South Korea Introduces WE-CON to Support Women-Led Businesses

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Monday, 26 October 2026

The Korean Women Entrepreneurs Association has rebranded its nationwide women CEO management retreat as WE-CON, introducing a new identity for the annual gathering in Jeju. The initiative aims to help women business leaders develop their management capabilities and build stronger professional connections.

Approximately 1,500 women entrepreneurs from across South Korea attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 WE-CON retreat on October 26 at the International Convention Center Jeju. Organized by the Korean Women Entrepreneurs Association and hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the two-day, one-night event concludes on October 27 under the theme, “Light that Brightens the World, 3.37 Million Women-Led Companies That Lead the Future.”

Established in 1999, the retreat focuses on improving women's entrepreneurial leadership and creating opportunities for collaboration. It also provides a space for business owners to exchange ideas, share experiences, strengthen their networks, and explore new avenues for business development.

Key Highlights:

• Around 1,500 women entrepreneurs gathered for the 2026 WE-CON retreat in Jeju
• The event featured leadership lectures, AI talks, and business networking
• WE-CON aims to expand opportunities for women-led businesses in South Korea

Introduced this year, the WE-CON name combines the concepts of Women Entrepreneurs, “WE,” connection through “CONnect,” and content through “CONtents.” The new branding reflects the event’s focus on bringing women entrepreneurs together, strengthening their business connections, and supporting the future growth of women-led enterprises in South Korea.

Association President Park Chang-suk, WI Seong-gon, governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and Noh Yong-seok, vice minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups participated in the opening ceremony. The program consisted of a vision proclamation, a presentation on the policies of the companies supporting women to achieve business success in Jeju, special lectures, a presentation of a video of exemplary business models with women at the helm and networking.

During the special lectures, the following speeches were held: Mun Seong-hu, head of Moon Read Lab, gave a presentation on leadership; Byeon Hyeong-gyun, head of North Chungcheong Center for Creative Economy and Innovation, delivered a lecture on the transition of AI; and Kim Won-gil, head of ByneR, presented a speech on management experience. Booths were also set up to promote women businesses, and counseling booths were established for management issues.

Regional tours by 21 chapters across the country, such as traditional markets to stimulate sales in Jeju areas and commercial districts, will be arranged on the 27th.

Park Chang-suk said, "Women CEOs should share their experience and capabilities to create new business opportunities, and those results should lead to the growth of all women-led companies. We will grow WE-CON into Korea's leading platform for women entrepreneurs to identify business opportunities and share results."