11 Lifesaver Essentials for G-Star Korea Exhibitors

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When exhibiting at G-Star Korea, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and successful event. Here are 11 essential items you should bring with you, based on tried-and-true experience from seasoned exhibitors.

1. Fanny Pack

A fanny pack is essential for keeping your hands free while ensuring you have quick access to important items like scissors, stickers, and portable chargers. It allows you to move around the booth efficiently without constantly searching for your tools.

2. Branded Items

Why do we wear T-shirts, hoodies, and jackets with our company logo? The first reason is to ensure everyone knows we’re part of the same team, even from a distance. It creates a sense of unity and makes it easy to identify team members. The second reason is to promote our company. We take pride in creating stylish, high-quality branded items that not only look great but also represent our brand well. In fact, we’ve had clients request design services after seeing our shirts. It’s a part of our commitment to detail and something we’re always proud of.

3. Whiteboard

A whiteboard is invaluable for managing inventory in your designated storage container, which will be located close to your G-Star booth. This is where you’ll store most of your merchandise. Using a whiteboard allows you to easily track and update stock quantities, making it much easier to manage inventory changes on the fly. This is one of those practical tips that come from years of experience at G-Star.

4. Printer

A printer is essential for quickly printing scripts, schedules, wrap-up meeting notes, and simple graphics. It’s especially useful for scripts — during rehearsals, any changes that need to be made can be promptly edited and reprinted. Having a printer on hand allows for immediate updates and ensures everyone has the most current information.

5. Stickers

Various stickers are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes:

• • Logo Sticker
• • Icon Sticker
• • Box Sticker

Stickers are especially useful for labeling personal items during the setup period when many people are on-site. It’s easy for drinks like coffee to get mixed up, particularly in Korea, where iced Americanos are incredibly popular. Since the drinks all look the same, having a designated icon sticker makes it easier to identify your own.

Icon stickers are visually intuitive, making them perfect for quick identification. Box stickers are also useful for clearly labeling boxes for storage or disposal, making the packing process much more organized after the event.

6. Walkie-Talkies

Effective communication is crucial during an event like G-Star, and walkie-talkies are essential for keeping your team connected. When using walkie-talkies, it’s important to clearly identify yourself both when speaking and when responding. With dozens of people potentially sharing the same channel, things can quickly become chaotic, so clear communication is key to maintaining order and efficiency. This simple practice ensures that everyone knows who is talking and helps avoid confusion.

7. Lanyards

Having lanyards with ID badges for your team not only looks professional but also helps with security and identification of members on site. Make sure they’re comfortable for all-day wear.

❗️Sometimes you might need name tag cases when you participate gaming convention. Here’s why. [Link]

8. Safety Helmets

The G-Star organizing committee closely monitors compliance with safety regulations throughout the setup period. As they regularly inspect the site to ensure all safety measures are followed, it’s crucial to bring and wear safety helmets during this time. Make sure your team is prepared to adhere to these guidelines to avoid any issues.

9. Pain Relief Patches

It’s a good idea to apply pain relief patches in advance, especially if you know you’ll be on your feet all day, carrying heavy items, or doing a lot of walking around the venue. Muscle aches are almost inevitable in this kind of environment. For those experiencing more severe pain, larger patches might be necessary. In Asia, smaller “coin-sized” patches are quite popular and effective. You can pick these up at a local pharmacy. Applying them to sore areas before heading out to the site can make a big difference, helping you feel lighter and more comfortable throughout the day.

10. Energy Bars

Working on-site can be incredibly hectic, leaving little to no time for proper meals. You’re constantly on the move, expending a lot of energy throughout the day. Keeping snacks like energy bars, chocolates, and candy on hand is highly recommended. These quick bites provide a much-needed energy boost, helping you stay focused and productive even when you can’t take a break for a full meal.

11. Comfortable and Warm Clothing

Korean winters can be quite cold, especially in November. If you’re managing an outdoor booth, long puffer jackets and hand warmers are essential. Comfortable shoes are also a must since you’ll be standing and walking around for long periods. At G-Star, you could log up to 30,000 steps a day, so make sure your footwear is up for the challenge!

By bringing these 11 essential items, you’ll be well-prepared to handle any situation that comes your way at G-Star. Proper preparation not only ensures a smoother experience but also helps your team stay focused on what really matters.

