Seoul Meta Week and Korea Blockchain Week: Unveiling the Highlights of Korean Web3 Conferences

As the world adapts to the next generation of the internet, Korea has become a strong contender vying for the coveted title of a crypto hub. With a pro-crypto president at the helm and a series of ambitious metaverse and Web3 initiatives launched by the government, Korea has solidified its position as a frontrunner in embracing the next generation of the internet. 

Even before the launch of Korea’s web3 initiatives, Seoul Meta Week and Korea Blockchain Week have been gaining prominence as two of the country’s premier web3 conferences, attracting global attention and serving as key catalysts for advancing decentralized technologies in Korea and beyond. 

These events provide unparalleled platforms for thought leaders, investors, and developers to exchange ideas, showcase cutting-edge projects, and forge partnerships that drive innovation and adoption in the web3 ecosystem. 

Seoul Meta Week

With just one week to go until Seoul Meta Week kicks off at the COEX Auditorium, get ready to dive into an exciting lineup of events, including captivating panel discussions featuring over 35 influential figures from the industry. 

Day 1: Jun 29

Co-creation Trend in Digital Fashion and Web3 Philosophy

This panel discussion will feature Kerry Murphy, founder & CEO of digital fashion house The Fabricant; Natalia Modenova, founder & COO of DressX; and Kaspar Tiri, co-founder & COO of Ready Player Me. 

Time: 11:20 am to 12 pm

Work X Metaverse

After a lunch break, Work3 Institute co-founder and web3 advisor at Harvard Innovation Labs, Josh Drean, will give a speech about the metaverse will shape the future of work. He’ll be joined by Philipp Sostmann, the Lead of Metaverse Partnerships & Solutions at PwC Germany. Sostmann is recognized as an international thought leader in the area of work and collaboration in the metaverse.

Time: 1 pm – 1:40 pm

Investor Session: New Opportunities in Metaverse

While the AI craze has taken over the tech world, this fireside chat moderated by GD Kim, COO of UNOPND, might reveal new investment opportunities in the metaverse. The panelists featured in this session are Jin Oh, partner at BITKRAFT, and Sfermion general partner, Dan Patterson.

BITKRAFT is a global early-stage venture capital firm for games and immersive entertainment technology with over $850M in AUM across five funds while Sfermion manages 50 portfolio projects spanning the Web3 and immersive internet landscape.

Time: 2:50 pm – 3 pm

Generative AI Technologies Expediates the Development of Metaverse

With the AI boom showing no signs of slowing down, SMW has invited industry expert Cong Ye, the Head of Generative AI and XR Product at Tencent, with over ten years of experience in AI and Metaverse Industries, to give a speech on the topic. Before joining Tencent, Cong worked for Amazon AWS AI and led the team to develop the conversational AI service Lex from scratch, which supported the world’s first AI voice assistant, Alexa.

Time: 3:50 pm – 4:20 pm

Day 2: Jun 30

Unlocking Brand Value in the Metaverse

As Day 2 dawns, Korea Blockchain Week will shift its attention toward digital fashion, gaming, and the metaverse. To kick off the day’s proceedings, attendees will have the privilege of hearing a keynote speech from Sebastien Borget, the COO and co-founder of The Sandbox. 

With a focus on unlocking brand value within the metaverse, Borget will shed light on the innovative strategies employed by The Sandbox in collaboration with various brands spanning entertainment, gaming, education, finance, and beyond. These partnerships have enabled companies to establish their virtual presence in the ever-expanding virtual world.

Time: 9:30 am – 10 am

New Era of Hyper Connection and Evolution of Creator Economy

After his speech, Sebastien Borget will engage in a dynamic panel discussion featuring Richard Chae, an esteemed leader responsible for business operations and strategic initiatives in Roblox’s Korean market. With an impressive two-decade track record, Chae has amassed invaluable experience working with renowned tech and entertainment giants, such as Samsung Electronics, NHN Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Kabam, and Zynga. 

Together, Borget and Chae will delve into a thought-provoking conversation centered around the emergence of a new creator economy within the virtual world. Their insights will reveal opportunities in the virtual world, paving the way for creators to thrive in this dynamic landscape.

Time: 10.40am – 11.20am

New Era of Music Entertainment Based on Fandom Economy

Korea’s thriving music entertainment industry owes its success to the global phenomenon of K-pop, which has given rise to a vibrant fandom economy. With millions of dedicated fans worldwide willing to invest in merchandise and concert experiences, the industry has flourished. However, how does this phenomenon translate to record labels seeking partnerships in the web3 space and the metaverse? 

To shed light on this intriguing topic, Jacqui Bransky, the Vice President of Web3 & Innovation at Warner Records, and Joseph Baek, the co-founder and co-CEO of Modhouse, will engage in a stimulating panel discussion. Facilitating the conversation is Joshua Oh, the CEO of dob Studio, renowned for developing the virtual human RuiCovery that serves as an ambassador for the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, as well as the Korea Tourism Organization. Together, these industry experts will delve into the implications and possibilities that arise when record labels embrace web3 and navigate the convergence of music, fandom, and the metaverse.

