CineAsia 2026 brings cinema exhibitors to Seoul on 7-10 December.
Dates
7–10 Dec 2026
City / country
Seoul, South Korea
Venue
Seoul Dragon City and CGV Yongsan I-Park
Event overview
CineAsia 2026 brings the Asia-Pacific cinema exhibition industry to Seoul, South Korea, from 7 to 10 December 2026.
The 30th edition combines a trade show at Seoul Dragon City with screenings, studio presentations and seminars at CGV Yongsan I-Park.
CineAsia 2025 in Bangkok drew more than 3,500 participants from 50 countries, and the Seoul programme follows the same four-day buyer-and-exhibitor format, with Trade Show & Seminar passes from USD 495 and Full Conference access covering screenings, meals and networking.
TL;DR
Buyers see projection, sound, seating, concessions and cinema-operations technology in one Yongsan venue, with studio screenings and distribution sessions that explain what is coming to Asia-Pacific screens. The four-day format condenses supplier meetings, film product presentations and peer networking into one trip.
CineAsia puts equipment makers, concessions suppliers and cinema-service firms in front of Asia-Pacific exhibitors and distributors who specify and buy for multiplex circuits. Seoul adds easy access to Korean and North Asian buyers, while the trade show floor and seminar programme create repeated contact across four days.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
295 Cheongpa-ro 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04372, South Korea
Food options
Seoul Dragon City dining outlets
On-site diningParking: Secure underground parking is available at Seoul Dragon City; enter from Cheongpa-ro and validate your ticket at the venue desk.
Gate: Use the Seoul Dragon City main convention entrance off Cheongpa-ro; CGV Yongsan I-Park is linked within the same Yongsan complex.
Attend
Early Bird Full Conference (by 19 Sept 2026)
Early-bird rate.
Early Bird Trade Show & Seminar (by 19 Sept 2026)
Early-bird rate.
Pre-Registration Full Conference (20 Sept-4 Dec 2026)
Standard pre-registration.
Pre-Registration Trade Show & Seminar (20 Sept-4 Dec 2026)
Standard pre-registration.
On-Site Full Conference (from 5 Dec 2026)
Onsite rate.
On-Site Trade Show & Seminar (from 5 Dec 2026)
Onsite rate.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring your confirmation email and photo ID to the registration desk; every participant must wear an official show badge.
Ticket notes
Online registration only, open through the final show day. Prices are in USD; a 10% Korean VAT applies to registrations with a non-Korean address. Full Conference includes seminars, screenings, studio presentations, meals, networking, awards and the trade show. Trade Show & Seminar passes cover seminars and the exhibition only.
Registration deadline
2026-12-10
What's on
CineAsia industry awards
An awards programme presented during the convention, recognising achievements across the Asia-Pacific cinema exhibition industry.
sourceHow the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Visitors: 3,500
Edition #: 29
Visitor countries: 50
This edition
2026
Visitors: 3,500
Exhibitors: 150
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
Impact
The shift from Bangkok to Seoul puts CineAsia inside one of Asia's most mature cinema markets and within easy reach of Korean, Japanese and Chinese buyers. For exhibitors, that means fewer travel days for North Asian circuits and a stronger technology-buying audience.
Audience quality
CineAsia audiences are cinema operators, distributors and studio executives rather than general consumers. The 2025 edition reported participants from 50 countries, giving exhibitors a compact but international buyer base across four days of screenings, seminars and trade-show meetings.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on meetings booked before the show: a 9 sqm stand plus a Trade Show & Seminar pass is a low-cost entry, while Full Conference access is better for studio-facing firms. Exhibitors should target 25-40 qualified circuit conversations over four days and follow up within 48 hours.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Seoul is a natural hub for the Asia-Pacific cinema business: Korea has one of the world's highest cinema-attendance rates, and Incheon airport connects the region's buyers. CineAsia uses that position to put equipment suppliers in front of circuit operators who are upgrading projection, sound and concessions.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Premium large format and laser upgrades
Circuits are replacing older lamp-based projectors with laser and premium large-format systems to justify ticket prices and compete with home streaming.
What it changes: Suppliers of projection, screens and immersive audio can use CineAsia to demonstrate upgrade economics to circuit buyers.
