Seoul City is scouting promising K-beauty startups to drive global expansion, with a pitch competition scheduled for August 25 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). The event targets pre-founders and startups under seven years old across cosmetics, beauty devices, beauty tech, wellness, inner beauty, and platforms. This initiative offers overseas buyers and distributors a direct channel to discover innovative Korean suppliers and technologies.
Competition details
The 2026 Seoul Beauty Week Business Meetup Pitch Competition will take place on August 25 at the DDP Conference Hall. It covers the entire lifestyle-based beauty industry, including cosmetics, beauty devices, beauty tech, wellness, inner beauty, and platforms. Any pre-founder or startup founded within seven years nationwide can apply. Applications close on June 26 via the Seoul Beauty Week secretariat.
Program benefits
Nine teams selected through document screening will advance to the finals. All finalists receive one-on-one mentoring from professional investment evaluators. The program also provides investment meetings, corporate partnership connections, and practical opportunities for funding, distribution, and global market entry. Winners will share a total prize of 20 million KRW and receive the Seoul Metropolitan Government Mayor's Award.
Past success stories
Last year, 59 promising companies participated. Award winners continued follow-up meetings with major distributors and venture capitalists after the event. For example, Barun Bio, which won the grand prize with a self-generating microcurrent skincare solution, received CES Innovation Awards for three consecutive years. Entertake, an excellence award winner, was selected for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' TIPS program, securing up to 800 million KRW in support.
What buyers should watch
For overseas importers, distributors, and clinic buyers, this competition is a strategic entry point to source innovative K-beauty products and technologies. Seoul City focuses on business matching to help discovered startups become attractive partners for domestic and international investors. The event offers direct access to emerging brands in beauty devices, tech, and wellness that are ready for global distribution.
Official statement
Lee Soo-yeon, head of Seoul City's Economic Office, said: "We will focus on business matching so that discovered innovative companies can be recognized as attractive partners by domestic and foreign investors. We hope many startups with innovative ideas and technologies to challenge the global market will participate."
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 01, 2026