The Ministry of SMEs and Startups said on the 21st it selected two regions, Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang and Jeju, as support targets for the 2026 "K-beauty export hub development project."
The K-beauty export hub development project combines the central and local governments' K-beauty support policies with the private sector's infrastructure and expertise to intensively foster domestic regions frequented by foreign tourists as centers for K-beauty's global expansion. It is being carried out as one of the "15 ultra-innovative economy projects" promoted to secure globally leading competitive edges in key industrial fields expected to drive new growth.
Gyeongju and Jeju, selected this time, are representative tourist destinations of Korea and earned high marks for attracting foreign visitors year-round based on their unique cultural heritage and natural environment. They have built a foundation for foreign tourists to directly experience K-beauty products and services in Korea and, in turn, for that to lead to overseas demand for related products.
Beyond tourism infrastructure, the two regions also have resources that can be used to foster the K-beauty industry. Their main strengths include abundant natural resources that can serve as ingredients for differentiated, high-quality K-beauty products; research and production facilities for product development and manufacturing; and spaces and related infrastructure that can be used for promotion and marketing.
In the selected regions, relevant ministries, local governments, and related organizations will work together to support K-beauty corporations. They plan to provide facilities, professionals, and funds needed for product development and production, and to prepare promotion and marketing programs linked to Korean Wave events and local festivals. They will also offer business consultation opportunities for domestic and overseas buyers and investors, supporting companies in expanding sales channels and attracting investment.
Sim Jae-yun, director general for Global Growth Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), said, "It is an important foundation for global diffusion when foreigners directly experience K-beauty in Korea," and added, "We will strengthen support so that K-beauty export hubs can contribute not only to expanding overseas entry but also to revitalizing local commercial districts."