The Startup Ecosystem of Seoul

Seoul has 586 startups in our sample database which represents about 91% of South Korea’s sampled startups. Seoul is the highest-ranked startup ecosystem in South Korea.

CITY RANKING

In 2023, the startup scene of Seoul shows much promise after advancing in the Global Ecosystem Index by 1 spot.

National Ranking

1st
0
In South Korea

Regional Ranking

5th
0
In East Asia

Global Ranking

24th
+
1
Worldwide

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ECOSYSTEM

Browse the startup ecosystem database of Seoul

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Ecosystem

The Startup Ecosystem in Seoul

Our startup ecosystem map for Seoul includes a sample of 586 tech companies. We have identified as unicorns 14 startups that have passed the USD 1 billion valuations. Contributing to the vitality of this startup ecosystem are the 2 pantheon member entities. Get the Pro account for unrestricted insights on this ecosystem.

Global Rank

Seoul is ranked within the top 30 startup ecosystems globally.

Top Industries

Seoul’s startups excel particularly in Social & Leisure where it ranks 13 and in Hardware & IoT, and Ecommerce & Retail. Find out more

Top Cities for Startups in South Korea - Ranked by StartupBlink
StartupBlink ranks the startup ecosystems of 100 countries and 1,000 cities. Download our latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
Rows:
2023 National Rank & Change ▲
Access subscores for 1000 cities and 100 countries
2023 National Rank & Change City
search leaderboards icon
Global Rank & ChangeTotal ScoreQuantity ScoreQuality ScoreBusiness Score
1st
0
24th
+
1
31.081
00.00
00.00
00.00
2nd
+
2
406th
+
388
0.786
00.00
00.00
00.00
3rd
-
1
444th
-
237
0.674
00.00
00.00
00.00
4th
-
1
498th
-
77
0.501
00.00
00.00
00.00
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Startups

Notable Startups in Seoul
OP.GG startup icon
OP.GG
Contents First startup icon
Contents First
O-House startup icon
O-House

Startups

Successful Social & Leisure startups in Seoul
Contents First startup icon
Contents First
Lezhin Entertainment startup icon
Lezhin Entertainment
JoyCity startup icon
JoyCity

Startups

Startups Ranking by Industry

Social & Leisure icon
Social & Leisure
#13 worldwide

On our map, you can explore a total of 169 startups for Social & Leisure.

Hardware & IoT icon
Hardware & IoT
#15 worldwide

The Hardware & IoT industry in Seoul is ranked 15 globally. There are 80 startups for Hardware & IoT on our sample database and map.

Ecommerce & Retail icon
Ecommerce & Retail
#18 worldwide

Ecommerce & Retail is ranked 18th in the world. Our database contains 75 startups for this industry.

ECOSYSTEM

Why should you join Seoul's Startup Ecosystem?

Overview

Within Seoul there is an increased attraction for entrepreneurs to set up their startups in industries such as Social & Leisure, Hardware & IoT, Ecommerce & Retail. These three industries represent about 55% of the startups represented on the Startup Ecosystem Map of Seoul.

1st

National Rank

5th

Regional Rank

Overview

Seoul is South Korea's 1st best startup ecosystem and is ranked 5th in East Asia. With a population of undefined, Seoul is ranked th in the world. The city has some notable startup success stories including OP.GG and its startup ecosystem infrastructure is strengthened by organizations such as Samsung and Seolleung.

ECOSYSTEM
Startup Infrastructure in Seoul
With a large variety of initiatives, Seoul's startup ecosystem stands out from other cities in East Asia. Seoul offers a number of funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups. Below is a list of Seoul's most prominent support initiatives:

Accelerators

Schmidt startup icon

Schmidt

VentureSquare startup icon

VentureSquare

FUTUREPLAY startup icon

FUTUREPLAY

Coworking Spaces

Gangnam Station II startup icon

Gangnam Station II

Gwanghwamun startup icon

Gwanghwamun

Spaces - Seoul, Autoway Tower startup icon

Spaces - Seoul, Autoway Tower

Featured Ecosystem Portals

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