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    Dates

    3–5 Mar 2027

    City / country

    Seoul, South Korea

    Venue

    Coex

    Time

    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

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    Matched booths for AW (Smart Factory + Automation World)

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    Event overview

    Overview

    AW 2027 is a premier exhibition focusing on smart manufacturing and automation, taking place from March 3 to 5, 2027, at Coex in Seoul, South Korea.

    The event will showcase cutting-edge technologies and solutions in the automation sector.

    AW (Smart Factory + Automation World) takes place in Seoul, South Korea.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates and Venue: AW 2027 runs from March 3 to 5, 2027, at Coex, Seoul, South Korea.
    2. 2Scale and Focus: The event expects 500 exhibitors and 80,000 visitors, showcasing innovations in smart manufacturing and automation.
    3. 3Organiser: Hosted by Coex and several industry associations, more details can be found at automationworld.co.kr.
    4. 4Buyer Authority: Targeted attendees include industry leaders, decision-makers, and professionals in manufacturing and automation sectors.
    5. 5Entry / Access: Free registration is available for trade visitors; confirm details on the official website.

    Why visit

    Visitors will gain insights into the latest trends and technologies in smart manufacturing and automation, network with industry leaders, and explore innovative solutions that can enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Dates and Venue: AW 2027 runs from March 3 to 5, 2027, at Coex, Seoul, South Korea. Scale and Focus: The event expects 500 exhibitors and 80,000 visitors, showcasing innovations in smart manufacturing and automation.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their latest products and technologies, connect with potential buyers and partners, and enhance their visibility in the growing smart manufacturing sector. Scale and Focus: The event expects 500 exhibitors and 80,000 visitors, showcasing innovations in smart manufacturing and automation. Buyer Authority: Targeted attendees include industry leaders, decision-makers, and professionals in manufacturing and automation sectors.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Manufacturing executives and decision-makers
    Automation technology providers
    Supply chain and logistics professionals
    Industrial engineers and consultants
    Research and development specialists
    Government and regulatory officials

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Manufacturers of automation equipment
    Suppliers of smart factory solutions
    Developers of robotics and AI technologies
    Providers of industrial IoT solutions
    Consultants in manufacturing optimization
    Distributors of automation components

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Smart manufacturing systems and solutions
    Industrial automation equipment and software
    Robotics and collaborative robots
    AI-driven manufacturing technologies
    Logistics automation systems
    Machine vision and imaging systems

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Coex

    513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Facilities

    Food options

    On-site catering

    On-site dining

    Parking: Coex in Seoul typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

    Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Coex for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Free registration

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    March 3 to 5, 2027:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Coex

    Organiser

    Korea Industry Intelligentization Association

    Organiser

    Korea Smart Manufacturing Office

    Organiser

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    80,000 visitors · 500 exhibitors

    Forecast — not final

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The 2026 edition of AW showcased significant advancements in automation technologies, attracting over 80,000 visitors and 500 exhibitors. The event highlighted key trends in smart manufacturing and provided a platform for networking and collaboration.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    The event attracted high-quality attendees, including decision-makers from leading manufacturing companies, technology innovators, and industry experts, all seeking to explore the latest trends and solutions in automation.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors reported strong leads and successful product launches, with many noting increased visibility and engagement with potential clients during the event.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Seoul, South Korea

    Why it matters

    Attending AW (Smart Factory + Automation World) on 2027-03-03 to 2027-03-05 in Seoul lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · KRW

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    ICN

    Seoul

    Primary international gateway serving Seoul.

    to venue

    by car

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    airport railroad (AREX)

    Estimated costKRW 4,500–18,000 (ICN to Seoul Station); add KRW 1,400–12,000 metro or taxi onward
    Best forIncheon International Airport (ICN) to Seoul Station, then metro or taxi to Coex

    Most predictable airport-to-city option. Confirm train type (express vs all-stop) and transfer times before travel.

    airport limousine bus

    Estimated costKRW 17,000–20,000
    Best forIncheon International Airport (ICN) to Gangnam and Samseong hotels near Coex

    Drops at major Gangnam hotels; schedules vary by route — confirm service hours before travel.

    Seoul Metro

    Estimated costKRW 1,400–1,900 per single ride (T-money card); day pass available
    Best forSamseong Station (Line 2) or Bongeunsa Station (Line 9) to Coex

    Both stations are a short walk from the venue. Avoid weekday commuter peaks with luggage.

    taxi

    Estimated costKRW 70,000–100,000 (metered, plus surcharges)
    Best forSeoul (ICN) to Coex

    Door-to-door and useful with equipment; journey time depends heavily on Seoul traffic. Confirm estimated fare before travel.

    taxi (short hop)

    Estimated costKRW 4,000–8,000
    Best forSamseong or Gangnam hotels to Coex

    Short metered rides within the district; walking is often quicker at show opening and closing times.

