Dongduk University professor receives Seoul Mayor's Award for MICE and tourism contributions

Huh Joon, a professor at Dongduk Women's University, has been honored with the Seoul Mayor's Award for his significant contributions to developing the city's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and tourism industries. The award ceremony, held at The Westin Chosun Seoul, recognized Professor Huh's dedication to building Seoul's MICE industry infrastructure and his policy research in the sector.

Seoul has solidified its position as a global MICE city, ranking first in Asia and third worldwide in international conference hosting in 2025. Professor Huh's involvement has been crucial, particularly in establishing the policy groundwork for the MICE industry, cultivating specialized professionals, and strengthening the sector's overall competitiveness. He played a key role from the early stages of Seoul's MICE industry development policies, including leading the practical research team for a university-industry cooperation project aimed at building a future urban industry foundation through convention industry growth.

Beyond MICE, Professor Huh has also made notable achievements in general tourism policy. He led the research for "Basic Plan for the Creation and Operation of Seoul Tourism Plaza" in 2019 and co-researched the "Development of Urban Tourism Competitiveness Indicators" with the UN Tourism Organization. These efforts contributed to Seoul being ranked fifth in global city tourism competitiveness at the 2010 Seoul International Tourism Forum.

“

This award was possible thanks to the support of Dongduk Women's University's management and faculty. It is also thanks to the students of the Global MICE Convergence major who have grown into excellent talents under the guidance of Professors Lee Eun-seong and Yoon Young-hye.

The award also highlights Dongduk Women's University's two decades of commitment to MICE education. Professor Huh joined the university in 2011, laying the foundation for its current MICE education system, which spans undergraduate and graduate programs. The university's Global MICE Convergence major is the only undergraduate degree program in the Seoul metropolitan area with "MICE" in its official name.

Professor Huh expressed gratitude for the support from Dongduk Women's University's management and faculty, as well as the contributions of his colleagues and students. He pledged to continue working towards ensuring Seoul's sustainable competitiveness as a global MICE and tourism hub.

“

We will strive even harder to ensure that Seoul secures sustainable competitiveness as a global MICE and tourism city.