Da-som is a tech-startup founder navigating the high-pressure, fast-paced ecosystem of Seoul. This hub tracks the essential national-level support, funding portals, and regulatory requirements she needs to keep her business compliant and growing.
💰 Finding the capital to scale
Securing non-dilutive funding or government-backed loans is critical for early-stage runway.
Tech Incubator Program for Startup (TIPS)
팁스
national · Ministry of SMEs and Startups
Who qualifies
High-tech startups selected by private incubators.
What you get
Up to 500 million KRW in R&D funding plus matching investment.
What it actually costs you
Requires a partner incubator; highly competitive selection process.
Common gotcha
You cannot apply directly; you must be scouted by a TIPS-accredited VC/incubator.
17states & territories — open one to see what it offers.
Seoul서울특별시
Seoul offers the most aggressive startup ecosystem in Asia, providing founders with massive infrastructure subsidies, R&D grants, and specialized visa support for global talent.
💰 Money to grow my startup
Seoul Global Startup Center Support
서울글로벌창업센터
state · Seoul Metropolitan Government
Who qualifies
Foreign or local founders with a tech-based startup looking to scale globally.
What you get
Free office space, mentorship, and up to 50 million KRW in business development grants.
What it actually costs you
Competitive application process including a pitch deck and business plan; high selection criteria.
Common gotcha
The office space is highly coveted; you must demonstrate active usage to keep your desk.
Busan offers a unique ecosystem for founders, particularly in maritime tech, logistics, and digital content, with aggressive city-level tax breaks and startup incubation support.
🚀 Money to grow my startup
Busan Startup Accelerator Fund
부산창업투자펀드
state · Busan Metropolitan City
Who qualifies
Early-stage startups registered in Busan with a focus on high-tech or maritime innovation.
What you get
Requires a detailed business plan, pitch deck, and proof of local registration.
Common gotcha
The selection process is highly competitive and requires a physical office presence in a designated Busan startup hub.
Founders in gaming, VR/AR, and digital media sectors based in Busan.
What you get
Portfolio review and business registration in Busan.
Common gotcha
Priority is given to companies located in the Centum City cluster.
🏢 Keeping the lights on and the team growing
Busan Youth Employment Subsidy
부산청년고용지원금
state · Busan Metropolitan City
Who qualifies
Startups hiring Busan residents aged 18-34 as full-time employees.
What you get
Employment contract and proof of residency for the employee.
Common gotcha
The employee must remain employed for at least 6 months after the subsidy period ends.
Busan Office Rent Support
부산사무실임대료지원
state · Busan Metropolitan City
Who qualifies
Startups less than 3 years old operating within designated startup zones.
What you get
Lease agreement and business license.
Common gotcha
Only applicable to office spaces in specific city-approved innovation districts.
Busan Startup Tax Exemption Program
부산창업세금감면
state · Busan Tax Office
Who qualifies
New startups in high-growth sectors established in Busan.
What you get
Application via local tax office during annual filing.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to national corporate income tax, only local city taxes.
Daegu대구광역시
Daegu is a powerhouse for startups and manufacturing, offering specific local grants and tax incentives for founders who set up shop in the city's specialized industrial zones.
🚀 Getting my startup off the ground
Daegu Startup Growth Voucher
대구 스타트업 성장 바우처
state · Daegu Technopark
Who qualifies
Startups incorporated in Daegu for less than 7 years.
What you get
Up to 50 million KRW in vouchers for marketing, consulting, or prototype development.
What it actually costs you
Business plan, tax records, and a 10% matching fund contribution.
Common gotcha
The vouchers are non-transferable and must be used with approved service providers only.
Gwangju is the hub of AI and automotive innovation, offering unique startup grants and R&D tax incentives that are significantly more accessible than in Seoul.
🚀 Getting my business off the ground
Gwangju Startup Growth Fund
광주창업성장펀드
state · Gwangju Metropolitan City
Who qualifies
Early-stage startups registered in Gwangju with less than 3 years of operation.
What you get
Equity investment or low-interest loans up to 100 million KRW.
What it actually costs you
Business plan, pitch deck, and 2 weeks of evaluation; no application fee.
Common gotcha
Must maintain your headquarters in Gwangju for at least 3 years or face repayment.
Startups in the AI or automotive sectors moving to Gwangju.
What you get
Exemption from local acquisition taxes and 50% reduction in property taxes for 5 years.
What it actually costs you
Application through the local district office; requires proof of tech-sector status.
Common gotcha
Must apply within 6 months of moving the business to Gwangju.
Gwangju Youth Employment Subsidy
광주청년고용지원금
state · Gwangju Employment Center
Who qualifies
Startups hiring Gwangju residents aged 18-34.
What you get
Monthly subsidy of 1 million KRW per new hire for up to 6 months.
What it actually costs you
Employment contract and 4-major-insurance enrollment proof.
Common gotcha
Must maintain the employee for at least 1 year after the subsidy ends.
