As South Korea focuses on tourism as its startup growth driver, the Korea Startup Forum has finalized the selection of 15 startups and founder teams for “COMEUP in Jeju.” As a part of the main COMEUP 2025 event, the two-day global conference designed to strengthen Korea’s tourism innovation ecosystem, connecting startups with investors, industry leaders, and cross-border opportunities.

Korea Startup Forum Finalizes Tourism-Focused Startup Delegation

The Korea Startup Forum (KOSPO) has announced the final selection of 15 startup and founder teams that will participate in “COMEUP in Jeju”, a global tourism innovation conference scheduled for September 10–11.

The program, held in partnership with Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Tourism Organization, and Jeju Dream Tower Complex Resort, is designed to strengthen the growth and international reach of Korea’s tourism-focused startups.

Global Conference to Connect Tourism Startups and Investors

“COMEUP in Jeju” will convene tourism startups, investors from Korea, China, and Japan, and major corporations. As a regional extension of COMEUP 2025, the event aims to expand international networks while spotlighting tourism startups as a sector with growing global competitiveness for Korea’s startup ecosystem.

Sessions will feature conference talks, networking meetups, and business matching opportunities, with confirmed speakers from LYZ Ventures (LINE Yahoo! Z Venture Capital) and E-Land China EIV, signaling strong investor interest from Asia’s tourism and consumer markets.

The 15 Selected Teams of COMEUP in Jeju

KOSPO conducted an open call between July 14 and August 1, drawing applicants from both Jeju and across Korea. After document review and interviews, the Forum finalized 11 startups and 4 aspiring founder teams:

Jeju-based Startups

• The Sound Bunker Co.,
• Locally,
• Eat The Company,
• JeCLEAN,
• Pitter Petter Co.,
• Scene of Jeju

Outside-Jeju Startups

• Deeping Source Co.,
• Maze Co.,
• Outfit Lab Co.,
• Ulruru Co.,
• TAGby Company

Aspiring Founder Teams

• Egg Box (Memo-Real),
• Night Night,
• Overwhale,
• Yona Jeju

These companies represent diverse approaches to tourism services, local culture, and visitor engagement, positioning them as strong candidates for both regional and overseas expansion.

Support Beyond Jeju

The benefits for selected startups extend beyond the Jeju event. Participants will:

• Showcase their solutions at COMEUP in Jeju through conference sessions, business meetups, and promotional booths.
• Join the main COMEUP 2025 conference in Seoul, gaining access to global investors and stakeholders.
• Further opportunities to take part in international business trips to Japan and China.

The aspiring founder teams will also receive tailored startup mentoring and business matching opportunities, ensuring that early-stage ideas receive the guidance needed to develop into globally competitive ventures.

COMEUP in Jeju: Global Lauchpad for Korean Tourism Startups

The initiative underscores KOSPO’s role as the largest startup association in Korea, with more than 2,500 member startups and ecosystem partners.

By focusing on tourism, a sector that connects local and global markets, the Forum is signaling where it sees the next wave of Korean startup growth potential.

Han Sang-woo, Chairman of Korea Startup Forum, emphasized:

“Tourism is a vital bridge between local regions and the global economy, and it is also one of the industries where startup innovation shines most brightly. We hope that ‘COMEUP in Jeju’ will be a launchpad for tourism startups to scale globally while fostering stronger collaboration across ecosystems.”

Highlighting Tourism as Bridge Sector for Korea’s Startups

As the tourism industry continues to rebound post-pandemic and shift toward digital-first travel experiences, Korea’s startups are positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping next-generation tourism models across Asia.

By tying regional startup support to global expansion opportunities, KOSPO is ensuring that the tourism sector remains a cornerstone of Korea’s innovation-driven economy.

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