{
  "id": 3177689,
  "title": "Seoul seeks startups to bring temple stays and Korean medicine to global tourists",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/seoul-seeks-startups-to-bring-temple-stays-and-korean-medicine-to",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-25T03:32:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/travel-food/20260825/seoul-seeks-startups-to-bring-temple-stays-and-korean-medicine-to-global-tourists"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Seoul is seeking startups to introduce centuries-old Korean experiences to global tourists, such as temple food, meditation, and traditional medicine. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that applications for the initiative will be accepted starting Tuesday and will be open until September 9. Startups are invited to propose tourism services that integrate traditional attractions with artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies. Successful companies will receive approximately 100 million won ($72,300) in proof-of-concept funding, as well as access to accelerator programs and promotional support through the city's official platforms. The program aims to collaborate startups with private organizations possessing local tourism resources and knowledge, enabling them to test innovative business models with international visitors in real-world environments. Potential proposals could range from multilingual booking and information services for temple food and temple stays, to AI-powered guides for temples and Buddhist culture, customized wellness packages combining traditional medicine and tourism, and personalized experiences.",
  "summary": "Seoul is looking for startups that can turn centuries-old Korean experiences, from temple food and meditation to traditional medicine, into easier and more personalized journeys for international visitors. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said that applications will open Tuesday and run through Sept. 9 for startups proposing tourism services that combine traditional attractions with artificial…",
  "key_points": [
    "Seoul seeks startups for temple stays and Korean medicine tourism",
    "Applications open Tuesday, close September 9",
    "Funding and support offered for successful proposals"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This initiative cements Seoul's focus on blending heritage with technology to lure tourists, handing startups a chance to gain funding and expertise in exchange for reimagining traditional experiences.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Seoul seeks startups to bring temple stays and Korean medicine to global tourists",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/seoul-seeks-startups-to-bring-temple-stays-and-korean-medicine-to-3179099",
        "published": "2026-08-25T03:37:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}