Anime Expo 2026 recently concluded in Los Angeles with more than 422,000 turnstile visits across four sold-out days. Its continued growth reflects the commercial strength of fandoms built around anime, games, character IP, collectibles, cosplay, and live content. From our on-site perspective, that demand becomes visible well before the doors open, as fans arrive early to secure limited merchandise and access high-demand programs.

AGF Korea attracts the same level of commitment in a different market. Held in December, the event draws fans who line up before sunrise in padded winter coats to purchase exclusive products and join popular booth activities. For global publishers considering the Korean market, this AGF Korea 2026 exhibitor guide covers the event’s growth, audience profile, registration schedule, booth costs, and available discounts.

What Is AGF Korea?

AGF, short for Anime x Game Festival, is Korea’s largest official comprehensive event centered on anime and games. It brings together games, animation, webtoons, light novels, virtual creators, merchandise, stage programs, and other forms of character-driven entertainment.

The event connects licensed IP holders, publishers, media companies, merchandise businesses, and highly engaged consumers in one large-scale B2C environment. For international game publishers, AGF provides direct access to Korean fans of anime-style, character-driven, collectible, and live-service titles.

AGF is no longer an event that publishers simply consider attending. Its growth has made it an increasingly important annual consumer touchpoint for companies targeting Korea’s anime game market.

For a broader overview of the event, read AGF: The Biggest Anime Game Festival in Korea.

AGF Korea’s Growth from 2018 to 2026

AGF began in 2018 with 32,593 visitors and 32 participating companies. Attendance reached 35,970 in 2019 before the event paused during 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When AGF returned in 2022, it attracted 47,774 visitors. Attendance then increased to 65,442 in 2023, 72,081 in 2024, and a record 100,518 in 2025. The official AGF website confirms that the 2025 edition passed the 100,000-visitor mark for the first time.

One reason for the sharp increase in 2025 was the expansion from a two-day weekend event to a three-day Friday-to-Sunday schedule. Organizer planning materials project approximately 120,000 visitors for AGF 2026, which would represent an increase of about 19 percent from 2025.

AGF 2026 will once again run for three days and occupy Halls 1 through 5 of KINTEX Exhibition Center 1. The scale of the event demonstrates how far AGF has moved beyond its early position as a niche gathering. It is now one of the most significant annual offline events for Korea’s anime, game, and character-IP fandom.

Who Attends AGF Korea?

The value of AGF lies not only in the size of its audience, but also in the characteristics of the people attending.

According to the organizer’s 2025 audience analysis, visitors in their twenties represent 60 percent of attendance. People in their thirties account for another 24 percent, meaning that consumers in their twenties and thirties make up 84 percent of the total audience.

The occupational breakdown is similarly notable. Working professionals account for 38 percent of visitors, while students represent 37 percent. Together, these groups make up 75 percent of attendance.

Exhibition viewing is the most common reason for attending, followed by purchasing limited-edition merchandise and watching stage programs. Visitors also attend with friends, meet artists and creators, and participate in cosplay activities.

This audience is prepared to spend time and money on the IPs it follows. Fans often plan their visits around particular booths, products, and stage schedules. Some attend on multiple days, while others line up before sunrise to improve their chances of securing limited items.

The atmosphere differs from that of a conventional gaming expo. Booths are filled with events and merchandise, while cosplay photography lines, fan gatherings, creator activities, and character displays generate continuous movement throughout the venue. AGF is an event where visitors actively shape their own experience through participation, purchasing, photography, and sharing.

AGF Korea 2026 Exhibitor Guide: Registration Timeline

Anime X Game Festival 2026 will take place from December 4 to 6, 2026, at KINTEX Exhibition Center 1 in Goyang, South Korea. The event will use Halls 1 through 5 and operate from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM each day.

This AGF Korea 2026 exhibitor guide starts with the event schedule because booth planning depends on more than the public show dates. For global publishers, early registration begins in July, while required documents and exhibitor service applications must be completed before mid-November.

The official exhibitor information confirms the registration dates, payment schedule, early-registration discount, and priority placement benefit.

Early registration is especially relevant at AGF because booth placement can affect visibility and traffic. Entrances, major aisles, stages, and high-demand IP booths influence how visitors move through the exhibition halls.

For more information about placement considerations, see our AGF Korea booth price and location guide.

How Much Does an AGF Korea Booth Cost?

Booth cost is one of the most practical parts of this AGF Korea 2026 exhibitor guide, especially for overseas publishers comparing early registration rates with general registration rates. For custom activations, most exhibitors will book a raw space and build a custom booth rather than a prebuilt package.

AGF prices independent exhibition space in 9 m² increments, or about 97 sq ft. The minimum independent space is 36 m², or about 388 sq ft.

During early registration, the rate is KRW 2,000,000 (approximately USD 1,330) per 9 m², or about 97 sq ft. During general registration, the rate increases to KRW 2,200,000 (approximately USD 1,470) for the same area. All official prices exclude VAT.

