Nine Local Brands Selected as 'The Jeju Creators' to Boost Regional Economy

The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Jeju Creative Economy Innovation Center announced on the 17th that they have officially selected nine local companies as part of the 2026 'The Jeju Creators' initiative. This program seeks to identify and support businesses leveraging Jeju's unique resources, further bolstering the local economy while paving the way for global market entry.

During a two-day public audition held from the 16th to the 17th, a total of 26 local companies were evaluated by a panel comprising seven experts in local entrepreneurship, alongside 24 community evaluators. The assessments focused on criteria including each company's business model, growth strategy, regional interconnectedness, and market expansion potential. This comprehensive analysis underscores the importance of strategic positioning, as companies must demonstrate a viable path to market differentiation.

In the 'Jeju Anchor' category, notable selections include Gyu Medal, recognized for its differentiated products crafted from Jeju tangerines and awarded the Red Dot Design Award; Cocoha, which operates a Kakao-based business model while collaborating with local entities; Jeju Fillet Co., Ltd., a premium chocolate brand integrating authentic European recipes with local values; and Nadri Food, which reinterprets traditional spicy flavors with a distinct Jeju influence. These selections represent a tight alignment with consumer trends towards localized and artisanal products.

Within the 'Glocal Anchor' category, the winners include With Like Co., Ltd., targeting the K-food market with intellectual property from influencers; Mother Works Co., Ltd., a children's organic food brand rooted in Jeju's natural ethos; Salt By Pep, which introduces clean Jeju beef through patented food technology; 1950 Co., Ltd., focused on eco-friendly living goods using local ingredients like Jeju green tea and camellia; and BM Cos Co., Ltd., aiming to penetrate the natural cosmetics market with products based on local camellia. This diversity in offerings highlights a robust approach to product architecture designed for competitive advantage.

The nine selected companies will receive financial support for commercialization, alongside tailored business enhancement programs. Strategic partnerships with startup-related organizations will also provide specialized consulting, setting the foundation for these brands to evolve into recognizable local representations of Jeju. This structured support signals a shift towards a comprehensive ecosystem that nurtures local brands through targeted interventions and collaborations.

Governor Oh Young-hoon emphasized that these local enterprises embody the potential to brand Jeju's culture and compete on a global scale, stating the intention to provide relentless support as these companies evolve into leading regional players. This commitment underscores the strategic importance of nurturing brands that resonate with both local heritage and global aspirations.

Notably, the public audition attracted executives from the Oya Department Store group, headquartered in Changchun, China, operating over 150 branches, as well as stakeholders from various companies and investment firms. Their presence at the auditions and subsequent interest in established partnerships reflects a growing recognition of Jeju's local products, suggesting opportunities for future collaboration that can significantly enhance the distribution landscape.