Concessions as a profit centre
Cinema operators are widening food and beverage menus and adding self-service ordering to lift per-head spend as admissions flatten.
What it changes: Concessions equipment and POS vendors have a direct route to buyers who are redesigning cinema lobbies.
Data-led audience and ticketing
Ticketing, loyalty and booking data are being used to target lapsed audiences and schedule screenings more profitably.
What it changes: Cinema software and analytics providers can position their tools as revenue-recovery investments rather than cost lines.
CineAsia sits alongside CineEurope, CinemaCon and Busan as a regional meeting point for cinema operators, distributors and technology suppliers.
Q2 2027
Northern-hemisphere buying season for cinema technology.
Q4 2026
Asia-Pacific budget and upgrade cycle ahead of the new year.
CineEurope dates come from the Film Expo Group homepage; CinemaCon and Busan dates are circuit-level estimates.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Incheon International Airport
Main international gateway; AREX train to Seoul Station takes about 45 minutes.
About 50 km
to venue
60-75 minutes by car or airport bus
by car
Gimpo International Airport
Closer domestic and North Asian gateway; subway Line 5/9 and taxi connect to Yongsan.
About 18 km
to venue
35-45 minutes by car
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 80–130 / night
Midscale rooms near Seoul Station, 10-15 minutes by taxi to Yongsan.
USD 140–220 / night
Walkable to Seoul Dragon City and CGV Yongsan I-Park.
USD 260–420 / night
Five-star options with skyline views and easy taxi access to the venue.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Airport Railroad Express (AREX)
Express train about 45 minutes; transfer to Line 1 or taxi for Yongsan.
Seoul Metro
Use a T-money card; Yongsan Station connects to the venue complex.
Taxi / Kakao T
Metered taxis; airport runs cost KRW 70,000-90,000.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K-ETA or visa-free entry | Eligible passport holders should check Korea's K-ETA and visa-free list before booking. | — | Apply online before travel; allow at least 72 hours. |
Many short-stay business visitors enter visa-free or with K-ETA; requirements vary by passport.
ATA Carnet is commonly accepted for temporary exhibition goods; confirm with Korean customs and the freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
December in Seoul is cold and dry, with daytime highs around 2-4°C and overnight lows near -5°C; snow is possible. Pack a warm coat, layers and comfortable shoes for the venue walk.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Korean mobile networks are fast; eSIMs and pocket Wi-Fi are widely available at Incheon Airport. The venue provides Wi-Fi for delegates.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping and service
Tipping is not customary in Korea; service charges are usually included. Use cards widely, but keep a little cash for small vendors.
Business etiquette
Exchange business cards with both hands and use formal titles on first meeting. Punctuality is expected for scheduled meetings.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: ICN - Incheon International Airport
Book 8-12 weeks ahead for December; Seoul hotel demand rises before the holidays. Incheon is the main gateway and Gimpo suits North Asian routes.
Book flightsVisa-free or K-ETA entry applies to many business travellers; check your passport nationality and purpose of visit before booking.
Estimated cost: Varies by nationality; K-ETA is a small online fee
Processing: Apply at least 72 hours before departure
Carry an invitation letter, hotel booking and return ticket for immigration.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: AREX to Seoul Station then taxi or Line 1 to Yongsan; allow 75-90 minutes door to door.
Hotel → venue: Yongsan hotels are walkable; Seoul Station and Myeongdong are 10-20 minutes by taxi or subway.
Ride-hail: Kakao T is the standard ride-hail app; taxis are metered and card-friendly.
Public transit: Seoul Metro is cheap, frequent and English-signed; use a T-money card.
Parking: Paid underground parking at Seoul Dragon City; validate at the venue desk.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December
Temperature: -5°C to 4°C
Seasonality: Cold, dry winter with occasional snow; no rainy season.
Packing: Warm coat, layers, gloves, comfortable shoes and a compact umbrella for snow.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: 2026-12-08
Day two typically combines a full trade-show day with studio presentations, giving visitors the widest choice of supplier meetings and screenings.
Book flights and hotel in Yongsan — Compare ICN fares and refundable Yongsan rooms.
