The Teheran valley, an equivalent of the Silicon Valley in the United States, is located in southern Seoul.  Teheran-ro, covering Samsung Bridge to the cross roads at Kangnam Station, was renamed from Samnung-ro in 1977 after the mayor of Teheran city in Iran visited the area.   The thing that attracts many businesses here is the ``economies of scale.'' In the Teheran Valley, information technology (IT) related associations, including Korea Institute of Multimedia Content and Software (KOMS) and Korea Industrial Property Office (KIPO) are located in neighboring areas. To make it more attractive, a throng of venture capitalists moved from Yoido to this area. Riding the favorable situation, foreign multi national corporations, including Microsoft, NEC, Cisco and Sun Micro Co. recently built their nest in this area. Moreover, big domestic IT companies such as Samsung SDS, Korea Telecom Freetel, Shinsegi Telecomm, Dacom and Hansol M.com have a strong presence here. Among other things, this area is full of the so-called intelligent building which are equipped with high technology infrastructures. Luxurious hotels such as Hotel Inter-Continental and Hotel Renaissance are located nearby so business meetings and other related functions can be held. The airport bus terminal, nearby can also link travelers directly to Inchon International Airport. The benefits of becoming a member of the Teheran Valley are not limited just to venture companies. Advertisement and promotion agencies are also enjoying the venture boom. Most venture firms rely on market tactics suggested by these companies.   Formerly called the Korea Exhibition Center, the COEX celebrated its grand opening in July 1979.  Since then, it has hosted numerous international conventions and exhibitions.  Over 150 exhibitions, conventions, and special events are held at the COEX each year.  In its spacious exhibition halls and various meeting rooms, the COEX accommodates everything from small company size conferences to world- class summit meetings and international conventions.  With Korea's best facilities and equipment for meeting and exhibitions, the COEX boasts its "state-of-the-art" simultaneous interpretation systems, audio-visual systems, lighting capabilities, electrical infrastructure, and telecommunications systems installed in all meeting rooms and exhibition halls. reference : www.coex.co.kr                 www.coexmall.com/english/index.htm