Government Supports Startup Companies Planning and Producing Traditional Cultural Products

Recruiting Ten Youth Companies to Create 'Oneuljeontong' Tradition

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Craft & Design Foundation are publicly recruiting ten young startup companies to create 'Oneul Jeontong' until the 26th of next month.

'Oneul Jeontong' is the new name for the 'Traditional Culture Youth Startup Support' project that began in 2020. It supports startup companies that plan and produce traditional cultural products with innovative ideas. Over the past three years, 131 companies have been discovered. Representative success cases include Pound Corporation and Gangsan Sogokju. The former sells incense sticks that modernly interpret Joseon culture’s incense, while the latter sells premium natural fermented vinegar and Sogokju using domestic fermentation strains. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism explained, "They have achieved results such as increased sales, expanded distribution networks, and job creation."

This year’s recruitment target is representatives operating startup companies within three years in the traditional culture field. Anyone aged 39 or younger as of the announcement date (49 or younger for technology startups) can apply. Selected companies will receive customized incubation from startup planners (accelerators) and up to an average of 100 million KRW in commercialization funds for up to three years. They will also enjoy marketing benefits such as the startup exchange event 'Ogu Jakjak (Networking Day)', distribution and investment consultations, the excellent startup company awards 'Ojeon Changka', and the Newtro Festival 'Oneul Jeontong' pop-up shop. For more details, please refer to the Korea Craft & Design Foundation website.