The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (acting Minister Noh Yong-seok) announced on August 21 that Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Jeju have been designated as support regions for the "K-Beauty Export Hub Development Project" in 2026.
This initiative aims to synergize government K-Beauty support policies with private sector infrastructure and expertise, focusing on enhancing areas frequently visited by foreign tourists to create central hubs for K-Beauty's global expansion. It is one of the key projects among the 15 major Innovation Economic Projects aimed at securing global competitiveness in core industries expected to be new growth engines.
The selected regions boast unique cultural heritage and natural beauty, which attract foreign visitors year-round, making them ideal representatives for promoting the excellence and allure of K-Beauty globally.
Additionally, these areas are assessed as optimal locations for fostering the global spread of K-Beauty, with abundant natural resources that can be used for producing high-quality K-Beauty ingredients, as well as facilities and infrastructures required for product development, production, and marketing.
In the future, these regions will receive support in product development, production, promotions linked to Hallyu events and local festivals, and business consultations involving buyers and investors. The initiative will also address challenges related to certifications, customs, and logistics that companies face during the export process.
Shim Jae-yun, the global growth policy director at the Ministry, stated, “It is essential for foreign visitors to experience and become familiar with various excellent Korean products firsthand, which is a significant part of K-Beauty's global expansion.” He further emphasized that the K-Beauty export hubs will contribute to diversifying global strategies for K-Beauty and stimulate surrounding regional economies through increased policy support in collaboration with relevant institutions.