The minimum early-registration space fee is therefore KRW 8,000,000 (approximately USD 5,330), while the minimum general-registration fee is KRW 8,800,000 (approximately USD 5,870).

Independent booths must be constructed and dismantled by the exhibitor through a KINTEX-approved contractor. Electricity, internet, audiovisual systems, furniture, graphics, and other exhibitor services are ordered separately.

AGF also offers prebuilt standard booths and enclosed storage options. However, independent space is generally the more relevant format for international publishers planning a custom branded environment.

AGF Early Bird Booth Rates

AGF offers discounts for early registration, consecutive participation, and larger exhibition footprints.

The early-registration discount may be combined with either the returning-exhibitor discount or the floor-area discount. The returning-exhibitor and floor-area discounts cannot be combined with each other. The maximum total discount is 30 percent.

AGF calculates these thresholds using its 9 m² space-unit system. The square-meter and square-foot equivalents above are provided to make the requirements easier for international exhibitors to evaluate.

What to Expect on Site at AGF

AGF visitors do not attend only to browse. They come prepared to experience, purchase, participate, and document the IPs they follow.

Merchandise counters, interactive events, stage schedules, cosplay appearances, and photo opportunities create continuous movement throughout the venue. Some fans return for multiple days, while others arrive before dawn to secure limited products or enter popular activities before capacity is reached.

EIDETIC has planned and operated AGF activations for titles including Goddess of Victory: NIKKE. Our work has included IP-focused environments, interactive events, cosplay production, staff training, crowd management, and on-site fan engagement.

During a previous AGF opening, EIDETIC prepared hand warmers and snacks for fans waiting outside in the December cold. The gesture was simple, but it turned part of the pre-entry wait into a positive brand interaction. We have since seen more exhibitors prepare similar welcome items for early-arriving fans.

The visual impact of the booth remains important, but the full experience begins before visitors enter the space. Small details in guest communication, queue management, staffing, and hospitality can determine how fans remember the brand after the event.

This AGF Korea 2026 exhibitor guide is designed to help publishers understand not only the dates, booth costs, and registration process, but also the operational details that shape the fan experience on site.

In our next guide, we will look more closely at how publishers can turn a game world into an immersive AGF booth experience.

FAQ About AGF Korea 2026

G-STAR 2026 Booth Application: Dates, Costs, Rules, and Tips

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For game companies planning to enter the Korean market, G-STAR remains one of the most important exhibition opportunities in Asia. As Korea’s leading game show, it brings together major publishers, industry professionals, media, and a large consumer audience in one place. For exhibitors, it is more than a booth opportunity. It is a platform to launch new IP, build visibility, create memorable fan experiences, and generate measurable marketing outcomes.

We supported NC, the main sponsor of G-STAR 2025, on the exhibition’s largest booth at 2,400㎡, while also leading integrated G-STAR marketing projects for major game brands. That experience shapes how we approach booth strategy, audience flow, on-site engagement, and performance-driven exhibition planning.

If you are starting your G-STAR 2026 booth application, preparation needs to begin earlier than many first-time exhibitors expect. Booth location, concept development, interactive content, event operations, merchandise, and compliance requirements all affect performance on-site.

This guide covers the key dates, booth costs, discounts, cancellation rules, exhibitor considerations, and planning points game companies should know before exhibiting at G-STAR 2026.

Why G-STAR Matters for Global Game Companies

G-STAR is one of the most important gaming exhibitions in Asia and a key platform for brands looking to build visibility in Korea. It brings together global publishers, industry professionals, media, creators, and a large public audience in one space.

For game companies, a G-STAR booth can serve several purposes at once:

• • Launch a new title or IP in Korea
• • Build fan engagement through demos and live experiences
• • Create social, PR, and community content
• • Support business meetings during the show
• • Turn offline attention into measurable brand impact

The strongest booths are not only visually striking. They are strategically designed to turn attention into participation, content generation, and long-term brand recall.

Key Dates for G-STAR 2026 Booth Application

Here are the key dates exhibitors should keep in mind for G-STAR 2026.

Category	Date
B2C	November 19–22, 2026
B2B	November 19–21, 2026
Early bird application	March 3, 2026 at 14:00 – April 30, 2026 at 17:00
General application	May 26, 2026 – July 31, 2026 at 16:00

*The early bird application period includes a 10% discount on booth fees.

*One important planning note: G-STAR is typically scheduled around Korea’s college entrance exam season, and visitor traffic often rises noticeably from the second day of the exhibition. For game companies targeting student and young adult audiences, that can be a strong reason to plan event timing, promotions, and audience engagement carefully.

How to Apply for a G-STAR 2026 Booth

The G-STAR 2026 booth application process is relatively simple at the organizer level.

The standard process is:

1. 1. Create an account on the official G-STAR website.
2. 2. Submit the exhibitor application online.
3. 3. Wait for organizer approval.
4. 4. Pay the participation fee according to the organizer’s instructions.