Navigating exhibition halls and outdoor booths for G-Star can be a complex task, especially with the various exhibition halls and rules. This guide is designed to help exhibitors make the most of their experience by understanding the layout, regulations, and logistics of the venue.

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1. What Companies Are in the 1st and 2nd Exhibition Hall?

Before selecting a hall, it’s important to understand the key characteristics of G-Star Korea. Known for showcasing new IPs, G-Star is essentially a launch event for new games. This means designing an eye-catching booth and incorporating engaging events are crucial to attracting interest. For more information, check out our article on tips on booth design and operation. [Link]

1st Exhibition Hall:

The 1st exhibition hall typically hosts larger, top gaming companies. This is where you’ll find booths dedicated to major titles and well-established IPs. It’s the prime location for showcasing blockbuster games and making a significant impact with a large audience.

2nd Exhibition Hall:

The 2nd exhibition hall, on the other hand, is the hub for subculture exhibitions. This hall is packed with booths showcasing subculture games, which are often a niche or have a dedicated but smaller fanbase. This area is ideal if your company is introducing anime style game IPs that cater to specific subcultures or if you’re looking to target a more focused audience.

Choosing the Right Exhibition Hall

Choosing the right exhibition hall depends on your game IP’s genre and target audience. For those introducing new IPs, the 2nd exhibition hall might be more suitable. Remember, G-Star is increasingly focused on showcasing new game IPs rather than established ones, so strategize accordingly to maximize exposure and engagement.

2. Booth Regulations

Booth Size

Understanding the booth regulations is essential for planning your space effectively at G-Star. When determining your booth size, you can convert square footage to square meters and then divide by 9 to calculate the number of booths you’ll need. For example:

600 sqft ➤ 55 sqmt ➤ 6 booths

Booth sizes can vary greatly, with some companies like NCSoft and Wemade occupying up to 200 booths each. EA Sports, for example, has a 20-booth setup.

Content Advisory

Graphics or visual content that are excessively revealing may be subject to restrictions by G-Star Korea. To ensure compliance, it is essential to obtain prior approval from the G-Star organizing committee for such materials. This approval process may require adjustments to character costumes, including those worn by cosplay models and staff.

Costumes such as bikinis, lingerie-like outfits, or attire that exposes significant amounts of skin are not permitted. It is crucial that all visual content and costumes adhere to the established guidelines to avoid last-minute alterations or potential restrictions.

3. Where is the Outdoor Booth?

G-Star Korea Outdoor Booth Location

G-Star Korea outdoor booth area is located in front of the 1st exhibition hall. If your booth is in the 2nd exhibition hall, be prepared for a considerable distance between your indoor booth and the outdoor area. This can pose logistical challenges, especially when it comes to restocking merchandise. It’s crucial to maintain quick communication and efficiently transport goods from your container storage to the booth.

Storage Planning to Sound

When designing the layout for your G-Star Korea outdoor booth, it’s essential to plan for storage space to keep your merchandise or other items. All outdoor booths tend to increase their sound levels due to the external noise, which can lead to sound competition among booths. If your booth includes an LED screen, consider preparing additional speakers. Remember, the sound output for outdoor booth amplifiers needs to be stronger than those used indoors.

Weather

During last year’s G-Star, both snow and rain made an appearance. While the weather for this year remains uncertain, outdoor booths are highly susceptible to weather conditions. 😇 It’s a good idea to prepare hand warmers for attendees waiting in line to prevent them from leaving due to the cold. Additionally, have a sign ready to inform attendees that events may be temporarily suspended in case of rain.

4. Material Handling & Drayage Fee

For U.S. exhibitions, a material handling fee is always charged, and it may also be applied at some European exhibitions. However, the good news is that G-Star Korea does not impose this fee, so you don’t need to worry too much about bringing in your exhibition materials, as there won’t be any additional costs related to material handling.

This guide should help you better navigate booth regulations and make informed decisions for G-Star Korea. Planning ahead with these details in mind will ensure a smoother and more successful event.

Previous: How to get to BEXCO for G-Star Korea

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Today, we’re diving into detailed transportation information for navigating Busan. These tips may seem small, but they can make a big difference in your trip planning for G-Star. We hope this guide is helpful for teams planning their trip to the event.

Before diving in, it might be useful to check out our general transportation and parking tips for more background.

