Chuncheon Emerges as Hub of K-Bio Transformation... 'Gangwon Bio Expo' Concludes Successfully

Chuncheon Welcomes Over 7,200 Visitors in Three Days
Achieves Consultation Results Worth 38.2 Billion Won
87 Domestic and International Companies and Institutions Participate
Expo Thrives as a Science and Culture Festival
Chuncheon Presents Vision for AI and Quantum-Based Bioindustry Transformation

The "2025 Gangwon Bio Expo," which led a new leap forward for Korea's bioindustry, successfully concluded after a three-day run from November 7 to 9 at the Chuncheon Bomnae Gymnasium area.

The "2025 Gangwon Bio Expo" successfully concluded on the 9th at the Chuncheon Bomnae Gymnasium area. Photo by Chuncheon City

This event was co-hosted by Chuncheon City and Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, and organized by the Chuncheon Bio Industry Promotion Agency. Under the theme "Great Transformation of the Bioindustry: The Beginning of the K-Biohealth Convergence Belt," it was held as a large-scale industrial and cultural festival, bringing together domestic and international companies, research institutes, investors, and citizens.

A total of 87 companies and organizations participated in the expo, operating five exhibition zones: beauty, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, food technology, and health functional foods. The number of visitors over the three days reached approximately 7,200, with many families attending over the weekend, making it a venue where citizens could connect more closely with the bioindustry.

In particular, at the global export consultation event hosted by KOTRA, 62 buyers from 14 countries across North America, Asia, and Africa held one-on-one export consultations with 81 Korean companies. This resulted in a total of 574 consultations and intentions for contracts and agreements worth 26.19 million dollars (approximately 38.2 billion won). As a result, Chuncheon is being recognized as an emerging hub for practical exchanges within the global bioindustry network.

At the opening ceremony on November 7, the "Chuncheon Bioindustry Great Transformation Vision Proclamation" was held. This vision outlined Chuncheon's goal of advancing as an innovative biohealth city based on AI and quantum technology. The city plans to implement strategies centered on four pillars: industrial transformation (fostering next-generation biohealth industries based on AI and quantum technology), technological transformation (establishing smart process and data verification platforms), educational transformation (developing a system for nurturing AI-bio convergence talent), and ecosystem transformation (building a collaborative governance system among industry, academia, research, medical, and government sectors).

The proclamation ceremony, accompanied by an LED touch performance, was a symbolic moment that declared Chuncheon's status as the central city of the K-Biohealth Convergence Belt both domestically and internationally. It also expressed the city's determination to become an advanced knowledge-based industrial city, leveraging the bioindustry capabilities accumulated over the past 30 years.

Yook Donghan, Mayor of Chuncheon, is delivering a greeting at the opening ceremony of the "2025 Gangwon Bio Expo" on the 7th. Provided by Chuncheon City

The expo established itself not only as an industrial exhibition but also as a science and culture festival enjoyed by citizens. Lectures by renowned speakers such as science communicator Lee Sunho (Exo Teacher), YouTuber Jungbeureu, Professor Park Yongwoo, and Dr. Hoyapark received enthusiastic responses from citizens and visitors. Various hands-on programs-including DNA model making, VR science experiences, cosmetics manufacturing, mock funding, and children's career experiences-attracted many family visitors. Additionally, the festival featured an LED media art exhibition, live commerce broadcasts, and prize events, showcasing the characteristics of a convergence festival that blended science, industry, and culture.

Yook Donghan, Mayor of Chuncheon, stated, "This expo was the starting point for realizing the Gangwon-style K-Biohealth Convergence Belt and a meaningful event that proved the global competitiveness of local bio companies. Based on these achievements, we will foster Chuncheon as the central city of Korea's bioindustry through cooperation among industry, academia, research, and government sectors."