Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) 2025, taking place in Seoul from September 22 to 28, is more than just a conference; it’s a week-long celebration of Web3, AI, and blockchain innovation. While the flagship IMPACT sessions draw the spotlight, the real magic often happens at the side events, intimate gatherings where builders, investors, and visionaries connect, ideas spark, and the future of crypto takes shape.
Criteria for Selection
With dozens of side events happening during KBW 2025, narrowing down to just three was no easy task. To make this list meaningful, We focused on four key criteria that ensure each event offers both value and impact:
- Relevance to Key Trends
The blockchain space is evolving rapidly, with AI integrations, gaming ecosystems, and community-driven networks at the forefront. We prioritized events that tap into these high-growth areas, making sure attendees walk away with insights that are not just current but also forward-looking.
- Diversity of Format
Side events can take many forms, such as technical workshops, hackathons, social mixers, or creative showcases. Instead of only highlighting one type, We selected a mix to give attendees varied experiences, from hands-on building to high-level networking and lighter social engagement.
- Opportunity for Connection
One of the biggest reasons to attend KBW is the people you meet. These events were chosen because they attract a strong mix of developers, startup founders, VCs, and ecosystem leaders. Whether you’re seeking collaborators, mentors, or investors, these gatherings maximize your chances of finding the right people.
- Unique Experiences Beyond the Main Stage
While the IMPACT conference delivers big announcements and thought leadership, side events often unlock more intimate and immersive experiences. We chose events that offer something you can’t get from the main sessions—like direct access to builders, practical workshops, or creative networking formats.
Top Events at Korea Blockchain Week 2025
Event 1: Sui Builder House: APAC
The Sui Builder House: APAC, scheduled for September 25, 2025, at Layer-41 in Seongsu, is a curated side event by Sui, the title sponsor of KBW. It’s designed for builders, founders, and creators within the Sui ecosystem, offering a platform to explore new protocol features, developer tools, and hands-on experiences.
The event’s smaller, technical focus makes it ideal for meaningful conversations, deeper collaborations, and direct feedback opportunities beyond the main conference’s scale. Attendees can expect a highly targeted environment connecting innovators, investors, and community leaders across the APAC region.
Key Highlights:
- Insight sessions on protocol updates, tooling, and developer experience
- Networking with developers, founders, VCs, and APAC community builders
- Niche, technical environment fostering collaborations and feedback
- Registration required; daytime event fitting between main sessions
- Located at Layer-41 in Seongsu—plan transport in advance and bring project examples for the best value.
Event 2: Sui-ming Hackathon 2025
The Sui-ming Hackathon 2025, scheduled from September 19–21 at DSRV HQ in Gangnam, is a 48-hour coding sprint organized by Sui that sets the stage for KBW. Designed for developers, designers, and data scientists, it emphasizes rapid prototyping in gaming, DeFi, AI, and Web3 user experiences.
With mentorship, workshops, and a highly collaborative atmosphere, it’s an intense yet rewarding opportunity to build, learn, and showcase innovation before the main conference.
Key Highlights:
- Hands-on building of prototypes with themes around gaming, DeFi, AI, and Web3 UX
- Meet builders, mentors, early-stage founders, and collaborators scouting talent
- Opportunity to gain recognition, prizes, and portfolio-ready projects
- Perfect for participants who enjoy technical challenges and fast-paced learning
- Runs just before KBW, plan travel, logistics, and tools in advance for smooth participation
Event 3: “Ready. Sui. Play!” – Gaming Showcase
The “Ready. Sui. Play!” Gaming Showcase, which will take place on the evening of September 24, 2025, at the Portal PC Esports Arena in Gangnam, is a lively side event hosted by Sui and SKYGG.
Blending the worlds of Web3 and gaming, it features live tournaments, immersive gameplay, and interactive community experiences. Unlike formal panels, this event offers a casual, high-energy setting to connect with peers while exploring the latest in blockchain-powered gaming.
Key Highlights:
- Showcases playable Web3 games, competitions, and community-driven interaction
- Attendees include game developers, e-sports fans, Web3 project leads, and investors
- Great for spotting gaming trends, testing user engagement, and networking socially
- Perfect way to unwind after intense conference sessions in a fun, creative atmosphere
- Separate ticketing likely—arrive early for tournaments and come prepared for interactive play
Tips for Making the Most of Side Events
Plan Early
Many hackathons, workshops, or exclusive networking sessions have limited spots and require pre-registration. Secure your place well in advance and align your schedule so you don’t miss out. At the same time, balance your energy—side events can be intense, so avoid overloading your calendar to prevent burnout during the main conference days.
Set Clear Goals
Side events can feel overwhelming with many options, so having a personal mission helps. For example, decide whether you want to connect with two potential gaming collaborators, test your project with early adopters, or meet investors for funding opportunities. Having clear goals ensures you attend the right events and maximize your outcomes.
Bring the Right Materials
Preparation is key. Come equipped with whatever best represents your work. This might be a functional prototype to demo, a pitch deck to share with investors, or even impactful but straightforward business cards. If you’re showcasing creative work, consider small branded merch or a portfolio to leave a lasting impression.
Be Social and Approachable
Don’t just stick to people you know; side events are prime networking opportunities. Start conversations with new faces, introduce yourself confidently, and join group discussions. Some of the most valuable opportunities often come from casual chats during coffee breaks, after-parties, or waiting in line.
Follow Up Promptly
The connections you make are only valuable if you nurture them afterward. As soon as possible, connect with new contacts on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Discord, and reference your conversation to keep it personal. Whether it’s a collaborator from a hackathon or someone you met at a gaming showcase, following up before returning home keeps momentum strong.
Conclusion
Korea Blockchain Week 2025 is more than a conference. It’s a hub where the real action unfolds at the side events. From hands-on workshops and hackathons to immersive gaming showcases, these gatherings offer the chance to connect with the right people, discover fresh ideas, and experience Web3 innovation up close.
By choosing events that align with your goals, whether building, networking, or exploring, you’ll leave Seoul with more than just insights; you’ll gain collaborations, inspiration, and opportunities that could shape your journey in blockchain for years.