Jeju Local Creators Shine in Innovation Projects

Local creators nurtured by the Jeju Center for Creative Economy and Innovation are elevating Jeju's unique characteristics into innovative business models, breathing fresh vitality into the local economy. They have successfully created business value by combining original ideas based on local resources and culture, gaining nationwide attention. The Local Creator Nurturing Program, organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Small Enterprise and Market Agency, is a key program that discovers and supports such local-based entrepreneurs. Last year, the Jeju Center, as the regional host organization for this program, selected 26 promising businesses and supported their customized growth. The fruits of these efforts shone brightly at the '2024 Integrated Local Festa'. Jeju local creators demonstrated outstanding capabilities on the national stage, achieving brilliant awards. In particular, Kim Bong-jin's 'YJ Company' won the prestigious Grand Prize, and Jin Jung-eun's 'From Jeju' received the Top Excellence Award, showcasing the power of Jeju local creators. Kim Jun-yong's 'Better Than Surf' also garnered expectations with impressive results within the Jeju region. YJ Company, which won the Grand Prize, successfully built a new brand, 'Premium Jeju Fish Cakes,' going beyond ordinary fish cakes and expanding into overseas markets. Their products, now available in luxury hotels and golf courses, are elevating Jeju's gastronomic experience to a new level. 'From Jeju,' which received the Top Excellence Award, offers innovative 'farm-to-table' services utilizing Jeju's pristine agricultural products. They showcase unique agricultural products that combine Jeju's specialties like gosari (bracken fern) and water cucumber with food culture. Based on seven years of communication and trust built with producers, they have solidified their position as a regionally customized distribution platform. Better Than Surf aims to be a lifestyle brand that redefines surfing culture, harmonizing with Jeju's beautiful nature. Beyond selling distinctive surfing products, they are leading the way in planning and hosting various surfing events, fostering Jeju's unique surfing community and culture. In addition to these, the activities of Jeju's local creators are brilliant. 'Salt by PEP' received 'JQ certification' for its high-protein, low-fat steak made from Jeju Hanwoo (Korean beef), earning recognition for its quality. 'Pureunkong Bangju' achieved the feat of winning the 'Prime Minister's Commendation at the 2024 Small Business Owners' Day Celebration' for developing fermented soybean products using Jeju's specialty, pureunkong (green soybeans). An official from the Jeju Center emphasized, "Local creator small business owners aim to contribute to solving pressing issues by coexisting with the local community, going beyond just corporate growth." They also stated, "We expect those nurtured by the Center to play a key role in the sustainable development of the Jeju region." The success of local creators who have creatively reinterpreted Jeju's rich resources and culture is being evaluated as an exemplary case that presents a new direction for local economic revitalization. Attention is focused on the positive ripple effects that the continuous innovation and growth of these companies will have on the Jeju economy in the future.