Register online and pay the delegate fee — Choose Full Conference or Trade Show & Seminar based on screening access.
Check visa, K-ETA and travel insurance — Print the registration confirmation and hotel booking.
Build a meeting list and download the show app — Book supplier meetings before the floor opens.
Pack for sub-zero Seoul weather and confirm airport transfer — Allow 90 minutes from ICN to Yongsan.
Registration and badge collection
Seoul Dragon City main entranceProjection and sound supplier meetings
Trade show floorStudio presentation and screening
CGV Yongsan I-ParkNetworking reception
Seoul Dragon City loungeGyeongbokgung Palace
Historic Landmark
25-30 minutes by subway from Yongsan
Restored Joseon-era palace with changing of the guard; good half-day break.
N Seoul Tower and Namsan Park
City Viewpoint
15-20 minutes by taxi from Yongsan
Panoramic Seoul views and walking trails close to the venue.
Itaewon and Hannam-dong
Dining and bar district
International restaurants and casual meeting spots 10 minutes from Yongsan.
Seoul Station area
Transit-hub cafes
Convenient for meetings before airport transfers and train departures.
CineAsia meetings are concentrated in four days, so a 48-hour follow-up and a two-week call cycle matter more than a large brochure drop.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 450–700 / m²
Raw space
USD 350–550 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Commercial estimate for Seoul; the 2026 exhibitor manual was not published in the sources reviewed.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Registration
Visitor · Trade Show & Seminar
USD 495–595 / per person
Registration
Visitor · Full Conference
USD 925–1275 / per person
Hotel
Visitor · Mid Yongsan
USD 140–220 / per night
Booth
Exhibitor · Shell scheme 9 sqm
USD 4050–6300 / per stand
Travel
Visitor · North Asia return
USD 250–450 / per flight
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registration | Visitor | Trade Show & Seminar | USD 495–595 / per person | actual | 2026-10-31 |
| Registration | Visitor | Full Conference | USD 925–1275 / per person | actual | 2026-10-31 |
| Hotel | Visitor | Mid Yongsan | USD 140–220 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Booth | Exhibitor | Shell scheme 9 sqm | USD 4050–6300 / per stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Travel | Visitor | North Asia return | USD 250–450 / per flight | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Answer six quick questions to see whether CineAsia 2026 is best for you to visit, exhibit or skip.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your role in the cinema business?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a live cinema project or release slate and can commit at least one full day.
Best for
Cinema operators, distributors and analysts who need supplier and release intelligence
Min. budget
$700.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks
Risks
December travel costs
Schedule clashes with year-end planning
exhibit
You have approved marketing budget and 20+ target buyers to meet.
Best for
Technology, concessions and service suppliers selling into Asia-Pacific cinema circuits
Min. budget
$6,000.00
Timeline
3-6 months
Risks
Stand cost may exceed first-year pipeline
Freight and customs delays
skip
You have no cinema product, no Asia-Pacific buyer and no travel budget.
Best for
General consumer audiences or companies with no Asia-Pacific cinema plans
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing competitor and market intelligence
Book with
Seoul Dragon City
Convention and hotel complex hosting the CineAsia 2026 trade show in Yongsan, Seoul.
Official venue website; not named as a sponsor.
Korean Air
Flag carrier with direct routes from North America, Europe and Asia into Incheon International Airport.
Practical travel resource, not a confirmed event partner.
Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry
National business chamber supporting Korean and international companies doing business in Korea.
Useful business resource; partnership not confirmed.
Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA)
Government-backed agency supporting Korea's content and media industries, including film.
Public industry body; not confirmed as an event partner.
Recommended providers
Check K-ETA and visa-free eligibility before booking; not an official event partner.
On-site hotel complex; book a refundable Yongsan room early.
Book ICN flights 8-12 weeks ahead; Gimpo is an alternative for North Asian routes.
Temporary import, ATA Carnet and on-site handling for exhibition freight.
Travel and exhibition-goods cover; confirm business-travel and equipment clauses.
Book Seoul palace, tower and DMZ day trips around show hours.
Badge scanning and CRM export; confirm organiser scanner support.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
4
References
2
Publishers
4
Date checked
Film Expo Group
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
