KIMES - Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show: Hotels & Where to Stay
18 Mar – 21 Mar 2027 COEX 72,507 attendees
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KIMES, the Korea International Medical and Hospital Equipment Show, is South Korea's largest medical device and hospital equipment exhibition, running since 1980 and held annually each March at COEX in Seoul's Gangnam/Samseong district. It draws hospital and clinic buyers, doctors, and medical, lab and dental distributors, importers and manufacturers, with around 1,400 exhibitors from dozens of countries and more than 70,000 visitors. For a hotel-booking traveller, COEX's location is a real advantage: the convention centre sits directly above Samseong station on Metro Line 2 and connects underground to the COEX Mall and two hotels, which is welcome in cold March weather. Incheon International Airport lies about 55-60 km away, reached by a direct airport limousine bus to COEX or by the airport railroad and metro. Staying in Gangnam or Samseong puts you within walking distance of the halls, while nearby Seolleung and Yeoksam offer value one or two stops away on the subway.
Popular areas for attendees: Gangnam / Samseong · Jamsil · Myeongdong.
- COEX sits directly above Samseong station on Metro Line 2 for effortless access.
- The venue connects underground to the COEX Mall and two hotels, ideal in cold March weather.
- Staying in Gangnam or Samseong puts you within walking distance of the halls.
- Nearby Seolleung and Yeoksam offer value just one or two subway stops away.
Event at a glance
- Dates
- 18 Mar – 21 Mar 2027
- Venue
- COEX
- City
- Seoul, South Korea
- Airport
- ICN
- Attendance
- 72,507
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Hotels ranked by walking distance.
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Rates shown for the event window, Wed, Mar 17 → Mon, Mar 22 (arrive the day before, leave the day after) — or choose your own dates above.
Hotel rates near major event venues rise as the dates approach and the closest hotels sell out first. Booking a free-cancellation rate early locks the price with no downside.
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- The best hotels within walking distance of the venue
- Where to host clients for dinner near the halls
- How to beat the sold-out fair-week rooms
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Where to eat during KIMES - Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show
COEX sits directly on Samseong station (Line 2), so most spots are a short walk within the complex or a 10-minute taxi into Cheongdam. Keep on-site BBQ for team dinners and reserve Cheongdam's fine-dining rooms for the big client night.
Jungsik
Modern Korean fine dining
Cheongdam-dong, ~10 min taxi from COEX
Chef Yim's contemporary reinventions of Korean classics in its own Cheongdam townhouse -- the standout choice for an ambitious client dinner. Reserve well ahead.
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Byeokje Galbi
Premium Hanwoo Korean BBQ
Cheongdam, ~10 min taxi from COEX
A charcoal-grilled short-rib institution using top-grade Hanwoo, with private rooms and slick service -- the premium BBQ table for entertaining. Book a room for privacy.
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Yeontabal Samseong COEX
Korean BBQ (marinated galbi)
Samseong, walking distance from COEX
A top-graded galbi house right by Samseong station -- dependable marinated short ribs and quick service make it an easy, unfussy team dinner steps from the venue.
Tip: Holds a AAA (top-grade) restaurant rating; go early as it fills after fair hours.
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Daedo Sikdang
Korean BBQ (Hanwoo)
Samseong / COEX area, ~5 min from the venue
A go-to for well-marbled Hanwoo deungsim (sirloin) finished with kkakdugi fried rice -- solid mid-range BBQ that satisfies visiting colleagues without a fine-dining bill.
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Gadeuk Deurim
Korean buffet
Inside COEX Mall
A well-priced Korean buffet inside the complex -- handy for feeding a mixed group with varied tastes when you have limited time between sessions.
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Mobaksa Budaejjigae
Korean stew (budae jjigae)
Inside COEX Mall
A cozy spot for hearty army-base stew right in the mall -- fast, cheap and warming for a solo lunch or an informal bite without leaving COEX.