Previous Content: Hotel Booking & Parking Tips

Now, let’s explore how to get to BEXCO or your hotel in Busan via various transportation methods, including flights, trains, buses, subways, and taxis. I hope this guide provides practical assistance to exhibitors preparing for G-Star Korea.

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1. When Arriving at Incheon Airport

Route: Incheon Airport ➤ Seoul Station ➤ Busan Station

One common route is to take the airport railroad from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station, then transfer to the KTX for Busan Station. Despite Gimhae International Airport being closer, many travelers opt for this route due to better connectivity.

1-1. Incheon Airport ➤ Seoul Station (via Airport Railroad)

The quickest way from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station is by the Airport Railroad. Since Seoul Station is centrally located, taxis and buses can take longer. However, the regular Airport Railroad stops at several stations between the airport and Seoul Station, which can take time (68 minutes from Terminal 2 to Seoul Station.)

The AREX Express Train is the fastest option, running non-stop directly to Seoul Station.

• • Travel Time: 43 minutes from Terminal 1 to Seoul Station, 62 minutes from Terminal 2 to Seoul Station.
• • Fare: 11,000 KRW (approximately $8) for adults.

For more details on ticket purchasing, usage and train schedule, check out the link: AREX Site Link

Here’s a detailed guide on how to take the express train [Link]

1-2. Seoul Station ➤ Busan Station (via KTX)

Upon arriving at Seoul Station, you’ll need to transfer to the KTX for Busan. Allow at least 15 minutes to navigate the station, but it’s wise to budget around 30 minutes just in case.

• • Travel Time: 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes from Seoul to Busan by KTX.
• • Fare: 59,800 KRW (approximately $43) for adults.

KTX Reservation here [Link]

1-3. From Busan Station to BEXCO or Your Hotel

a. By Express Bus (Bus #1001, #1003 recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️)🚌

These express buses go directly to popular destinations like Gwangalli, BEXCO, and Haeundae. If you’re not taking a taxi, this is the most recommended option for public transportation.

• • Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes from Busan Station to BEXCO.
• • Fare: 2,100 KRW (approximately $1.50).

As mentioned in previous posts, it’s best to have a T-money transportation card ready. If not, make sure to prepare the exact fare as buses are moving away from cash payments and may not have change available.

Multiple passengers can use one T-money card, but note that all passengers must get off at the same stop when using this feature. Before tapping your T-money card, inform the driver by saying “두 사람이요.” [doo sah-rah-mee-yoh] which means 2 people or “세 사람이요. [seh sah-rah-mee-yoh] which means 3 people. The driver will then input the fare for the number of passengers. Once the driver confirms (usually with an “Okay”), you can tap your T-money card to pay the correct fare.

b. By Subway 🚊

Taking the subway is not highly recommended as it takes longer and isn’t much cheaper than the express bus. However, if you do opt for the subway, take Line 1 from Busan Station, transfer at Seomyeon Station to Line 2, and continue to Gwangalli, BEXCO, or Haeundae. Fares start at 1,600 KRW (approximately $1.10.)

In Korea, there are no paper tickets so it’s recommended to purchase a T-money card, a rechargeable smart card, since you’ll need it to tap in and out of the subway system. Group rides on a single card aren’t allowed. If you already have a T-money card, simply ensure it has a balance, tap, and board. T-money cards typically cost around 5,000 KRW (approximately $3.60.) Alternatively, you can purchase a single-use card at the subway station for about 1,350 to 1,550 KRW, depending on the travel distance. This card is valid for one trip only and allows you to travel to your destination.

c. By Taxi 🚕

If you have a lot of luggage, taking a taxi is your best option. There are plenty of taxis available at the Busan Station taxi stand, or you can use the Kakao Taxi app to call a ride.

• • Busan Station to Gwangalli: 25-40 minutes, 11,000-16,000 KRW (approximately $8 to $12).
• • Busan Station to BEXCO: 25-45 minutes, 15,000-19,000 KRW (approximately $10 to $13).
• • Busan Station to Haeundae: 45 minutes to 1 hour, 20,000-25,000 KRW (approximately $14 to $18).

