ComeUp in Jeju: Korean Startup Conference Draws 100

JEJU, South Korea — Korea Startup Forum held a conference on Jeju Island from Sept. 10 to 11, drawing approximately 100 participants from startups, investment firms, and government agencies.

The event was hosted at the Jeju Dream Tower Complex Resort. It was organized in collaboration with the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the Jeju Tourism Organization, and the Jeju Dream Tower Complex Resort.

Fifteen companies delivered presentations across three sessions. 

Participating firms from Jeju included The Sound Bunker, Jecline, Locally, Peter Petter, Scene of Jeju, and EAT The Company. Woolloolloo, Maze, Outfit Lab, DEEPING Sauce, and Tag By Company represented Seoul and the surrounding regions. 

In addition, four Jeju-based teams without established businesses also presented.

Zhang Rui from JD.com spoke about travel industry data analytics based on AI.

Yuni Kim from Z Venture Capital and Min-jung Ko from KOTRA attended a panel discussion about the Japanese market.

Han Sang-woo, chairman of the Korea Startup Forum, stated that Korea, China, and Japan should form an economic community, emphasizing that startup cooperation could have a significant impact on tourism, culture, and local industries.

Lim Eun-kyu of Z Venture Capital noted that Korean companies are expanding into Japanese consumer markets beyond traditional business sectors. He also observed changes in the attitudes of Japanese entrepreneurs and investors since the pandemic.

Chris Kim of Eland China EIV stated that entering the Chinese market requires founder commitment, adequate financial resources, and localization.

Three companies—It The Company, Tag By Company, and Egg Basket—received awards in various categories.

Attendees also visited Color Lab Jeju and other local facilities as part of the conference program.

Some participants are expected to attend ComeUp 2025 in December, an event involving the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development, the Korea Startup Forum, the Korea Venture Business Association, and the Korea Venture Capital Association.

Han Sang-woo added that startup growth requires global competitiveness and noted that the Korea Startup Forum will support entrepreneurs in developing international business models.