During BEYOND Expo 2026, the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) introduced South Korea’s startup ecosystem and government-backed support programs to international entrepreneurs and investors, highlighting how the country attracts global startups through innovation, industrial resources, and policy support.
A KISED representative stated during the presentation that, unlike traditional companies focused on selling products, KISED aims to promote South Korea’s comprehensive startup ecosystem to entrepreneurs worldwide. According to the representative, South Korea is not only a promising market but also an important gateway for international startups seeking to enter Asia.
The representative highlighted South Korea’s competitive strengths in innovation, noting that the country possesses world-class digital infrastructure, advanced electronic payment systems, and steadily increasing R&D investment.
These advantages have helped South Korea maintain a leading position in global innovation and research competitiveness rankings, making it one of the world’s most attractive destinations for startups and innovation.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s startup ecosystem has matured after more than two decades of development. Following the Asian financial crisis, the country began transforming its economic structure, moving away from heavy reliance on large conglomerates and fostering a more diversified innovation-driven economy. Today, technology startups have become an increasingly important driver of economic growth.
