Draft:Areumdamda

Overview

Areumdada (or Areumdada Media Lab) is an art-centered fusion arts content development company. Its main business focuses on developing a next-generation (3D) global publishing platform based on picture books and publishing systems. The company also conducts a variety of research projects in areas related to art convergence and future business ventures. Areumdada Inc. was established on November 19, 2021, and is a startup located on the 8th floor of the Pangyo Bando Ivy Valley Knowledge Industry Center in South Korea.

On June 14, 2023, Areumdada launched the metaverse-based virtual picture book library "Library for All" at the Seoul International Book Fair. This product marks the beginning of its next-generation publishing platform project, primarily designed for public institutions. Currently, Areumdada is preparing for the global release of both a corporate version aimed at employees and a consumer version (B2C) for general readers. The project aims to establish a futuristic publishing and distribution system distinct from traditional digital books, with plans to connect all publishing projects online in the future.

Background

Areumdada was originally founded to expand and research the highly developed game development technologies into applied arts, emotional therapy, and other future-oriented industries. The company approaches a wide range of fields, including games, publishing, virtual architecture, media exhibitions, and the healing content industry, from the perspective of art and technology integration. A key focus is generating synergy across its research and development efforts. As the company continues to grow, its research department will expand alongside its development team. Though Areumdada aspires to become a social enterprise through its artistic projects, its efforts in this area are still in their early stages.

Major Projects

3-1. Innovative 3D Publishing

This is the company's flagship project focused on developing a next-generation publishing platform. Its goal is to create an applied ecosystem centered around the integration of metaverse-based 3D spaces and publishing systems. Currently, a public version (B2G) has been launched, and a consumer version (B2C) targeting global readers and users is in development. Areumdada envisions publishing as the core of future 3D spaces and is preparing various converged content based on this concept. In the long term, the company aims to revitalize the declining publishing ecosystem and provide mutual support to writers and all related sectors in the publishing industry.

3-1-1. Library for All (Public Sector Version)

Library for All is a metaverse-based virtual picture book library that offers a 3D immersive reading experience, unlike traditional 2D e-books. The project was designed to convey the warmth of reading, which modern e-books struggle to replicate. The focus on picture books stems from the company's artistic goals, as well as the belief that picture books are an effective medium for delivering emotionally impactful stories. Currently, only the B2G version has been released, with a consumer streaming service (B2C) planned for the future.

3-2. Artistic Games

Areumdada aims to create artistically-driven games. What exactly constitutes an artistic game? This is one of the company's key experiments and future business models. Currently, more than two major projects are in development, alongside smaller mini-games and story-based media art games. Areumdada also seeks to explore collaborations with artists in various fields. Their goal is to combine familiarity with innovation, with a focus on strong storytelling, visual expression, and creative interactivity, all while balancing artistic integrity with broad appeal.

3-2-1. Wonder Library

Wonder Library is a project that combines real-world picture books with a virtual library and healing game elements. This is Areumdada’s flagship project and part of its Innovative 3D Publishing initiative. It aims to popularize the virtual library business while incorporating the company’s key areas of research: artistic expression, publishing system expansion, healing stories, and new forms of gameplay.

3-2-2. Full Moon

Inspired by a modern Korean picture book, Full Moon is an artistic game project that expands and extends the stories of picture books. Set in contemporary Seoul, it blends classic storytelling with modern backgrounds and fantasy elements. Through its portrayal of everyday citizens and a rabbit character, Full Moon serves as an autobiographical and metaphorical game for Areumdada, reflecting the company’s dreams. This project, compared to others, is more focused on general audiences and mainstream gaming.