Since Moor first mentioned the concept of a business ecosystem, interest in the topic has grown. Many scholars have addressed the idea that it is more beneficial to operate a company within the business ecosystem than to operate on their own. University-industry cooperation (UIC) is a way of utilizing the network of the business ecosystem, helping companies develop technology and R&D. This study explores how UIC affects the business ecosystem of the hotel industry in Korea. It explores an emic perspective via in-depth interviews with both university professors and hotel employees who experienced UIC. A total of 19 people was interviewed, with the data obtained from the interviews transcribed and used for analysis. Study findings indicate that there was limited UIC taking place in the hotel industry. The types of UIC practiced have been very limited to the internship system. Study findings also showed a step-wise mechanism for how an internship influences the hotel business ecosystem. To be specific, short-term achievements from the internship system have little influence on the hotel business ecosystem. Based on study findings, we suggest useful management implications for how universities and hotels could consider the ways in which the internship system can affect the hotel ...