홍주석
Hong Joo-seok

CEO | Urbanplay

Hong Joo-seok is the founder of Urbanplay, a company pioneering the idea that "cities need an OS" — an operating system. Under this mission, he leads comprehensive urban content management services that span investment, planning, development, and operation of lifestyle-focused cultural spaces.

He has spearheaded projects in Seoul’s Yeonnam and Yeonhui neighborhoods, as well as Seongsu, Gwangju, and Busan, curating and managing culturally immersive spaces. His company collaborates with major organizations including Naver, Lotte, Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Company, Sungsimdang, Ottogi, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Some of his representative projects include Yeonnamjang, PARKMENT, Yeonnam Bangatgan, Cabinet Club, and Busan P.ARK. He served as a contributing curator for the 2019 Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, and currently holds leadership roles as Chairman of the Local Brand Forum (LBF) and Expert Committee Member of the Presidential Committee for Balanced National Development.

Local is Content — How to Curate Compelling Local Stories

The “local” trend that emerged during the pandemic has evolved into a new cultural movement. In this panel, three leaders from different industries explore the role and potential of local content in today’s business environment:

  • Shinsegae Department Store (Premium Retail): Lee Hyeong-ki
  • Our Planeat (Sustainable Gastronomy): Jang Min-young, CEO
  • Urbanplay (Urban Content Development): Hong Joo-seok, CEO

Together, they will dive into:

  • The rise of local trends
  • Local business across different sectors
  • Opportunities in local branding
  • Risks and limitations of local business
  • The path to going global