Korea’s online travel sector is reaching a new inflection point. The strategic decision of MyRealTrip to go public signals not only a milestone for the company but also a broader shift in how Korean travel tech platforms are scaling into global digital ecosystems. With Mirae Asset Securities now leading its IPO, the country’s first online travel agency (OTA) listing could redefine how investors now view travel innovation in Asia’s post-pandemic economy.
MyRealTrip Selects Mirae Asset as Lead Underwriter for IPO
Korean travel tech startup MyRealTrip has appointed Mirae Asset Securities as its lead underwriter and Samsung Securities as co-underwriter for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO).
The Seoul-based company announced on November 25 that it has formally begun preparing for an IPO, aiming to become Korea’s first listed online travel agency (OTA).
Founded in 2012, MyRealTrip operates a one-stop platform that integrates flight bookings, accommodations, tours, and activities under the vision of creating a “complete connection of travel experiences.”
The platform now serves over 10 million registered users and records more than 5 million monthly active users (MAU).
MyRealTrip projects its 2025 annual transaction volume to reach 2.3 trillion KRW (~ USD 1.7 billion) — a 45% year-on-year increase — with revenue expected to exceed 110 billion KRW.
MyRealTrip: A Milestone for Korea’s Digital Tourism Market
The IPO preparation comes at a time when Korea’s digital tourism and OTA markets are consolidating rapidly, with consumers increasingly relying on super apps that unify booking, logistics, and localized travel content.
While global players like Expedia, Booking.com, and Trip.com dominate international markets, MyRealTrip has differentiated itself with region-specific inventory, curated travel experiences, and K-culture-themed offerings that appeal to both domestic users and inbound tourists.
The company’s move toward listing represents a broader evolution in Korea’s startup ecosystem, where established scale-ups in mobility, fintech, and commerce are testing capital markets as exit pathways — a crucial development for the country’s venture investment cycle.
Korea’s First OTA IPO: MyRealTrip’s Vision for Sustainable Growth
Lee Dong-gun, CEO of MyRealTrip, stated:
“With our lead and co-underwriters confirmed, we will prepare for the IPO in a structured and transparent way. Based on technological strength and service competitiveness, we will continue to strengthen our position in both domestic and global travel markets and pursue sustainable growth.”
Industry analysts note that the IPO could offer a benchmark for later travel-tech listings, encouraging investors to reassess the growth potential of Korean consumer platforms that have successfully built loyal user bases at scale.
How MyRealTrip’s IPO Signals Korea’s Next Startup Phase
If successful, MyRealTrip’s listing would mark a turning point for Korean travel technology startups, which have traditionally relied on private venture funding or corporate partnerships for growth.
The event could also broaden exit opportunities for investors and validate the scalability of super app models built around lifestyle services — a core ambition in Korea’s startup ecosystem under the government’s 2025 “Venture Powerhouse” agenda.
Moreover, the IPO aligns with the country’s ongoing efforts to diversify its capital market beyond deep-tech and biotech, signaling growing maturity in the consumer-tech and digital-service sectors.
As for global investors, it highlights Korea’s potential to export travel-tech innovation across Asia and the Middle East, where outbound tourism and K-content demand are expanding rapidly.
The Road Ahead for Korea’s Digital Travel Innovation
MyRealTrip’s IPO journey could redefine how Korean startups transition from scale-ups to public enterprises, serving as a real-world test case for digital-service listings.
If executed successfully, it will strengthen Korea’s reputation as a regional hub for travel innovation — connecting global capital, local creativity, and data-driven user experiences in the next era of digital tourism.
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