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

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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G-Star Korea Gaming Expo Booth Design & Operation Tips

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G-Star is the biggest game expo in Korea, held annually at BEXCO in Busan. The event attracts thousands of gamers, with long lines forming even before the exhibition opens, making it one of the most popular gaming events and festivals in the country.

Having managed the exhibition planning and operations for major game companies like Webzen, Tencent, Wemade, and Shift Up over the past 11 years, we have accumulated significant experience. Here are some key tips we consider essential when preparing for G-Star.

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G-Star Korea Booth Design & Concept

Designing an effective and engaging booth is crucial for a successful exhibition at G-Star. Here are some key tips and important considerations for creating a standout booth concept.

• Define Your Theme and Identity

Establishing a clear and strong theme that aligns with your game’s identity is essential. This includes designing spaces that enhance engagement and make visitors feel like they are stepping into the game’s world. High-quality visuals, costumes, and props should be meticulously crafted to reflect the game’s characteristics and immerse visitors in the game.

• Seamless User Flow

Plan the layout to ensure a smooth flow for visitors from entry to exit. A well-organized layout that guides visitors through various interactive zones and activities ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience. Make sure the transition between different sections is smooth, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the game’s world without confusion or congestion.

• Immersive and Interactive Experiences

Create an environment where visitors can deeply engage with the game. Incorporate interactive elements such as life-sized character displays, demo stations, themed environments, and captivating storylines to effectively convey the game’s atmosphere. Consider adding features like photo booths, character voting areas, and stamp tours, where visitors can collect stamps through different activities to receive merchandise.

By focusing on these elements, you can create a booth that not only attracts attention but also provides a memorable and engaging experience for all attendees.

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Cosplay Tips

• Professional Cosplay

G-Star is also a cosplay festival. Nowadays, even amateur cosplayers have high-quality costumes. Poor preparation can leave a negative impression. For Webzen, we collaborated with professional cosplayers suited to the subculture game genre. Korea’s top cosplay model, ‘Aza Miyuko‘, portrayed the character ‘Cecilia‘ from the game Terbis. Professional cosplayers not only wear costumes but also deeply study the characters to perform with synchronized expressions, poses, and movements. This dedication drew significant attention from gamers and impressed even the game creators.

• High Quality of Costume

There’s a saying, “The devil is in the details.” It means that thorough attention to detail is crucial. Working with our costume and weapon production partners, we had to play the role of the devil, meticulously inspecting and replicating even the smallest details. From wrinkles in costumes to minute color differences, nothing was overlooked. We conducted multiple tests and rehearsals with cosplayers until the day before the G-Star opening.

Invisible details matter. Our professional spirit aligned with the cosplayers, who passionately studied every detail, from character movements to narration. Though it was a painstaking process, the result was an unparalleled level of detail that created a profound impact.

Merchandise Tips

• Merch Lists Flood the Web

When G-Star opens, bloggers and YouTubers quickly post about the event’s merchandise, sparking competition. For attendees, obtaining merchandise is a source of happiness, and for fans, it’s a cherished collectible. Therefore, merchandise is not just a product but a medium for conveying brand experiences.

• Merch For Event Participation

For the Flint-Astra exhibition, we planned eight types of merchandise, including blankets, stickers, removable stickers, magnets, large mouse pads, tumblers, prism card tags, and playing cards. We categorized items from C-level to S-level to boost event participation.

• Connecting Booth Events Using Merch

Webzen also paid close attention to merchandise quality. From Webzen Friends brand products to unique IP-themed goods, we prepared a ‘Webzen Menu’ to showcase over 15 types of merchandise at a glance. We pre-planned user pathways connecting outdoor booth events, popularity voting, demo zones, and social media events, designing a stamp event that allowed gamers to enjoy collecting merchandise as part of the booth experiences.

Planning a Stage Event for G-Star Korea

Planning effective stage events is crucial for a successful G-Star exhibition. Here are some key tips for creating engaging and memorable stage events.

• Designing Engaging Stage Programs

First, designing stage programs is essential. Engaging programs attract and retain visitors, encouraging them to stay longer and return. To avoid empty seats and a dull atmosphere, curate interesting content with intriguing guests and activities like OX quizzes, mini-games, tournaments, and lucky draws. It’s also important to be flexible and ready to adjust the program based on the live audience’s reactions.

• Hiring a Skilled MC

Second, hiring a skilled MC is vital for managing stage events. Having multiple scripts and cue sheets ready for unexpected situations ensures better preparedness. An MC who enjoys gaming, connects well with the audience, and thinks on their feet can keep the energy high and effectively manage the crowd, making the event more dynamic and engaging.

