Korea Tourism Organization Backs Six Travel Startups

KTO's Startup Recognition Event

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has identified six promising new tourism businesses following its 2026 Tourism Venture Final Demo Day, held on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, in central Seoul. The state-run agency convened approximately 100 participants, including startup founders, investors, and entrepreneurs, for the event.

Fourteen companies initially presented their business models and growth strategies to potential investors, among them managers of tourism-focused funds and those supported by pension funds. The final six were chosen after a mock investment evaluation, with their ventures spanning travel technology, retail solutions, and marine tourism. This initiative aims to connect innovative companies with capital, promoting growth within the sector.

Featured Innovative Ventures

Among the selected startups, RavenL showcased a tool designed to analyse tourist spending habits by processing travel videos recorded by foreign visitors. This company also developed a system that assists retailers in converting customer behaviour data into actionable sales strategies.

Another recognised entity, About Fishing, operates a marine leisure platform that integrates fishing information, boat reservation services, and equipment purchasing options. A third unnamed company received recognition for its comprehensive value-added tax (VAT) refund service, tailored for international shoppers.

The KTO reported that the demo day facilitated around 40 subsequent investment consultations, highlighting the potential for these startups to secure further funding and expand their operations.

Supporting Regional Tourism through BETTER-RI

Beyond the demo day, the KTO also presented the outcomes of its BETTER-RI initiative for the current year. This programme is designed to support tourism ventures in South Korean regions experiencing population decline.

It provides startups with opportunities to pilot new tourism products and services within local communities, with the objective of attracting visitors, encouraging longer stays, and addressing specific regional challenges. This year's projects were implemented in Gangjin County, South Jeolla Province, and Gimje, North Jeolla Province. Fourteen companies participated in the BETTER-RI showcase, demonstrating their initiatives.

Localised Projects and Future Plans

Examples from the BETTER-RI programme include a creative retreat established in Gangjin County. This initiative combined dedicated writing spaces, accommodation, and support for publishing e-books, drawing inspiration from Jeong Yak-yong, a Joseon Dynasty scholar.

Another project involved developing a "run-stay" experience along running routes in the Saemangeum area of Gimje, a coastal development built on reclaimed tidal flats. The KTO has outlined plans for the next phase of the BETTER-RI initiative and is currently accepting applications from local governments, with a deadline of Friday, 13 November 2026.

Min Byung-sun, head of the KTO's Tourism Industry Division, emphasised that "innovation among tourism startups translates not only into business growth, but also into new visitor traffic and longer stays in local communities."

Implications for South Korea's Travel Sector

These KTO initiatives are poised to introduce new travel offerings across South Korea, particularly in less-frequented regional areas. Travellers can anticipate more specialised and culturally integrated tourism products, such as creative retreats and unique leisure platforms, potentially enhancing their choices beyond traditional city tours.

For the industry, the focus on investment consultations and regional development reveals a commitment to diversifying South Korea's tourism economy and supporting local businesses.

The continued call for local government applications for the BETTER-RI programme until 13 November 2026 suggests further expansion of these localised tourism projects, creating new opportunities for operators and destinations to attract domestic and international visitors.