Korean Startup Festival Aboard Cruise Ship Set for July 2025

Seoul, South Korea - The Korea Startup Forum announced that it will host a startup event aboard the Panstar Miracle cruise ship, departing from Busan Port on July 26-27.

The organization stated that the event, titled "Busan Slush'd 2025," marks the third such event. Korea Startup Forum said it operates the event as a spinoff of Finland's Slush startup conference.

The organization said it expects 180 participants.

Participants will include venture capitalists, startup companies, prospective entrepreneurs, and corporate sponsors, according to the forum.

The event will use the cruise vessel as a meeting space.

Programming includes opening sessions, group activities, individual meetings, presentations, youth programming, and networking events, the organization said.

The Korea Startup Forum announced that it will conduct a pitching competition for startups based in Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang provinces.

The organization said it will accept applications through June 25 via its website. Companies may participate regardless of establishment date or investment status, according to the forum.

The organization said it would select ten teams for the competition. Selected teams will receive event access, networking access, and membership in the Korea Startup Forum. 

The organization said it would award KRW 3 million to the winning team.

"Busan Slush'd will evolve into an innovative festival that organically connects entrepreneurs and investors, regions and global markets, and the overall startup ecosystem beyond the simple conference or pitching event dimension," Han Sang-woo, Chairman of Korea Startup Forum, said.

The organization said the event theme is "Busan Slush'd At Sea: That Night, We Were Really Connected."