Don’t be surprised by the driving style in Busan ⎯ there are a lot of macho drivers, and things can get a little rough. 😅

2. When Arriving at Gimhae International Airport

Gimhae Airport also handles international flights, so some of you may be arriving directly here.

a. Express Bus 🚌

The Express Bus is a convenient option for getting to Busan Station or other major areas in Busan. [Link]

• • Interval: Every 1 hour
• • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour to 2 hours.
• • Fare: 2,100 KRW with T-money card, 2,200 KRW in cash
• • Baggage Restrictions: No items over 50X40X20(cm) allowed, 20 inch carry-on suitcases are permitted.

b. By Subway 🚊

From Gimhae International Airport, take the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit (LRT) to Sasang Station. Transfer to Line 2 (Green Line) at Sasang Station and head towards Jangsan. Get off at Centum City Station. BEXCO is a short walk from there.

• • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour.
• • Fare: 1,800 KRW (approximately $1.30)

c. By Taxi 🚕

Taxis are available outside Gimhae International Airport. Here are the typical travel times and fares:

• • Gimhae Airport to Gwangalli: 40 minutes to 1 hour, 20,000~32,000 KRW (approximately $15 to $24.)
• • Gimhae Airport to BEXCO: 40-50 minutes, 22,000~32,000 KRW (approximately $16 to $24.)
• • Gimhae Airport to Haeundae: 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes, 27,000~36,000 KRW (approximately $20 to $27.)

For more details on using taxis in Busan, refer to section 1-3 c.

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3. When Renting a Car

Renting a car can offer flexibility and convenience. Here’s how to get to BEXCO if you’re driving:

If you’re driving from Busan Station, head east on Jungang-daero, follow signs for Centum City, and take the exit toward Centum City. Follow the signs to BEXCO. The travel time is approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

If you’re driving from Gimhae International Airport, take the airport road to the expressway, head east towards Busan, and follow signs for Centum City. Take the exit for Centum City and follow the signs to BEXCO. The travel time is approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

BEXCO has ample parking spaces. Follow the signs to the parking area upon arrival. Parking fees vary by duration, typically around 2,400KRW per hour (approximately $1.85.)

❗️Caution: While renting a car in Busan is an option, it’s not highly recommended. If you’ve ever taken a taxi in Busan, you might have noticed that the drivers can be a bit aggressive. Merging into lanes can be challenging, and there are certain unspoken rules that seem to apply only to local drivers. The traffic can look chaotic, but it operates with an underlying order that may be difficult for outsiders to navigate. Unless you have nerves of steel, it’s better to skip the rental and rely on taxis instead. Taxi fares are affordable, and you’ll likely have a smoother and more comfortable ride. 👍

This updated content includes the detailed transportation methods for getting to BEXCO, covering all the options from Incheon Airport, Gimhae International Airport, and by rental car. Let me know if you need any further adjustments!

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Explore more of our G-Star content on our website!

G-Star Korea Introduction [Link]

G-Star Korea Booth Design & Operation Tips [Link]

Essential Tips for G-Star Exhibitors: Hotel Booking, Parking & Transportation [Link]

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Preparing for G-Star Korea can be a daunting task, especially for first-time exhibitors. Here’s a comprehensive guide with essential tips to ensure a smooth and successful experience at Korea’s largest gaming expo, held annually at BEXCO in Busan.

Hotel and Accommodation Tips

• • Proximity to BEXCO: The area with the most accommodations is Haeundae, which is also a popular tourist destination. Staying in Haeundae is convenient for international visitors due to its numerous amenities and attractions.

• • Hotel Price: Look for hotels that fit your budget. On average, hotel prices in the Haeundae area range from $60 to $200 per night, depending on the level of comfort and amenities offered. Comparing options can help you find the best value.

• • Early Booking: Good accommodations typically get fully booked by July, so it’s essential to book early. Make your reservations as soon as possible to secure a place to stay during the event.

Parking Tips

Finding convenient parking at BEXCO during G-Star Korea can be challenging due to the high volume of attendees. Here are some essential parking tips to make your experience smoother.

Arrive Early

To secure a parking spot close to the entrance, aim to arrive before 8:00 AM, as parking spaces are more readily available at that time. If you arrive later, try to be there by 8:30 AM at the latest to ensure a comfortable parking experience without the stress of searching for a spot.

