Seoul seeks startups to bring temple stays and Korean medicine to global tourists

Seoul is seeking startups to develop AI-powered tourism services for international visitors, with applications open from Tuesday through Sept. 9. The Seoul Metropolitan Government will provide about 100 million won ($72,300) in proof-of-concept funding, accelerator programs, and promotional support to selected companies. Proposals may include multilingual booking for temple stays, AI guides to Buddhist culture, and wellness packages combining traditional medicine and tourism.

Seoul is looking for startups that can turn centuries-old Korean experiences, from temple food and meditation to traditional medicine, into easier and more personalized journeys for international visitors. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said that applications will open Tuesday and run through Sept. 9 for startups proposing tourism services that combine traditional attractions with artificial intelligence AI and other digital technologies. The selected companies will share about 100 million won $72,300 in proof-of-concept funding, along with accelerator programs and promotional support through the city’s official channels. The program is designed to pair tourism startups with private organizations that hold local tourism resources and expertise, allowing the companies to test new business models with international visitors in real-world settings. Proposals could include multilingual booking and information services for temple food and temple stays, AI-powered guides to temples and Buddhist culture, customized wellness packages combining traditional medicine and tourism, and perso