Kkum Maru in Gyeonggi Province Discovers 10 Promising Entrepreneurs This Year
As demand for women entrepreneurs continues to grow across various sectors such as care, lifestyle, and content, the "Gyeonggi Women Entrepreneurship Platform Kkum Maru," operated by Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Job Foundation, has been playing a significant role this year as a systematic support platform for women-led startups.
Commemorative photo of the award ceremony for the "2025 Gyeonggi Women Entrepreneurship Competition." Provided by Gyeonggi Province
The Gyeonggi Women Entrepreneurship Platform Kkum Maru is a women-only startup support space operated by Gyeonggi Province, currently running in 10 locations across the province, including Suwon, Uijeongbu, and Goyang. Most prospective and early-stage women entrepreneurs residing or working in Gyeonggi Province can use the facilities free of charge. Kkum Maru provides foundational infrastructure such as shared office space, meeting rooms, and product photography studios for aspiring and early-stage women entrepreneurs.
According to Gyeonggi Province on December 21, the Gyeonggi Women Entrepreneurship Platform Kkum Maru held the "2025 Gyeonggi Women Entrepreneurship Competition" in July this year, discovering a total of 10 promising women entrepreneurs. The competition, which recorded a 17:1 application ratio, provided the winners with a total of 20 million won in commercialization support funds and expert consulting, laying the groundwork for startup growth.
Jo Seoyul, who won the Grand Prize, attracted market attention by developing the country's only cosplay-specialized, plant-based special effects makeup products. In addition, a follow-up program called "Plus Day" was offered to aspiring entrepreneurs who did not receive awards, providing them with further growth opportunities.
Lee Bokyung, who received the Excellence Award, won the Grand Prize at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' public data utilization startup competition and launched a new platform service. Kim Sungmi, who received the Encouragement Award, was selected as a KOTRA export voucher company and is achieving results in overseas market expansion, including signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with foreign companies.
In addition, the southern Gyeonggi women entrepreneurship platform "Kkum Maru" hosted the "Dreaming Market" twice, in October and December, to support entrepreneurs in gaining practical sales experience and developing sales channels. The event, which drew around 600 visitors, was operated in conjunction with a flea market and startup education programs. Graduates of the Gyeonggi Job Foundation's "Emoticon Production" course participated, achieving greater results through inter-business collaboration.
Nam Gowoon, who participated as an emoticon artist, said, "I joined because I wanted to introduce the unique characters of the artists to more people," adding, "This flea market and startup education program provided practical help in preparing for entrepreneurship."
Yoon Hyeonok, Director of Gender Equality at Gyeonggi Province, stated, "Women’s entrepreneurship is a key driver for discovering new markets and leading sustainable growth in the regional economy," adding, "We will continue to support the challenges and growth of women entrepreneurs through practical, on-site assistance."
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