**2024 Korea Metaverse Festival Held**
**158 Companies Participate in Exhibition**
**Discussion on Future Directions and Business Strategies in the Industry**
The 2024 Korea Metaverse Festival (KMF 2024) is being held at the aT Center in Yangjae, Seocho-gu, Seoul. The event gathers 158 companies, highlighting the future direction and business strategies of the industry.
At the festival’s opening ceremony, Yoo Sang-im, Minister of Science and ICT, emphasized the government’s commitment to nurturing the metaverse as a pioneering digital industry. The ministry has implemented the “Virtual Convergence Industry Promotion Act” in August to foster an innovative metaverse ecosystem. Yoo stated, “We will continue to provide comprehensive support aimed at cultivating technological development, talent nurturing, and broadening industry platforms.”
Shin Soo-jung, President of the Korea Metaverse Industry Association, noted that while the initial hype around the metaverse may have waned, various virtual space cultural content and work styles remain embedded. She added, “The metaverse stands at the crossroads of a second wave of innovation.”
Supported by notable organizations like the Korea Information and Communications Industry Promotion Agency and the Korea Metaverse Industry Association, the festival, which runs until the 19th, hosts the key global conference “The MEANS.” Various experts, including government officials and representatives from companies like Kaliverse, Google Cloud, and Epic Games, share insights on metaverse business strategy roadmaps. Companies such as Microsoft, Qualcomm, Unity Technologies, and EBS are set to present industry trends on the 18th.
The festival showcases numerous metaverse products and services from 158 leading companies. Kaliverse is unveiling its newly launched hyper-realistic metaverse platform, while Woongjin ThinkBig introduces “Lingo City,” an AI-based metaverse English-speaking education platform. Promising local SMEs like Dabeeo, Simseu Reality, Novatech, and The Pikt also display their innovative offerings.
The “Experiential Zone for the Public” has expanded from past events to feature a variety of content, including AR glasses, immersive experiences, and interactive virtual artists powered by generative AI technology.