AI-powered solutions to navigate and access Korea's startup funding programs
Whether you are a long-term Korea resident or moving to the country for the first time, establishing a professional network is essential, yet overlooked, for the growth of your business. For international entrepreneurs in South Korea, these communities serve as more than just networking hubs; they are essential resources for testing ideas, finding co-founders, and navigating the local regulatory landscape.
This guide categorizes the most active startup communities into two sections: Community-Run organizations and Government-Led initiatives.
These groups are primarily led by fellow entrepreneurs. They offer a less formal environment for peer-to-peer support and "real-world" advice on living and working in Korea.
Young Global Startup Community (YGSC) is a founder-led network for early and growth-stage entrepreneurs in Korea. They have an online group of 200+ Korean and foreign founders where founder insights and feedback are welcome. The group regularly holds free 1:1 coffee chat mentoring meetings covering government grant applications, business model development, and investor pitch materials, as well as themed monthly meetups.
The community is run by Kim Eun-chong, a serial entrepreneur and former Korea Youth Entrepreneurship Academy professor.
Active in 38 countries worldwide, Founders Running Club brings startup founders, investors, tech enthusiasts, creative people together for easy, weekly runs. Runners of all skill levels are welcome.
Check FRC’s Meetup page, Luma page, or their Instagram for information about dates and location for their next run.
Dev Korea is a professional network specifically for English-speaking developers and tech professionals. They focus on high-level technical knowledge sharing and cross-cultural recruitment.
Follow the official Dev Korea events page or join their Discord channel with daily updates about job opportunities, upcoming events, how to join the talent pool, etc.
As the local chapter of a global community, Startup Grind Seoul bridges the gap between the local Korean ecosystem and the international startup world.
EO Korea is the local chapter of a global peer-to-peer network for high-growth entrepreneurs. Unlike most grassroots communities, EO has strict entry requirements (typically based on annual revenue), making it the premier community for established founders.
The Korean government is a significant stakeholder in the startup ecosystem. Partner organizations are well-funded and provide the infrastructure necessary for business registration, IP applications, and more.
Global Startup Center (GSC) is co-operated by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED). It acts as the primary entry point for foreign founders. Located near Yeoksam Station in Gangnam, GSC is also known for being the implementing organization of the annual K-Startup Grand Challenge.
The Overall Assistance for Start-up Immigration System (OASIS) program is the primary way to be eligible for the D-10-2 and earn points for the D-8-4 visa. While OASIS does not have a single dedicated community hub, a community is built inside the classrooms of OASIS 1, 2, 3, 4, and 4+ courses. Each course consists of 15–20 foreign founders who are at various stages of their startup and visa journey, providing a unique space for peer networking, information sharing, and moral support.
Click here to see a list of our OASIS events.
TIPS (민간투자주도형 기술창업지원) is South Korea’s flagship accelerator program. It operates on a private-led, government-backed model where private venture capitalists select promising startups, and the government provides matching research and development (R&D) funds.
Note: Not all TIPS events are available to the public or conducted in English.
Operated by the Seoul Business Agency (SBA), the Seoul Startup Hub startup incubator brings founders, stakeholders, and potential investor together. The hub is for both Korea-based startups looking to expand abroad and vice versa, creating opportunities for foreign and Korean entrepreneurs to connect.
Check out their weekly Deep Work Monday gatherings at the main office near Gongdeok Station designed to provide focused co-working time followed by community networking.
The Korean startup landscape moves quickly, with new program, grant, and visa policy changes announced often. Therefore, pairing 'real-world' founder advice with official government support can be beneficial to your business. Perfect your business pitch, prepare plenty of business cards, and start building your network in Korea.
Symone Gosby
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