The Seongbuk-gu One-Person Creative Enterprise Support Center (Director Choi Seung-chul, hereinafter referred to as the Center) is a one-person startup support institution established in July 2011 through the cooperation of Seongbuk-gu Office and Seongbuk-gu Chamber of Commerce. As of October 2025, 27 startup company representatives are residing in the center, attracting companies in the creative, cultural, and information and communication sectors to promote youth job creation and revitalize the local economy. The center has also been selected as the best center 13 times from 2011 to 2024 and has achieved recognition as an excellent institution by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, receiving the Minister's Award. Over the past 14 years, it has achieved a total of 384 resident members, 361 graduate members, 175 new startups, 359 job creations, and sales of KRW 56.9 billion.

In collaboration with universities and related institutions located in Seongbuk-gu, the center provides practical services necessary for the startup stage, such as expert mentoring and funding guidance. It also collaborates with Seongbuk-gu (selection and management of residents), SH Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (construction and maintenance of residential buildings), and Seoul Regional Office of SMEs and Startups (providing startup-related linkage programs) to support the 'Challenge House' project, offering work and residential spaces for one-person entrepreneurs. This is the first 'mixed-use public housing' led by local government, pioneering government policy. The center introduces major startups growing alongside it.

PUBSTATION Co., Ltd., Developing an Automated Publishing Process Program Utilizing Generative AI

PUBSTATION (CEO Song Man-seok) is a one-person startup founded in October 2023 by CEO Song Man-seok, who has 16 years of experience in the publishing industry. The company has developed an AI publishing agent that can shorten the time it takes for a publisher to publish a book from an author's manuscript.

While it usually takes several months to publish a book, PUBSTATION's AI publishing agent automates the entire publishing process, including manuscript editing, translation, refinement, text design, and publishing marketing, allowing the completion of a print file within a day. It assigns repetitive publishing-related tasks to the AI agent, allowing personnel to focus on productive tasks such as planning.


Since its inception, PUBSTATION has maintained sales of approximately KRW 200 million last year and about KRW 130 million in the first half of this year, laying the groundwork for overseas market entry. Recently, through a meeting with investors in Silicon Valley, USA, it signed a term sheet for a pre-investment agreement worth USD 2 million (approximately KRW 2.8 billion). Last year, it was selected as a 'Didimdol R&D' business operator and completed the development of the basic engine, with a formal launch forthcoming.

CEO Song Man-seok stated, "With the advancement of AI technology, rapid changes are anticipated in the publishing market, and publishing startups are actively publishing new works using AI technology through various investments." He expressed his ambition to focus on exploring overseas markets to help domestic publishers directly publish and sell books translated into global languages.

Rapa & Co., a Customized Skincare Solution Startup for Cancer Survivors

Rapa & Co. is a health/beauty startup established in October 2024 on 'World Breast Cancer Day' by CEO Jin Sun-hee, a former brand manager at Amorepacific. The company researches and develops low-irritation/anti-cancer cosmetics to alleviate skin side effects caused by cancer treatment and aid in the rapid recovery of daily life for cancer survivors. It removes ingredients that may be harmful to cancer patients or survivors, even if safe for the general public, to protect the skin barrier and enhance moisture retention.

After launching the 'Onco Barrier Glow Cream' in July this year, it was stocked in Seoul National University Cancer Hospital, Main Building, Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul Metropolitan Boramae Hospital, Yonsei Cancer Hospital, Korea University Anam Hospital, and Bundang CHA Hospital within two months, and is scheduled to be stocked in Seoul Asan Hospital in November. It was selected as a company for the 'Seoul Beauty Hub,' a K-beauty company growth platform by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and signed a related business agreement with the Seoul Creative Economy Innovation Center.


CEO Jin Sun-hee emphasized, "Skincare for cancer survivors is not a choice but a necessity," and to commemorate the first anniversary of the brand launch, she gifted products to the National Cancer Center on October 19, 'World Breast Cancer Day,' to create a culture of support gifts for cancer survivors. She also conducted lectures on 'The Necessity and Methods of Skincare for Cancer Survivors' for medical staff at major general hospitals such as Seoul National University Hospital and Ilsan CHA Hospital, stating, "We must now prepare for a lifestyle with cancer," and expressed her intention to help cancer survivors recover beautifully and gracefully in daily life.

Ggumdamgil, an EduTech Platform for Basic Learning for Slow Learners

Ggumdamgil (CEO Lee Eun-joo) is an EduTech company that helps all learners achieve effective learning at their own pace and style. Moving away from the current traditional education system where all students learn and study in the same way, it provides customized learning plans by carefully analyzing each student's learning style, pace, strengths, and weaknesses using artificial intelligence. Ggumdamgil's business goal is 'holistic growth-centered learning,' which not only focuses on simple academic achievement or grade improvement but also promotes students' confidence and growth.


Ggumdamgil, which gained attention by winning a gold medal at the 'Women's Invention King EXPO' in May for 'AI-based learning service system and method using gamification,' provides personalized content and feedback by analyzing learners' learning levels in real-time through AI algorithms. It particularly strengthens inclusive learning functions for borderline intelligence group students with IQ 70-80 levels and slow learners to enhance self-directed growth and learning confidence.

Additionally, it develops a learning management system (LMS) with learning coaching, counseling, and progress management functions, where teachers, parents, and students collaborate, contributing to the realization of social value and bridging the education gap for socially disadvantaged groups, thus addressing blind spots in public education. Currently, Ggumdamgil plans to establish a social education innovation model centered in Seongbuk-gu with the commercialization of AI learning programs and LMS. Ggumdamgil has also been selected for the '2025 Re-Challenge Success Package' project and plans to focus on service enhancement and expansion with government support.

IT Donga Reporter Lee Moon-kyu (munch@itdonga.com)

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