Open in Google MapsAfter the halls close: Seoul
Client dinner, team night out or a free day after KIMES - Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show — bookable experiences in Seoul, same account, same checkout.
Getting there
From Incheon Airport (ICN)
- Incheon International is about 55-60 km from COEX in the Gangnam/Samseong district.
- The most direct option is the Route 6103 non-stop airport limousine bus, reaching the COEX City Airport Terminal in around 60 minutes.
- A taxi takes roughly 60-75 minutes and costs considerably more.
By airport railroad and metro
- Take the AREX Airport Railroad from ICN to Seoul Station, around 43-51 minutes on the express or slightly longer all-stop.
- Transfer to Metro Line 2 and ride to Samseong station beneath COEX.
- Total journey is roughly 75-90 minutes.
Getting around during KIMES - Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show
Metro to the venue
- COEX sits directly above Samseong station on Metro Line 2, using exits 5 and 6.
- Bongeunsa station on Line 9 (exit 7) is also close.
- Line 2 Samseong is the primary and most convenient connection.
Taxis and buses
- Regular and international taxis are available at ICN, though pricier and slower than the limousine bus.
- The Route 6103 limousine bus drops right at COEX, the simplest single-ride airport transfer with luggage.
- Get a rechargeable T-money card at the airport for seamless subway, bus and taxi payment.
Visa & entry
Visa-free entry and K-ETA waiver
- Nationals of around 67 visa-exemption countries, including the USA, UK, EU states, Australia, Canada, Japan and Singapore, may enter without a visa.
- K-ETA is temporarily waived for many major countries through the end of 2026, though travellers must complete the mandatory e-Arrival Card before arrival.
Who needs an advance visa
- Nationalities not on the visa-exemption list must obtain a visa in advance from a Korean mission.
- Confirm your nationality's exact status and any K-ETA requirement for your travel dates.
Entry rules change; confirm current requirements with the South Korea embassy or official immigration site before booking travel.
First time at KIMES - Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show?
- Buy a rechargeable T-money card at the airport for subway, bus and taxi payment.
- Take the Route 6103 limousine bus if you land with luggage for a low-stress transfer.
- Complete the mandatory e-Arrival Card before you arrive.
- Use the underground COEX Mall passages to move between halls and hotels in cold weather.
Insider tips from repeat attendees
- Stay in Gangnam or Samseong to walk to COEX, or one stop away in Seolleung or Yeoksam for value.
- Line 2 Samseong exits 5 and 6 lead straight into the convention centre.
- March in Seoul is cold, so the venue's indoor mall and hotel links are genuinely useful.
- Plan distributor meetings in advance, as the fair is large and busy.
KIMES - Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show travel FAQs
Where should I stay for KIMES?
Stay in Gangnam or Samseong to walk to COEX, which sits above Samseong station on Metro Line 2. Nearby Seolleung and Yeoksam offer value one or two stops away, all with quick subway access to the halls.
How much do hotels cost during KIMES?
Rates vary by district and category, with Gangnam and Samseong commanding a premium for their proximity. Booking early secures better value, and staying a stop or two away on Line 2 can reduce cost while keeping the commute short.
How early should I book hotels for KIMES?
Book well ahead. KIMES is a large annual show and Gangnam hotels near COEX fill quickly, so early reservations protect both availability and rate, especially for walkable Samseong-area properties.
Which airport do I fly into for KIMES?
Fly into Incheon International Airport (ICN), about 55-60 km from COEX. The Route 6103 airport limousine bus runs direct to the venue in around an hour, or take the AREX railroad plus Metro Line 2 to Samseong.
Is COEX easy to reach in Seoul's cold March weather?
Yes. COEX sits directly above Samseong station on Metro Line 2 and connects underground to the COEX Mall and two hotels, so you can move between transit, lodging and the halls without going outside in the cold.
EventEscapes is an independent travel platform and is not affiliated with KIMES - Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show or its organizers. Dates and venues can change — verify with the official event site before booking travel.