Incheon Metropolitan City and Incheon Tourism Organization announced that they have selected 15 promising companies that will lead the tourism industry through the “2026 Incheon Tourism Startup Contest.”
The contest targeted tourism-related startups established within the past seven years as well as prospective entrepreneurs, with the recruitment conducted across six categories: ▲ Preliminary (prospective entrepreneurs), ▲ Early Stage (within three years of establishment), ▲ Growth Stage (within three ~ seven years of establishment), ▲ Regional Coexistence (tourism venture companies certified by the Korea Tourism Organization or startups certified by tourism business support centers in other regions), ▲ Growth Plus+ I (companies seeking advanced-stage support after completing the Incheon Tourism Business Support Center’s startup-fostering program), and ▲ Growth Plus+ II (graduates of the Growth Plus+ program from 2024 to 2025).
A total of 125 companies applied, recording a competition ratio of 8.3 to 1. Following document screening and presentation evaluations, 15 companies demonstrating innovation potential and strong execution capabilities in the tourism sector were ultimately selected.
Early Stage selectees were SconAI (AI interpretation services), San Bong Woori (island tours for young adults), Glory (eco-friendly MICE packages), and Neulsol (Ganghwa tourism merchandise).
The Growth Stage Startup category includes Gaehangro Injeolmi and Sochang Gallery (Sochang-themed souvenirs), and Baba Ground (specialized rural tourism packages).
FOCC (history and fragrance tours) was selected in the Regional Coexistence category together with Growth Plus+ I welcoming Contemplative (local beverage brand), Geumpung Brewery (wellness sleep-healing tours), Minikhan Camping & Mobility (island car camping tours), and In the Local (tourism souvenir select shop). Finally, AD Labs (tourist marketing solutions) was selected for Growth Plus+ II. These startups are expected to play a leading role in future tourism innovation in Incheon.
Selected companies will receive different levels of commercialization funding depending on their category. Prospective entrepreneurs will receive KRW 5 million while other selected companies will receive an average of KRW 22 million, with support reaching up to KRW 38 million. Participants will also be provided with a variety of growth-supporting programs including startup training, customized consulting, and support for investor relations (IR) linkage.
“With the selection of startups in various tourism sectors this year, we will strive to hone Incheon’s competitive edge in tourism through systematic fostering and support so that these companies can grow together with local communities,” said Kim Young-shin, Director of the Incheon Foreign Affairs Bureau.
