FAQs about 1:1 Business Matching Program

KGSF is KITA’s annual event designed to support promising Korean exporters in expanding into global markets while offering qualified global buyers exclusive opportunities to source Korean products.

In 2025, KGSF will bring together over 1,000 export-ready Korean suppliers across key industries including food & beverage, beauty, lifestyle products, and more. You’ll also meet a curated group of qualified international buyers from around the world, representing major distributors, retailers, e-commerce platforms, and importers seeking high-quality Korean products.

To qualify, you must be a key decision-maker responsible for sourcing, purchasing, or have significant influence over procurement decisions within your organization.

To make the most of your KGSF experience, please plan to attend the full duration of the event and come prepared with clear business oajectives. The more supplier meetings you attend, the greater your opportunities. Therefore, we recommend arranging at least eight meetings per day to maximize the value of your participation.

All three programs are organized by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and aim to connect overseas buyers with Korean suppliers. For buyers joining the Incheon or Changwon events, additional hotel nights will be provided according to the program, and group transportation to Seoul will be arranged by KITA for participation in the Seoul event. Pleas note that individual transfers are not permitted. 

Seoul Event

• Mandatory for all buyers

• Two-day program (Nov 26-27) featuring suppliers from across Korea, covering all major product categories
  
  

Incheon Event

• One-day program (Nov 25) focusing on consumer goods suppliers based in Incheon

• Includes one additional hotel night for buyers
  
  

Changwon Event

• One-day program (Nov 24) focusing on industrial goods suppliers based in Gyeongnam (comsumer goods suppliers also included)

• Includes two additional hotel nights for buyers

All buyers are required to attend the Seoul event. The Incheon and Changwon events are optional add-ons, and you may select only one of them in the Buyer Application Form. Participation is limited and not guaranteed, as final selection will be made based on the suitability of matching with participating Korean suppliers and KITA’s internal criteria.

Our team reaches out to potential buyers who meet the eligibility criteria for the Korea Grand Sourcing Fair through various channels. If you receive an invitation and wish to participate as a hosted buyer, simply complete the online application form.

Upon receiving your application, we will review it and send you an application confirmation email. The results of the first-round buyer selection will be communicated individually in early October. We may also contact you for further verification if needed.

Please note that if your application does not meet our qualifying criteria, your participation may not be possible.

To qualify, you must be a key decision-maker or hold significant influence over your company’s sourcing or procurement decisions for imported products. You should also have active purchasing plans or confirmed procurement needs related to Korean products within the next 12 months. 

We will verify the information you provide, including your company profile, purchasing records, and references. Inaccurate or incomplete information may delay or invalidate your application. 

Please note that KITA reserves the right to make the final decision on hosted buyer selection. 

Once your participation as a buyer is confirmed, we will provide you with a supplier list containing company and product information of Korean suppliers participating in KGSF 2025. After reviewing the list, please select around 30 Korean companies that match your sourcing needs and return your selection to our team to begin the matching process.

We will arrange a total of 16 meetings, 8 per day over two days, and share the final schedule with you individually in mid-November, prior to the event. Please note that in some cases, a meeting with your selected company may not be arranged due to the supplier’s circumstances.

Multiple people from your company are welcome to participate. However, only one person per company will receive travel, accommodation, and other benefits as well as VISA document assistance if required. Any expenses related to additional participants will not be covered. 

As a hosted buyer, you’ll receive complimentary round-trip flights and 3 nights of accommodation. Attendance at KGSF 2025 is free of charge, and you will also be provided with a dedicated meeting booth and professional interpretation services at no additional cost. 

All meetings require extensive and careful planning to ensure the best experience for all attendees. Cancellations create scheduling challenges, so we ask that any cancellation notice be accompanied by an adequate replacement from the same company. 

We understand that emergencies happen; however, if this requirement is not met before the flight tickets are issued and accommodations confirmed, a cancellation fee will apply. Also, if you cancel after flight tickets are purchased, a cancellation fee will apply.

No. The KGSF 2025 - 1:1 Business Matching Program is by private invitation only. All arrangements are made prior to the event. If you are not invited and confirmed as a hosted buyer, you will not be able to participate in the program or engage in meetings with Korean suppliers. 

Flights and accommodations for hosted buyers are arranged exclusively through KITA’s designated travel agency free of charge. Bookings made through other agencies or personal purchases of flights or hotels will not be reimbursed under any circumstances.

For flights, a direct round-trip economy ticket between Seoul and your country will be provided whenever possible. If no direct flight is available, a connecting flight will be arranged.

For accommodations, a designated hotel near the KGSF venue will be provided for three nights (from the day before the event to the day after). Should you choose to stay at a different hotel, any associated costs will not be covered.

For all non-Korean nationals visiting Korea, obtaining a visa or K-ETA in advance is mandatory. Nationals of countries eligible for visa-free entry may enter Korea by obtaining a K-ETA, while nationals of other countries must apply for and receive a visa prior to entry. For detailed information on K-ETA and visa requirements, please refer to Help > Visa Information.

Visa-related documents will be provided only to confirmed buyers. As visa requirements vary by country, KITA will prepare the necessary documents based on your nationality. If you require a visa, please contact the KGSF Secretariat once your participation has been confirmed. 

Yes, you may adjust your travel dates for personal convenience. However, any additional airfare resulting from the change will be at your own expense, payable directly to the KITA's designated travel agency.

For hotel stays, only the official three nights are covered. If you wish to extend your stay, please arrange and cover the cost directly with the travel agency or hotel.