Time: 11:20 am – 12:00 pm

Digital Fashion As A New-Era Identity in Virtual Worlds

In the metaverse, avatars serve as digital representations of users, enabling them to express their identities in a unique and personalized manner. The significance of avatar outfits cannot be overlooked, as they empower users to convey their individuality within this digital realm. 

To delve into this subject, Daria Shapovalova, the co-founder of DRESSX, a prominent digital fashion company, will deliver a speech offering her insights on the matter. Joining her is Julie Krasnienko, the Head of Product at DRESSX, who will also share her expertise and perspectives. Together, they will shed light on the vital role of avatar outfits in enabling users to express themselves and cultivate their digital identities.

Time: 1:20 pm – 1:50 pm

The Future of Gaming

Gathering notable figures from Korea’s prominent gaming companies and platforms, this panel discussion boasts an impressive lineup of industry leaders. Prepare to gain valuable knowledge and perspectives from Junyoung Bae, the Division Manager of the Intelligence Labs at NEXON Korea; Bryan Song, who spearheads Biz&Ops for Project Migaloo at Krafton; Dan Lee, an instrumental force driving Business Development at NOD Games; and Kodai Morishita, a game producer hailing from Japan’s GREE, Inc. 

Time: 2:30 pm – 3:10 pm

Korea Blockchain Week

Taking place from Sep 4-10, Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) is the biggest blockchain conference in Korea. In its sixth year, the highly anticipated Korea Blockchain Week is set to make its mark again thanks to FACTBLOCK and Hashed’s collaborative efforts. 

This annual event serves as a platform for visionaries and thought leaders to convene and explore the transformative potential of blockchain technology in the financial landscape. Offering an exhilarating blend of activities, this crypto and blockchain extravaganza showcases influential figures delivering impactful keynote addresses, stimulating panel discussions led by globally recognized experts, and valuable networking prospects for investors and passionate crypto enthusiasts alike.

 This year’s edition will feature 52 speakers, including prominent web3 figures such as:

• Yat Siu, the co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands
• Ryan Wyatt, president of Polygon Labs
• Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games
• Frank DeGods, founder of y00ts and DeGods
• Viktor Bunin, protocol specialist at Coinbase
• Carlos Pereira, partner at Bitkraft

KBW main events

IMPACT

Headlining the week-long conference, IMPACT is a comprehensive two-day conference organized by FACTBLOCK and Hashed. Taking place on Sep 5 and 6, this event aims to gather the industry’s foremost experts, offering a platform for thought-provoking discussions on artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, DeFi (Decentralized Finance), and Web3. 

As the main conference unfolds, attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders and future unicorns who are reshaping the world as we know it. Attendees can expect engaging panel discussions, immersive workshops, and top-tier networking prospects. Tickets to IMPACT are available here.

The Gateway: Korea

NFT NOW and FACTBLOCK come together to present The Gateway: Korea as part of KBW. Running from Sep 7 to 8, this two-day activation guarantees to captivate attendees with an immersive audiovisual gallery showcasing leading digital artists’ works. Beyond the awe-inspiring visual experience, participants can look forward to a compelling program that includes engaging fireside chats, enlightening keynote speakers, and much more.

Building upon the success of its predecessors, The Gateway: Korea marks the third installment of this groundbreaking event. Following the resounding triumph of last year’s five-day festival during Miami Basel, which attracted 12,000 visitors and boasted prestigious brand partnerships with the likes of Christie’s, Instagram (Meta), Porsche, FaZe Clan, RTFKT, Art Blocks, Alo Yoga, WME, MetaMask, 9dcc by gmoney, and more, The Gateway series continues to push boundaries.

The Gateway: Korea promises to shape the discourse surrounding the future of digital ownership and its intersection with art, music, fashion, and culture.

Micro Seoul Festival: SEOULBOUND

As the grand finale of Korea Blockchain Week, the Micro Seoul Festival: SEOULBOUND takes center stage, delivering a blend of web3 technology and an immersive music experience. This event sets the bar high with its lineup of world-class DJs and visual artists. Co-hosted by FACTBLOCK, Seoul Land, and RXM at the esteemed Seoul Land in Gwacheon, the festival marks a pivotal moment for the domestic music festival scene.

SEOULBOUND 2023 will debut groundbreaking tech installations that are set to astound attendees. Among these marvels is the Rhydome, the world’s first and largest interactive sound dome boasting Dolby Atmos sound. Additionally, the festival features the Bigmoon Screen, a semi-circular display stage that soars to an impressive height of 28 meters, the tallest in Korea. SEOULBOUND 2023 aims to embody the forward-thinking spirit of the KBW conference while pushing the boundaries of technology and entertainment.

As KBW is still several months away, meticulous planning is underway to develop the comprehensive agenda for the panel discussions. The organizers are working diligently to curate an engaging lineup of topics and speakers to enrich the KBW experience. While the details are being finalized, stay tuned for further updates as the agenda takes shape and more information becomes available.

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