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Korean economic leaders active in over 70 countries have gathered in the Magok district of Gangseo-gu, the new economic hub of Seoul. The '27th World Representative Conference and Export Consultation,' hosted by the World Korean Trade Association (World-OKTA), kicked off with a grand opening on March 30 at the COEX Magok Convention Center.
As this year marks the 45th anniversary of World-OKTA's founding, the event has been designed as a business platform of unprecedented scale under the slogan "Connect, Expand, Leap," moving beyond simple networking. In particular, by being held in conjunction with Gangseo-gu’s ‘2026 KOREA BUSINESS EXPO GANGSEO,’ the conference is expected to serve as a practical forward base for domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to pioneer overseas markets.
Gathering of Global Economic Networks: "From Magok to the World"
The opening ceremony was attended by over 1,000 dignitaries, including Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, key government officials, World-OKTA Chairman Park Jong-bum, and representatives of Korean business leaders who returned to their homeland from 150 branches worldwide.
In his opening remarks, Chairman Park Jong-bum emphasized, “In the midst of rapid global supply chain restructuring and strengthening protectionism, the network of 7.5 million overseas Korean economic leaders is a core asset of the Republic of Korea’s economy.” He added, “This Gangseo conference will serve as an opportunity to expand our export territory by combining the technological prowess of our companies with the Hansang (Korean trader) network here in Magok, the hub of advanced R&D.”
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok also delivered a congratulatory speech, promising active government support and cooperation, stating, “Korean economic leaders are the frontline defenders who expand the economic territory of the Republic of Korea.”
From Export Consultations to Startup Competitions… A Rich Program
The core of this event is the ‘1:1 Business Matching Export Consultation,’ which continues through the 31st. Over 300 influential buyers (World-OKTA members) from around the world are participating to explore the overseas expansion of excellent products from domestic SMEs and middle-market enterprises in sectors such as food, beauty, IT devices, and home appliances. The organizers aim to achieve a record-breaking volume of export contract consultations through this session.
Furthermore, programs for future economic leaders have been significantly strengthened:
Global Startup Competition: Provides opportunities for promising domestic startups seeking to go global to receive mentoring and investment from the Hansang network.
Next-Generation Trade School Networking: Facilitates exchange between next-generation economic leaders raised locally around the world and young domestic talents to devise future cooperation models.
Global Economic & Trade Forum: Deeply explores current economic issues, such as market entry strategies for emerging markets and AI-based trade trends.
Magok, Gangseo-gu: Rising as a Mecca for International Business
The host location, Magok in Gangseo-gu, is considered an optimal site for foreign investors and business leaders due to its geographical advantage—being adjacent to Gimpo International Airport—and the concentration of advanced R&D complexes. A Gangseo-gu official stated, “Through this conference, Magok will transform beyond a simple research complex into a center for international business conventions.”
An overseas branch manager attending the event shared their ambitions, saying, “Seeing the infrastructure of Magok and the innovative products of domestic companies firsthand, I can truly feel the dynamism of the Korean economy. I will accelerate the globalization of K-products by integrating my local market distribution expertise.”
A Finale Where Culture and Economy Harmonize
On the final day of the conference, April 1, a K-POP concert is scheduled alongside the closing ceremony to encourage participants, creating a venue for harmony where economy and culture blend. Detailed information and real-time updates regarding the event can be found on the official World-OKTA website (www.okta.net).
Amid rising global economic uncertainty, attention is focused on whether the solidarity of Korean economic leaders blooming in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, can become a new engine for accelerating South Korea's exports.
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