Experience Gwangju’s ACE Fair: Korea’s Most Comprehensive Cultural Content Exhibition
By Melline Galani
If you have lived long enough in Gwangju and you are into animation, games, and characters, then you definitely know about ACE Fair (Asia Content and Entertainment Fair), Korea’s most comprehensive cultural content exhibition. The fair includes broadcast, audiovisual, animation, character, game, edutainment, and VR/AR content, as well as all types of licensing content.
Since its beginning in 2006, ACE Fair has become the largest specialized exhibition held annually at the Kimdaejung Convention Center. It is enjoyed by global media professionals as well as everyday consumers. The fair has grown each year, and is now a mega cultural event consisting of key players from all over the world along with some local mid-size companies. Varied service providers to the content and entertainment industry are also participating, displaying and promoting their services. In addition, manufacturers and suppliers of various hardware and software are also present at the fair. For example, in 2018, 400 companies from 32 countries participated in the event. If you are curious about specific data on each year, please visit the fair’s website (www.acefair.or.kr) offered in English, Korean, and Chinese.
ACE Fair is one of the UFI-certified exhibitions. UFI is the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. The UFI “Approved Event” label is a global stamp of authority ensuring high-quality exhibitions. Strictly complying with UFI’s international standards, Approved Events provide exhibitors and visitors with a sound basis for business decisions.
While living here, I have taken my children to ACE Fairs several times, and we have loved them. The event brings together various bigwigs and top-notch companies in the broadcast and audiovisual spheres and allied industries, showcasing numerous national and international companies. Moreover, this is the place where you can buy anything related the the exhibition – from stickers to games, character figurines, toys, books, clothes, and so much more. It is also the only place where you can enjoy some cosplay – and trust me, it is really great to take pictures with those people.
In earlier years, there were many activities and experience events for children of all ages. There was a board game area where parents could enjoy time playing games with their kids, and there have been other hands-on activities, photo zones, and drone and VR experiences. If you have not been to an ACE Fair yet, do not miss it this year. Though some extra safety measures will be taken, not even COVID-19 can keep us away from the most awaited fair of the year. See you at the 2021 ACE Fair!
Photographs courtesy of Kimdaejung Convention Center and Melline Galani.
Gwangju ACE Fair 2021
Dates: September 9–12, 2021 (Thur.–Sun.)
Venue: Kimdaejung Convention Center
Address: 30 Sangmunuri-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju
Website: https://www.acefair.or.kr/
Email: os@acefair.or.kr
Phone: (062) 611-2247
The Author
Melline Galani is a Romanian enthusiast, born and raised in the capital city of Bucharest, and is currently living in Gwangju. She likes new challenges and learning interesting things, and she is incurably optimistic. Melline loves living life as it is, and she is looking forward for this year’s ACE Fair. Instagram @melligalanis