    Weather

    AW 2027 runs 3-5 March 2027 at Coex, Seoul, South Korea. Early March is early spring in Seoul: expect a cool daytime band of roughly 0 C to 11 C, with mornings often at or slightly below freezing and noticeably milder afternoons. March is comparatively dry, but spring showers and yellow-dust (Asian dust) episodes can occur, so check a live forecast and daily air-quality readings during the show week. Indoor halls at Coex are heated, so layering works better than one heavy coat.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    South Korea has very strong mobile coverage, with 4G and 5G available across Seoul and the Gangnam district around Coex, plus free Wi-Fi in most hotels and public venues. Short-stay visitors typically use an eSIM or buy a prepaid tourist SIM at Incheon Airport arrivals, where the main national carriers have counters; roaming with a home operator also works but check data pricing. Power is 220V at 60 Hz with Type C and Type F sockets, so most European plugs fit directly and UK, US and Australian visitors need an adapter. Bring a power bank, since long days on the AW floor and live demos drain phones quickly.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Greetings and business cards

    Business greetings in Korea often begin with a slight bow, and business cards are exchanged early. Offer and receive a card with both hands, take a moment to read it, and keep it in a card holder rather than a pocket.

    Punctuality and hierarchy

    Arrive on time or slightly early for meetings. Seniority shapes who speaks first, so greet the most senior person present and let them set the pace of the discussion.

    Meetings and technical detail

    Korean engineering buyers often want specifications, test data and delivery commitments in writing. Bring datasheets and be ready to discuss lead times, service support and local partner arrangements.

    Dining and after-hours

    Business dinners are common and often shared. Wait for the host to start and to be seated, and expect to pour for others rather than yourself as a courtesy.

    Tipping and payment

    Tipping is not customary in South Korea. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, taxis and shops, but carry some cash for small vendors and markets.

    Shopping, shoes and personal space

    Shoes are removed in some traditional restaurants and private homes, so follow your host's lead. Coex and the metro are busy during commuter peaks, so allow extra time when moving between halls and hotels.

    Language at the venue

    Korean is the main language on the floor. Many exhibitors and hotel staff handle English, but for technical negotiations a local interpreter or bilingual colleague makes meetings considerably faster.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: ICN

    Seoul is served by Incheon International Airport (ICN) for most international arrivals and Gimpo International Airport (GMP) for many regional and domestic connections. For AW 2027 on 3-5 March 2027, book long-haul flights roughly 8-12 weeks ahead and compare an ICN arrival against a GMP routing, which shortens the transfer to Coex. If you are hand-carrying demo hardware or sample components, check baggage rules and lithium battery restrictions with the airline. Arriving a day before the opening is useful for jet lag, badge collection and a first walk through the halls.

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    5 star

    Not yet confirmed

    3 star

    Not yet confirmed

    3 star

    Not yet confirmed

    3 star

    Not yet confirmed

    3 star

    Not yet confirmed

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Seoul (ICN): Primary international gateway serving Seoul.. Allow road or rail time to Coex; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Coex: Oakwood Premier Coex Center Seoul; Shilla Stay Samsung; Ibis style hotels.

    Ride-hail: Kakao T is the dominant ride-hailing and taxi app in Seoul, and Uber also operates in the city through a taxi partnership. Both generally need an app account and a payment method, and some functions work best with a local phone number, so set the app up before you arrive or use the taxi ranks outside Coex and at Incheon Airport arrivals. Metered street taxis are plentiful in the Samseong district, and drivers rarely expect tips.

    Public transit: Coex is served by Samseong Station on Seoul Metro Line 2 and Bongeunsa Station on Line 9, both a short walk from the exhibition halls. Use a rechargeable T-money card, available at convenience stores and station machines, for metro and bus fares; base metro fare is approximately KRW 1,400 and rises with distance. Trains run from early morning until late evening. Check live timetables and fares, and allow extra time during the weekday commuter peaks.

    Parking: Coex has on-site parking connected to the exhibition halls, and nearby hotels and office towers provide additional paid parking within walking distance. Daily fees, caps, height limits for vans carrying exhibits and any requirement for exhibitor vehicle permits are set by the venue and organiser; check the Coex website or the AW visitor guide for current rates before driving to the show. Public transport is usually simpler on show days than searching for parking in the Samseong district.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: March 2027 (early spring in Seoul)

    Temperature: Approx. 0 C to 11 C across the daytime band, with mornings often at or slightly below freezing and warmer afternoons. Confirm a live forecast before departure.

