Glow Seoul
Urban regeneration and commercial space branding solutions.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | investor | €0.0 | round |
* | $14.6m | Series B | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Glow Seoul is a space solutions company specializing in urban regeneration by creating new commercial districts through strategic content and brand development. Founded in 2018 by CEO You Jeong-su, the firm revitalizes underdeveloped areas by reinterpreting their historical and cultural contexts into modern, popular restaurants and cafes. You, who studied astronomy and worked as an IT engineer, entered the space planning industry after starting a restaurant business in 2015. His outsider perspective allowed him to develop a novel approach to real estate development, focusing on creating bespoke brands for specific locations rather than using existing franchises.
The company operates with an integrated in-house system, handling all aspects of a project from planning, design, and construction to content creation, marketing, and operations. This model enables Glow Seoul to execute projects with speed and consistency, transforming locations into social media hotspots. Initial successes in Seoul's Ikseon-dong and Changsin-dong districts have led to larger urban transformation projects in cities like Daejeon, Gimhae, and Muju, often in collaboration with municipalities. Glow Seoul's business model focuses on increasing the real estate's value through its curated commercial spaces. The company works on both properties it acquires directly and projects commissioned by building owners. Its portfolio includes notable brands such as Oncheonjip, Cheongsudang, and Saladaeng Temple.
Having secured multiple funding rounds, including a Series B investment, the company has expanded its scope to include large-scale projects like resorts, hotels, and entertainment facilities, partnering with major corporations like Lotte. With a team of over 160 employees, Glow Seoul is also exploring international markets and plans to enter the residential housing sector.
Keywords: space solutions, urban regeneration, commercial real estate, property development, brand development, placemaking, spatial branding, architectural design, F&B consulting, commercial space planning, real estate consulting, urban design, community revitalization, hospitality design, cultural content, retail strategy, investment, experiential design, placemaking strategy, food and beverage brands