Daejeon대전광역시
Daejeon is the R&D heart of South Korea, offering unique tax incentives, startup grants, and infrastructure support for founders based in Daedeok Innopolis.
🚀 Scaling my startup in Daejeon
Daejeon Startup Growth Fund
대전창업성장펀드
state · Daejeon Technopark
Who qualifies
Tech startups headquartered in Daejeon with less than 7 years of operation.
What you get
Equity investment or low-interest loans up to 500 million KRW.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan, financial statements, and a pitch deck; 3-month review process.
Common gotcha
The fund prioritizes companies located within the Daedeok Innopolis zone.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) collaborating with local research institutes.
What you get
Vouchers worth up to 100 million KRW to pay for research equipment and expert consulting.
What it actually costs you
Matching fund requirement of 20% of the total project cost.
Common gotcha
You must have a signed MOU with a designated local research lab before applying.
Daejeon Global Market Entry Support
대전 글로벌 진출 지원사업
state · Daejeon Business Agency
Who qualifies
Daejeon-based startups looking to export products or services internationally.
What you get
Subsidies for overseas marketing, translation, and participation in international trade fairs.
What it actually costs you
Proof of export readiness and a marketing strategy document.
Common gotcha
Reimbursement is provided only after the expenses are incurred and verified.
Daejeon Startup Office Rent Subsidy
대전 창업기업 임대료 지원
state · Daejeon Creative Economy Innovation Center
Who qualifies
Startups under 3 years old moving into designated startup hubs in Daejeon.
What you get
Up to 70% of monthly office rent covered for 12 months.
What it actually costs you
Lease agreement and business registration certificate.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific government-approved co-working spaces or startup buildings.
👥 Finding the right team
Daejeon Youth Hiring Incentive
대전 청년채용 인건비 지원
state · Daejeon Employment Center
Who qualifies
Startups hiring Daejeon residents aged 18-34 as full-time employees.
What you get
Wage subsidy of 1.5 million KRW per month for up to 6 months.
What it actually costs you
Employment contract and proof of 4 major social insurance registrations.
Common gotcha
The employee must remain on the payroll for at least 6 months after the subsidy ends.
Daejeon Tech Internship Matching
대전 기술인턴 매칭사업
state · Daejeon University-Industry Cooperation Foundation
Who qualifies
Startups needing specialized technical interns from local universities.
What you get
State-funded stipend for interns, reducing the startup's payroll burden.
What it actually costs you
Mentor assignment for the intern and a structured training plan.
Common gotcha
Interns must be students currently enrolled in Daejeon-based universities.
Ulsan울산광역시
As the heart of South Korea's industrial sector, Ulsan offers specific tax incentives and R&D support for founders focused on manufacturing, green energy, and hydrogen technology.
🚀 Getting my business off the ground
Ulsan Startup Support Fund
울산 청년창업 지원사업
state · Ulsan Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Startups based in Ulsan with less than 3 years of operation.
What you get
Grants up to 50 million KRW for R&D and office space rental.
What it actually costs you
Business plan submission, pitch deck, and tax registration documents.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short, usually opening in February each year.
Certified venture businesses located in Ulsan industrial zones.
What you get
50% reduction in local acquisition and property taxes for 5 years.
What it actually costs you
Venture business certification from the Ministry of SMEs.
Common gotcha
Tax benefits are void if you move your office outside Ulsan within the 5-year period.
👥 Finding the right people
Ulsan Youth Employment Subsidy
울산 청년 일자리 도약 장려금
state · Ulsan Employment Center
Who qualifies
Founders hiring Ulsan residents aged 18-34.
What you get
Up to 800,000 KRW per month per employee for 6 months.
What it actually costs you
Employment contract and 4-major insurance enrollment proof.
Common gotcha
The employee must be a registered resident of Ulsan for at least 6 months.
Ulsan University-Industry Internship Program
울산 산학연계 인턴십
state · Ulsan Education Office
Who qualifies
Startups partnering with local universities like UNIST or Ulsan College.
What you get
50% of intern wages covered by the city for 3 months.
What it actually costs you
Training plan and internship agreement.
Common gotcha
Interns must be final-year students or recent graduates.
Gyeonggi-do경기도
Gyeonggi-do is the heart of South Korea's startup ecosystem, offering founders unmatched access to localized venture funding, incubation space, and R&D tax incentives that are distinct from Seoul-centric programs.
🚀 Scaling my startup in Gyeonggi
Gyeonggi Startup Voucher Program
경기도 스타트업 바우처
state · Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA)
Who qualifies
Startups headquartered in Gyeonggi-do for less than 7 years.
What you get
Vouchers up to 50 million KRW for marketing, consulting, and IP registration.
What it actually costs you
Business plan submission, 10-20% self-funding match required.
Common gotcha
The vouchers are non-cash; you must use approved service providers listed on the portal.
Monthly wage subsidy of 1 million KRW per employee for up to 12 months.
What it actually costs you
Must maintain employment for the duration of the subsidy.
Common gotcha
The employee must be a registered resident of Gyeonggi-do.
