Start-up Companies "Seoul Tourism, We Change"
KING STUDIO in Seoul offers international K-Pop fans a professional recording experience in a studio used by top artists. Certified by Korea Tourism Organization and Seoul Metropolitan Government, record one song with expert vocal directors, producers, and engineers for an authentic K-Pop journey.
모바일 활용 기술기반형·체험형 관광 아이디어 제시
"As many as 45 % of foreign tourists complain of difficulties in language communication, we will resolve the inconvenience of foreign tourists while maintaining the existing system in Seoul." Lee Jung-soo, CEO of Plito, who participated in an on-site audition for "Seoul Tourism Map Change by Young Entrepreneurs" held at the conference room on the 3rd floor of Seoul City Hall at 3 p.m. on the 5th, explained that he will provide real-time translation services for some 900 tourist information signs in Seoul. Eight start-ups came up with a variety of ideas to take advantage of their strengths and take tourism to the next level in Seoul.
The eight teams were finally selected after a second round of screening out of a total of 59 teams that were submitted through open recruitment. Lim Soo-yeol, CEO of Trentrip, which runs an outdoor activity platform, proposed a social trip platform where foreign tourists can enjoy various experiences in Seoul. Lim stressed, "Travel trends are changing. We are changing from traditional tourism to various activities where you can enjoy your daily life in the region." Kim Ji-hwan, CEO of Alice Wonder Lab, announced an online virtual travel service that allows users to travel to every corner of Seoul online and purchase street products using videos made with user participation. CEO Kim explained that he will conduct a video-oriented virtual tour, including Seoullo 7017, and develop services for five major walking courses in Seoul.
After the announcement of each start-up, the judges and the audience evaluation team asked about the cooperation model with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and how to secure profits. When Han Beom-soo, dean of the Gyeonggi University School of Tourism and Culture, who participated as a professional judge, asked Alice Wonder Lab, "Do you not do a version up after making a tour video?" CEO Kim replied, "We will provide seasonal and time-specific changes as if it is snowing in Cheonggyecheon." Each team that presented on this day mainly introduced technology-based services and experiential products using mobile. Kim Byung-soo, creator director of Pelu, introduced a location-based voice guide service for you only live once and solo travelers. Through this, experts in various fields such as traditional culture, food, and shopping convey in-depth explanations.
The Mango Plate team explained the function of Chinese tourists to find hidden restaurants in Seoul at their current location through an app using location-based services. At the event, which was held in an audition method, the ranking was decided by adding 700 points for professional judges and 300 points for the audience evaluation team. The winning teams will receive a variety of benefits, including each prize money, domestic and foreign promotional marketing for a year, and support for sales through mobile tourism markets.
The grand prize (50 million won in prize money) was won by Plito, which provides real-time translation services. The Best Prize (prize money of 45 million won) was won by Friend Trip, the Excellence Prize (prize money of 40 million won) by Ellis Wonder Lab, Seoul Castro Tour, and the Encouragement Prize (prize money of 30 million won) by Yala Korea, MUSICKING, Mango Plate, and Pelu.
On the same day, Deputy Mayor of Political Affairs Kim Jong-wook encouraged the participants, saying, "If Seoul, youth, and tourism are combined well, we can create a lot of things," adding, "I think it is the duty of the Seoul Metropolitan Government to provide administrative help so that those who announced today can do better things."
By Cho Yong Hoon
