On August 29, finals will take place at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza… A chance to win up to 10 million KRW and enter the market.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on June 2 that in order to discover and nurture next-generation promising startups in the K-beauty industry, it will hold the ‘2025 Seoul Beauty Week Business Meetup Pitching Competition’ on August 29 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).
This event is a key program of the ‘Seoul Beauty Week,’ the representative beauty industry exhibition of Seoul, taking place from August 28 to 30. Now in its fourth year, the expo includes various programs such as corporate exhibits, export consultations, lectures, and experiences, providing a comprehensive view of the current and future state of K-beauty.
The pitching competition is designed to support startups with innovative ideas and technology in all areas of the beauty industry, including cosmetics, beauty devices, beauty tech, and related platforms. Anyone from prospective entrepreneurs to startups within seven years of founding across Korea can participate.
The nine teams that pass the document screening will compete in the final rounds at the Seoul Beauty Week venue. All finalists will receive one-on-one mentoring opportunities with professional investment judges, and follow-up support such as investment firm meetups and corporate cooperation partnerships will also be provided.
Winners of the competition will receive a total of 20 million KRW in prize money and the Mayor of Seoul Award. The awards include 10 million KRW for the first-place team, 5 million KRW for the runner-up, 1 million KRW each for three excellence awards, and 500,000 KRW each for four encouragement awards.
Applicants can apply through the operating office by June 27, and detailed information can be found on the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s website.
Joo Yong-tae, Head of Seoul’s Economic Policy Division, stated, “This pitching competition is not just a simple contest but an opportunity for promising startups to lay the groundwork for market entry,” and expected many innovative companies to participate.
