Seoul City Recruits Tourism Startups to Lead the Revival of the Tourism Market

Support of 430 Million Won Provided

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Foundation announced on the 8th that they will hold the 'Seoul Tourism Startup Collaboration Project' contest until the 24th to select startups that will lead the tourism market reopening after COVID-19.

This contest is open to companies regardless of industry, as long as they can easily and newly convey the charm of Seoul to domestic and international tourists. About 10 startups will be selected that can develop and operate tourism content that highlights Seoul's unique charm based on excellent technological capabilities, and a total of 430 million KRW in support funds will be distributed differentially (100 million to 30 million KRW) according to the final ranking.

Eligibility requires being a sole proprietor or small and medium-sized enterprise established between 6 months and 7 years as of the contest deadline. Applications are accepted until 6 PM on March 24 through the ‘Seoul in My Hand’ contest website. Detailed information can be found on the website, and all required submission documents must be attached via the provided Google Form link.

The selection process consists of three stages: first document screening, second face-to-face evaluation, and final public audition. A panel of experts in each field will comprehensively evaluate the necessity, feasibility, business execution capability and sustainability, and contribution to Seoul tourism.

Kim Young-hwan, Director of the Tourism and Sports Bureau of Seoul, stated, “This year is a very important time as a stepping stone for the recovery of Seoul tourism,” and added, “Seoul will actively discover and nurture promising tourism startups and spare no support to achieve innovation in the industry.”