ICOMIA attend Korea International Boat Show 2026 6-9 March 2026

ICOMIA Representation

ICOMIA was honoured to be part of the opening of the Korea International Boat Show 2026, which was held at KINTEX, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Representing ICOMIA were ICOMIA CEO Joe Lynch, APAC Regional Representative Su Lin Cheah, along with ICOMIA Asia Group (IAG) Chair Lawrence Chow, IAG Vice Chair Ekrem Reyhancioglu and ICOMIA member Chamber of Marine Industries of Sri Lanka Chairman, Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa.

In its 19th edition, KIBS2026 is a testament of the Korean boating industry’s resilience in challenging market conditions. Boat displays this year showed an extensive range that catered to a variety of requirements, solidly focused on utility and function. The Organisers reported high visitorship, and the programme drew on the continued interest in various marine recreation such as the ever-popular fishing, camping and surfing, aside from boating. The annual fishing show, KOFISH was held again alongside KIBS as in previous years.

The Korea Boating Forum

In conjunction with KIBS2026, the Korea Boating Forum was held with a panel discussion on the development of boating, cultural conditions and essential government support of the industry. Moderated by Joe Lynch, panellists
included ICOMIA Members and representatives; the Korea Marine Industry Association Advisor, Dr Kim Choong-Hwan and KMIA Vice President, Alec Kim, and an official from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

Marina Tour Programme at KIBS 2026

During the Korea International Boat Show 2026, ICOMIA Asia members joined participants of the KIBS 2026 Marina Tour Programme, which covered four marinas over two days.

These marinas included Wangsan Marina (Incheon), which was purpose-built for the sailing events of the 2014 Asian Games. Next was Ara Marina (Gimpo), a popular marina near Seoul and also the location of EDUmarine, a government training facility that certifies marine technicians for the leisure marine industry.

A special briefing at EDUmarine (located at Ara Marina in Gimpo) was also arranged for ICOMIA Members on the tour. EDUmarine is the Korea Marine Education Academy, which is primarily responsible for the development and
conduct of training courses for marine technicians for the leisure marine industry in Korea.

On the second day of the programme, it was on to Hwaseong to visit Jeongok Marina followed by a boat ride to Jebu Marina.

Organised by the Marina and Marine Industries Association of Korea, we again thank MMIAK Sec-Gen Mr Park Gone-Woo and Sr Manager Mr S D Kim for their kind hospitality.

Asia Group Q1 2026 Committee Meeting

The ICOMIA Asia Group held its Q1 Committee Meeting of 2026 in-person and online.

Mr Kim Daehong, Deputy Director of Marine Policy Office/Marine Leisure Tourism Division of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MoF) of Korea, attended the session. The MOF oversees the leisure marine industry in Korea.

During the Meeting, Dr Kim delivered a spotlight presentation on the Korea Marine Industry Association’s progress, including an overview of the Korean boating industry and an introduction to EDUmarine, a training programme by the Korea Marine Education Academy.

Asia Pacific Regional Representative (APAC) Comments

‘The leisure marine industry in Korea demonstrates resilience and adaptability. While the country’s technological and manufacturing advancements have gained global recognition, there are significant opportunities and challenges for the development of local boating consumption.’

‘The strong support of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Gyeonggi provincial government have been essential in the development of the leisure boating industry. ICOMIA looks forward to forging closer engagement and working with its members the Korea Marine Industry Association and the Marina and Marine Industries Association as they continue to advocate for their members and industry stakeholders.’

‘It is a privilege to support our valued members in Korea!’

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