BEXCO Parking fees

Item		General parking		Monthly parking
		For each 10 minutes	Day parking (24 hours)
Small	Passenger vehicles Vans (less than 25 seats) Trucks (less than 2.5t)	400 KRW	15,000 KRW	130,000 KRW
Large	Vans (25 seats or more) Trucks (2.5t or more)	800 KRW	30,000 KRW	–

Transportation Tips

1. Taxi Apps

In Korea, unlike in the U.S. or Europe, there is no Uber service available. Instead while in Busan, it’s better to use the Dongbaek Taxi app, it does require a Korean phone number to sign up. In general, throughout Korea, Kakao Taxi is the most popular taxi app. It also allows registration with a foreign phone number which may make it ideal if you are a visitor. To ensure you have a taxi available when needed, it’s recommended to book your taxi a day in advance, as getting a taxi on the event day can be challenging.

Download Dongbaek Taxi App: Appstore / Google Play

2. Public Transportation

In Korea, public transportation requires a rechargeable transportation card. Unlike Japan or other countries, paper tickets are not used for subways. You need to either get a single-use transportation card or recharge a multi-use card.
Koreans typically use their check or credit cards issued in Korea, which come with postpaid transportation card functions that can be used nationwide. However, for foreigners without a Korean card, using a T-money card is essential.

• – Single-use Transportation Card: Available at subway gates, cash only.
  (50,000 KRW notes might not be accepted, so prepare 10,000 KRW notes.)

• – T-money Multi-use Transportation Card: Available at airports or convenience stores. (The first purchase must be in cash.)

• – Korea Travel Card: This is a transportation card exclusively for foreigners. Sign up in advance to apply for the card, then pick it up at Incheon Airport. Once you register the card with the mobile app, you can use it for public transportation.

Catering and Lunch Orders

As an exhibitor at G-Star Korea, you likely won’t have the luxury of stepping out for lunch. Based on the experience of our accounting manager, who has been ordering lunch at G-Star for years, using a lunch box (dosirak or sandwich) service is the best option. Here’s a detailed guide to ordering at BEXCO.

1. Dosirak Services

These lunch box services are highly recommended. Contact a dosirak provider in advance and finalize the order quantity by the afternoon of the previous day. This method ensures that your meals are delivered on time each day during the exhibition setup and event days, providing a hassle-free and reliable solution.

2. Delivery Apps

For smaller orders, you can easily use the Baedal Minjok (Baemin) app to order dosirak. However, it’s advisable to place your orders early, as delivery times can be delayed due to high demand.

3. Dinner options

During the exhibition period, having dinner near BEXCO or at your accommodation is your best bet since you probably don’t want to have dosirak for every meal. Here are some tips for dinner.

• • Shinsegae Department Store F&B (Link)
• • Lotte Department Store F&B (Link)

Reservations for Large Groups

If you have a large group, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance. Many restaurants offer reservation services through the Naver Map app.

Naver Map App

In Korea, Naver Map is more commonly used than Google Maps. You can easily sign up for Naver as a foreigner and use the app to find and reserve tables at nearby restaurants. This ensures a smooth dining experience without long waits, especially for larger groups.

Digital Tools

Mobile Connectivity

In Korea, international calls are often perceived as spam, leading to blocked calls. Therefore, it is recommended to use a Korean SIM or eSIM with a local number rather than relying on roaming. Prices vary depending on whether you need a phone number or just data, so check the following sites for options.

• • Korea SIM Card Options: Depending on your needs, you can get SIM cards that include both data and a phone number, or data-only options, at mobile carrier stores or convenience stores.

• • Korea eSIM Options: For those who prefer eSIM, similar plans are available. Ensure your device supports eSIM and check the provider’s details for registration.
  

Buy a Korean SIM card here

Weather and Clothing

Temperature Consideration

November in Korea can be very cold and chilly. Busan, being a coastal city, experiences strong winds, making a puffer jacket an essential. Many Koreans will likely be wearing long padded overcoats. So if you are in charge of an outdoor booth, make sure to bring a long padded coat and heat packs. Heat packs can be easily found at convenience stores for about 1-2 dollars.

Rain or Snow Preparedness

If it rains or snows, you must be prepared to manage the risks. Last year, during the G-Star event, it rained heavily. Unfortunately, the construction company did not properly finish the woodwork on the outdoor booth’s roof, leading to leaks. Although we had pallets and plastic tarps ready, we realized the need to move all the souvenirs to the hotel as the heavy rain began. Korean weather can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to always be prepared for such scenarios. It’s advisable to have awning tents, pallets for floor moisture prevention, and waterproof tarps on hand.

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