• Conducting Thorough Rehearsals and Simulations

Lastly, conducting thorough rehearsals and simulations is crucial for ensuring both safety and fun. Comprehensive rehearsals and scenario simulations help in planning for smooth and safe events. Balancing entertainment and safety through proper planning provides an enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Implementing these strategies will make stage events at G-Star both captivating and secure, leaving a lasting impression on all visitors.

Previous: G-Star 2024: the Largest Gaming Convention in Korea (Link)

Next: G-Star Korea Essential Tips for Exhibitors (Coming soon)

G-Star 2024: the Largest Gaming Convention in Korea

by a 12 years experienced G-Star agency

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1. G-STAR 2024 KOREA

What is G-Star Korea?

G-Star is Korea’s largest gaming convention, which has been held annually since 2005. It takes place from the third Thursday of November to that coming Sunday, coinciding with the Korean SAT period. This year, G-Star 2024 will be held from November 14th to 17th.

• B2B: November 14th(THU) to 16th(SAT) 10AM-6PM
• B2C: November 14th(THU) to 17th(SUN) 12PM-6PM

Where?

G-Star is held in Busan, not Seoul. The event is hosted at Bexco, Busan’s largest convention center, and features a variety of activities such as the introduction of new game IPs, gaming competitions, game demonstrations, and business meetings. G-Star has established itself as a pivotal event in the gaming industry, attracting both local and international participants and visitors.

G-Star’s 20th Anniversary

This year marks a special milestone as G-Star celebrates its 20th anniversary. To commemorate this occasion, G-Star’s organizing committee is preparing an extensive campaign that promises to be the highlight of the event.

2. Key Features of G-Star

Subculture Game Festival

G-Star hosts its very own event called the Subculture Game Festival. This event celebrates the diverse and vibrant subcultures within the gaming community. It features activities like fan meetings, autograph sessions and various interactive events. It’s a space where gaming enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the rich culture that surrounds their favorite games.

Game Lovers Are Here🔥

As you may already know, Korea is the birthplace of e-sports. In Korea, there are gaming rooms equipped with hundreds of cutting-edge computers, found in neighborhoods everywhere. They are called PC Bang. Every Korean teenager has spent part of their youth in these places. Ah, and even as adults, many still do.😂

Just Right After Korean SAT

G-Star is strategically scheduled right after the Korean SAT (Suneung) exam. This timing is intentional, as a significant portion of the event’s attendees are students. The convention offers special events and gifts for students who bring their exam identification, making it a popular post-exam celebration for many young gamers.

(Tips: If you are an exhibitor, plan merchandise events for them!)

3. G-Star Trend

G-Star 2023 Major Companies

In 2023, G-Star saw participation from major companies such as Smilegate(Lostark), NCSoft(LLL), Netmarble(Demis Re:Born), Krafton(Dark and Darker) alongside international giants like Bandai Namco(Final Fantasy) and EA SPORTS(FC24). These companies showcased their latest games and technologies, highlighting the event’s global appeal.

• Main Sponsor: Wemade
• Special Sponsor: Google Play

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Multiplatform(Mobile, PC, Console)

G-Star has evolved to reflect the growing trend of multiplatform gaming. The convention features games and products across mobile, PC, and console platforms, catering to a diverse range of gaming preferences and ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Bigger and Bigger

Each year, G-Star continues to grow in size and influence. The G-Star 2023 saw a record number of 197K attendees, with even more space allocated for displays and events. This trend of growth indicates the increasing importance of G-Star in the global gaming industry, as it continues to attract more participants and visitors from around the world.

42 Countries, 1037 Exhibitors, 3328 Booth

This year, the early registration for exhibitors closed in just 30 minutes, showing a heated response and raising expectations that it will break previous records in scale.

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4. G-Star Agency

G-Star’s success is also attributed to the expertise of its exhibition agency. We are an experiential marketing company that not only handles global game shows like GDC, Gamescom, and Tokyo Game Show, but also G-Star. Our greatest strengths lie in solid execution and exhibition planning tailored to user preferences and trends. When planning game exhibitions, we ensure that the initial vision matches the final results and that the operations run smoothly from start to finish.

We have extensive experience managing both indoor and outdoor booths and have organized mega-scale tournaments such as WCG and dubbed the Olympics of gaming, making us specialists in participatory events. Successful exhibitions stem from strong reactions, and in the realm of gaming marketing, the immediate reactions of gamers at the event are highly impactful.

With Eidetic Marketing’s headquarters in Korea and a multilingual team proficient in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese, it is of no wonder that our global agency participates annually in G-Star.

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Recommended Content

• G-Star Game Booth Ideas for Successful Gaming Conventions [Link]

• 2023 G-Star Works [EA SPORTS, WEBZEN]