Gangwon Innovation Center Accelerates 15 Tourism Startups

Gangwon State's tourism landscape is poised for innovative transformation. The Gangwon Center for Creative Economy & Innovation (hereinafter referred to as the Gangwon CCEI) recently announced that it has partnered with 15 promising startups in the tourism sector to usher in a new future for the regional tourism industry. These companies, carefully selected through the '2025 Gangwon BRIDGE Tourism & Culture Support Project' and the 'Gangwon State Tourism Content Startup Support Project,' will integrate cutting-edge innovations such as ICT, AI, and eco-friendly technologies with Gangwon's rich natural and cultural heritage, focusing on demonstrating and commercializing never-before-experienced tourism content. A diverse range of ideas aimed at maximizing Gangwon's appeal are emerging. From 'Honored' (forparents), a premium domestic travel service for active seniors, to drone light shows that will adorn the night sky (Stardrone), new perspectives are being presented. Eco-friendly electric leisure boats (Codeless) will be launched along the Gangwon coast, and journeys to heal mind and body are also proposed with 'Healing Road' (With the Lake), a wellness tour enjoyed easily without app installation. Custom services targeting Japanese tourists are also prominent. 'Ogaeng Guide' (Ogaeng Korea), a short-form drama tour curation, and 'Budify' (Budify), a local-centric tourism platform, will introduce Gangwon's hidden charms to Japanese visitors. In addition, cutting-edge technologies like 3D scan-based viewers (Corallabs), smart festival platforms (Safepass Contents Innovation), and digital tourism map-based content dissemination (Locallink) add convenience and fun, while an AI-based glare control device for tourism tunnels (Bring Engineering) ensures safety. Furthermore, a youth-oriented theme park utilizing Hongcheon's rural resources (Uptown), media facades using natural terrain as a screen (Ildansswabwa), a complex cultural space combining ceramics and gourmet food (Coastalica), and Yeongwol wellness experiences themed around 'reading travel' (Youngbisa) expand the horizons of unique experiences. The Gangwon CCEI plans to provide comprehensive support to help these startups secure marketability and scalability, achieve sustainable growth, through not only demonstration programs but also investment attraction and linkages with local institutions. Including a linked demonstration with the Cheorwon Culture Festival, this project is expected to become a key driving force promoting tourism revitalization and balanced development across Gangwon. All eyes are on the steps of the innovation center and the startups as they paint the future of Gangwon tourism through phased acceleration.