Most participating
companies apply for larger booths; copious attractions including new fishing
exhibition hall and camping car exhibition hall 

◇ Gyeonggi Province accepted early-bird
applications for the 2016 Korea International Boat Show up to March 18, with
final tallies showing that it received a record number of applications. ⓒ
Gyeonggi G-News

Companies are lining up for the 2016 Korea
International Boat Show, Korea’s
largest exhibition for the marine leisure industry, which is co-hosted by the
Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. 

According to the provincial government on March 21,
the final tallies of the early-bird application period, which ran until March
18, showed that more than 170 companies applied for 1,357 booths. 

This represents a 26% increase from the 1,080 booth
applications received during the same period last year. The early-bird entries
alone almost reached the final number of booths sold last year of 1,378 booths.
Considering the application period for booths ends on April 15, the provincial government
expects this year’s event to be the largest
ever.  

An provincial government official stressed, “Despite competition for boat shows growing stronger
with events in Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do, if you look at the companies participating
in this year’s Korea International Boat
Show, you’ll understand why this event is
the most famous exhibition in Korea for the marine leisure industry.” 

In fact, market-leading companies in the Korean
marine industry including Boat-Korea, the undisputed top marine industry
retailer in Korea, Estec Marine, a powerhouse retailer for low horsepower
outboard motors and trailers, and other companies such as Hyundai Sanggong
Motors and OMK have decided to forgo all other exhibitions and exclusively focus
on the Korea International Boat Show with their greatest presence ever at 30 to
120 booths. In addition, compared to 2015, more companies have applied for
larger floor space allotments. 

The market has shown great interest in new models
unveiled by Korean manufacturers.  

First, Carina Dongyeon Boat expects to attract
overseas buyers with a lineup featuring not only its existing main models but
also rubber boats that the company recently exported in large numbers to
Southeast Asia. Elk-Marine, which produces luxury combi-boats, and Hannam
Marine, which exports clear canoes, are expected to showcase their new 2017
models for the first time at the Korea International Boat Show. Alloy Marine,
which has been acclaimed for its eco-friendliness and luxuriousness ever since
it unveiled its products at last year’s
event, will launch five new aluminum boats reflecting demand from boat anglers in
Korea.  

One particular noteworthy aspect of this year’s event is that the exhibition is now open to fishing,
which is the most common and popular leisure activity people can enjoy aboard
boats. Visitors will have access to more than 200 booths set up by the Lure
Fishing Association (LFA) and fishing companies including influential fishing
rod producers such as NS and Yeong Gyu Fishing (YGF).   

Additionally, camping vehicle companies that
participated in a limited capacity last year have prepared a group exhibition
hall led by the Korea Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. As a result, the
Korea International Boat Show is expected to become the premiere ‘comprehensive marine leisure industry exhibition’ in Korea.  

Gyeonggi Province Assistant Governor for Economy Oh
Byeong-gwon said, “We thank everyone working in
the marine leisure industry for their unwavering support of the Korea International
Boat Show.” Assistant Governor Oh added, “We will do our utmost to achieve top results for
the industry as a business boat show that represents Korea and competes on the
world stage.”  

Gyeonggi Province will host the 2016 Korea
International Boat Show from May 19 to 22 at Goyang KINTEX and Gimpo Ara Marina.
For more details, please contact the Korea International Boat Show Secretariat
(1670-8785) or visit its official website (www.kibs.com).

ⓒ Gyeonggi
G-News | Lee Jun-kyun eyekle@hanmail.net 

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201603221131527055C052&s_code=C052