    Seasonality: March is one of the drier months in Seoul, but spring rain showers are possible and yellow-dust (Asian dust) episodes can affect air quality in spring. Check daily air-quality readings during the show week, especially if you have respiratory sensitivities.

    Packing: Pack layers rather than one heavy coat: a warm jacket and scarf for cold early mornings, lighter clothing for heated Coex halls and milder afternoons, and a compact umbrella for spring showers. Comfortable walking shoes matter, as Coex is a large complex and the Samseong hotel cluster to hall route adds up over a show day. Bring a 220V Type C or Type F adapter, a power bank for long days on the floor, and business cards for exhibitor meetings.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Day 2 (mid-show)

    Mid-show days at AW (Smart Factory + Automation World) usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.

    Networking spots

    2

    AW (Smart Factory + Automation World) registration concourse

     

     

     

    Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)

     

     

     

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Hotel × 3 nights₩255
    • Per diem × 3₩225
    • Insurance₩35
    Estimated total₩515

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Use this quick check to decide whether AW (Smart Factory + Automation World) fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.

    Best for

    Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.

    Min. budget

    $400.00

    Timeline

    4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.

    Risks

    Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.

    exhibit

    You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.

    Best for

    Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.

    Min. budget

    $2,500.00

    Timeline

    3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.

    Risks

    Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.

    skip

    Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.

    Best for

    Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    Smart factory
    A manufacturing environment in which machines, sensors and IT systems are networked so that production status can be monitored, analysed and adjusted close to real time. Korean manufacturers use the term for the connected-line programmes that AW suppliers support.
    2
    Industry 4.0
    The broad programme of digitising and connecting production, from shop-floor control up to planning and analytics. AW exhibitors position hardware and software against this agenda.
    3
    PLC (programmable logic controller)
    The rugged industrial controller that executes machine and line logic on the factory floor. PLC makers and their I/O and networking partners are a core AW exhibitor group.
    4
    SCADA
    Supervisory control and data acquisition: the software layer that supervises PLCs and field devices and presents plant status to operators and engineers.
    5
    MES (manufacturing execution system)
    The shop-floor system that tracks work orders, product genealogy, quality data and equipment effectiveness between the ERP layer and machine control.
    6
    HMI (human-machine interface)
    Panels, touchscreens and consoles through which operators view machine states and issue commands. HMI hardware and software are shown alongside control products at AW.
    7
    Digital twin
    A simulated model of a machine, line or plant kept in step with real operating data, used for design, virtual commissioning, training and fault diagnosis.
    8
    IIoT (industrial internet of things)
    Networked sensors, gateways and edge devices on the plant floor that stream machine data into analytics and cloud services.
    9
    Industrial robot
    A programmable manipulator used for welding, handling, palletising, assembly or painting, typically inside a guarded cell.
    10
    Cobot (collaborative robot)
    A robot designed to work alongside people, usually with force-limiting safety functions and lightweight arms that can be redeployed between tasks.
    11
    AMR (autonomous mobile robot)
    A self-navigating mobile platform that moves material or carts through a plant or warehouse without fixed floor guidance.
    12
    AGV (automated guided vehicle)
    A driverless transport vehicle that follows fixed paths such as magnetic tape or rails, commonly used for repetitive material feeding.
    13
    Machine vision
    Camera, lighting and image-processing systems used for inspection, measurement, code reading and robot guidance on production lines.
    14
    OPC UA
    A vendor-independent industrial communication standard for exchanging structured data between machines and IT systems, widely used as the backbone of smart-factory integration.
    15
    Edge computing
    Processing and filtering machine data near the equipment rather than in the cloud, to cut latency and bandwidth use on the line.
    16
    Predictive maintenance
    Condition monitoring plus analytics that flags developing faults so equipment is serviced before an unplanned stop.
    17
    Motion control
    Servo drives, motors and controllers that govern the speed, position and torque of machine axes. Motion suppliers are a regular AW product group.
    18
    Functional safety (SIL)
    The engineering discipline and standards around machine guarding, emergency stop architecture and safety-rated controllers, often rated by Safety Integrity Level.

    Also known as

    Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

    • AW Smart Factory + Automation World
    • AW Smart Factory Automation World
    • AW Automation World 2027
    • AW Seoul 2027
    • Automation World Seoul
    • AW Coex Seoul
    • automation world Korea 2027
    • smart factory expo Seoul
    • smart manufacturing expo Seoul 2027
    • robotics and collaborative robots expo Seoul

    9 more alternate names hidden

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    Sources

    5

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    AW 2027

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