SNBSOFT is a firm that uses geospatial data to provide multi-lingual maps. Using open data sourced from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the company launched Talkyple (토끼풀) in 2014, a digital map of Korea available in simplified Chinese. By the end of 2016, the map also became available in English and Japanese. Currently, SNBSOFT's maps are used by over 20 firms in various sectors, and the company has surpassed KRW 1 billion in total sales.

On Dec. 28, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism published its "2016 Directory of Open Data Based Startups" (2016 문화데이터 활용 사례집), a list that spotlights firms like SNBSOFT which have blossomed by making use of the government's publicly available open data.

The directory provides information on some 125 different businesses and organizations that have thrived in recent years thanks to open data. It also introduces 12 startups and their individual success stories. A total of 221 examples can be found in the listing, divided into five sections: concerts, exhibits and festivals; travel; books and design; cultural heritage and artifacts; and, sports and other.

"It's our hope that the '2016 Directory of Open Data Based Startups' will serve as a reference and guidepost for people who are looking to start their own business," said an official at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. "The ministry will continue to make more data available to the public so as to nurture creativity and entrepreneurship."

The "2016 Directory of Open Data Based Startups" can be found at the Korean Culture Portal website (http://culture.go.kr/data/application/info.do), and is available for download.

By Lee Hana
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photo: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
hlee10@korea.kr