industry.”