For most brands, the real work starts long before the form submission. Early planning affects booth location options, agency selection, design quality, influencer casting, and production readiness. If you are preparing vendor outreach, our guide on how to write an RFP for G-STAR booth design and production can help structure the process more clearly.

How Much Does a G-STAR Booth Cost?

The base participation fee starts at KRW 2,000,000 per independent booth unit, based on a 3m x 3m space, with applications available from two booths or more.

Base rate	KRW 2,000,000 per booth
Booth type	Independent booth
Booth size	3m x 3m
Minimum application	2 booths

This should be understood as the starting point rather than the full exhibition budget. Actual costs vary depending on booth scale, design complexity, fabrication, graphics, content production, staffing, giveaways, and on-site operations.

For many exhibitors, booth cost is not only about rental price. It is also about how effectively that investment turns into visibility, audience engagement, and post-event marketing value.

Available Discounts

G-STAR 2026 offers a layered discount structure, and eligible exhibitors may receive up to 30% off in total.

Eligibility	Benefit
Early bird application	10%
Participated in G-STAR within the past two years	Additional 10%
K-GAMES member or company in a government-approved association	Additional 10%

*Maximum total discount: Up to 30%
*Discount cap: Applicable to up to 50 booths

This structure makes early planning especially valuable for large exhibitors. Applying early can reduce costs while also improving the chances of securing a better booth position and a more organized preparation schedule.

What Happens If You Cancel?

Cancellation penalties depend on timing.

• ✔️Within 21 days after invoice issuance: full refund
• ✔️During the extended payment period or before booth layout disclosure: 50% of the participation fee
• ✔️After the extended payment period or after booth layout disclosure: 100% of the participation fee

Because organizer policies may change year to year, it is best to confirm the latest cancellation terms with the secretariat before publishing or finalizing decisions internally.

A Practical G-STAR 2026 Planning Roadmap

A successful G-STAR booth takes shape over several months, not just a few weeks before the show. In most cases, June to July is the time to define strategy, select partners, and plan booth experience. August to September should focus on design, content production, and event development, while October to November is when operations, promotion, and on-site readiness come together.

If your booth concept includes a major visual centerpiece, large-format object, or high-impact photo landmark, our guide to game exhibition hero installation may also be useful.

Can You Sell Merchandise at G-STAR?

Yes, merchandise sales are possible if the exhibitor receives prior approval.

If you plan to sell goods on-site, you must submit a sales plan within the required deadline. There are also important restrictions:

• ✔️products unrelated to the exhibition or the game title are not allowed
• ✔️food and beverage sales require separate local approvals and food-service registration where applicable

For many game brands, merchandise is not just an additional revenue stream. It is a tool for fan participation, queue management, and shareable brand memory. If you are exploring concept directions, our article on game booth ideas for successful gaming conventions offers useful inspiration for combining merchandise, interaction, and booth storytelling.

Is Catering Allowed at G-STAR?

Catering may be possible, but it requires advance discussion with the organizer and must comply with venue hygiene and safety rules.

• 1. no on-site cooking inside the exhibition hall
• 2. only pre-prepared food formats may be allowed
• 3. beverage service is limited and may require pre-prepared drinks in disposable cups

That means hospitality should be designed around compliance from the beginning, not added at the last minute.

Rules for Age-Rated Game Content

If your game is restricted for youth audiences, separate booth regulations apply.

These may include:

• • required age-rating signage near the booth entrance
• • restrictions on visibility from outside the booth
• • enclosed or screened demo areas for adult-rated content
• • mandatory ID checks for visitors entering or trying the content
• • age restrictions limiting participation to eligible adults only

For exhibitors, this is not a minor detail. Age-rating compliance affects space planning, queue design, staffing, and visitor flow. It should be integrated into the booth plan from the concept stage onward.

What Makes a G-STAR Booth Successful?

At G-STAR, booth performance is shaped by more than visual scale. Strong results usually come from how well strategy, design, operations, and content work together.

The most effective booths typically share a few characteristics:

• • Clear IP visibility from the aisle
• • Well-managed visitor flow and queue design
• • Interactive content that invites participation
• • Built-in opportunities for social sharing and PR coverage
• • Operational planning that supports both fan experience and staff efficiency

For more tactical ideas, you can also read our post on G-STAR Korea gaming expo booth design and operation tips.

How Eidetic Supports Game Brands at G-STAR

We have supported game brands at G-STAR through integrated planning, design, production, and on-site execution. Our recent work includes NC’s 2,400㎡ booth at G-STAR 2025 and multi-year G-STAR marketing support for Webzen.

What makes this model effective is continuity. The people involved in the proposal and planning stages remain connected to the project through booth design, fabrication supervision, graphic quality control, and live operations. That helps preserve the original strategy all the way through execution.

For exhibition projects, that continuity matters. When decision-making is fragmented across too many external partners, timelines slow down and the original intent often weakens. An in-house system makes it easier to respond quickly, maintain creative consistency, and solve problems in real time on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions: G-STAR Korea 2026