Gyeonggi Work-Life Balance Grant
경기도 일·생활 균형 지원
state · Gyeonggi-do Family & Women's Foundation
Who qualifies
Small startups implementing flexible work hours or remote work.
What you get
Financial support for installing remote work infrastructure (VPN, laptops).
What it actually costs you
Audit of company HR policies.
Common gotcha
Must demonstrate a formal flexible work policy in the employment contract.
Gyeonggi Entrepreneur Health Program
경기도 창업가 건강검진 지원
state · Gyeonggi Medical Center
Who qualifies
Registered founders of startups under 5 years old.
What you get
Free comprehensive annual health check-up at provincial medical centers.
What it actually costs you
Proof of business registration.
Common gotcha
Limited to designated provincial hospitals.
Gangwon-do강원특별자치도
Gangwon-do offers unique incentives for startups focusing on digital healthcare, tourism tech, and green energy, leveraging its special autonomous status.
🚀 Scaling my business in Gangwon
Gangwon Startup Growth Fund
강원창업성장펀드
state · Gangwon Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Startups headquartered in Gangwon-do with less than 7 years of operation.
What you get
Direct equity investment or low-interest loans up to 200 million KRW.
What it actually costs you
Business plan, financial statements, and 3-month review process.
Common gotcha
Requires a physical office presence in the province for at least 3 years.
Founders under 39 years old or tech startups within 3 years of incorporation.
What you get
Subsidized office space at 20% of market rent and shared administrative services.
What it actually costs you
Monthly maintenance fee and mandatory participation in quarterly networking events.
Common gotcha
High competition; selection is based on a pitch presentation.
Chungbuk Global Export Support
충북 수출 기업 지원 사업
state · Chungcheongbuk-do Trade Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Local manufacturers looking to export products overseas.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to 10 million KRW for international marketing and logistics costs.
What it actually costs you
Proof of export sales and receipts for marketing expenses.
Common gotcha
Must have a valid export license and certificate of origin.
👥 Finding the right team
Chungbuk Youth Employment Subsidy
충북 청년 고용 장려금
state · Chungcheongbuk-do Labor Department
Who qualifies
Startups hiring local youth (ages 18-34) as full-time employees.
What you get
Wage subsidy of 1 million KRW per month for up to 12 months.
What it actually costs you
Must maintain the employee for at least 18 months.
Common gotcha
The employee must be a registered resident of Chungcheongbuk-do.
Chungbuk Tech Internship Program
충북 기술 인턴십
state · Chungbuk Technopark
Who qualifies
Startups partnering with local universities for student internships.
What you get
50% of the intern's stipend covered by the provincial government.
What it actually costs you
Must provide a structured training plan and a mentor for the student.
Common gotcha
Internships must last at least 3 months to qualify for the subsidy.
Chungcheongnam-do충청남도
Chungcheongnam-do offers a unique blend of industrial support and rural innovation grants, making it a strategic hub for founders looking to scale in the heart of South Korea.
🚀 Scaling my business in Chungnam
Chungnam Startup Growth Fund
충남 스타트업 성장 지원사업
state · Chungnam Techno Park
Who qualifies
Early-stage startups headquartered in Chungcheongnam-do with less than 3 years of operation.
What you get
Direct grants up to 50 million KRW for R&D and market expansion.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan, proof of local residency, and 3 months of processing time.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short (usually March); missing the deadline means waiting for the next fiscal year.
Manufacturing SMEs in Chungnam aiming to digitize production lines.
What you get
Subsidies covering 50% of the cost to install smart manufacturing software and hardware.
What it actually costs you
Technical feasibility study and 6 months of implementation time.
Common gotcha
Requires a certified consultant to verify the digital readiness of your current factory.
🏠 Living and working in Chungnam
Chungnam Youth Housing Subsidy
충남 청년 주거비 지원
state · Chungcheongnam-do Provincial Office
Who qualifies
Founders/entrepreneurs under age 39 living in Chungnam with low income.
What you get
Monthly rental subsidy of up to 200,000 KRW for 10 months.
What it actually costs you
Lease agreement, income proof, and local resident registration.
Common gotcha
You must be the primary leaseholder; subletting arrangements do not qualify.
Chungnam Regional Transport Card
충남형 교통카드
state · Chungcheongnam-do Transportation Bureau
Who qualifies
All residents of Chungcheongnam-do.
What you get
Free transit on city buses for seniors and reduced rates for youth and entrepreneurs.
What it actually costs you
Initial card purchase of 3,000 KRW.
Common gotcha
Must be registered online to link the discount to your personal ID.
Jeollabuk-do전북특별자치도
Jeollabuk-do offers specialized startup incentives and regional tax breaks that make it a strategic base for founders looking to leverage lower overheads compared to the Seoul metropolitan area.
🚀 Scaling my business in Jeonbuk
Jeonbuk Startup Growth Voucher
전북 창업기업 성장 바우처
state · Jeonbuk Technopark
Who qualifies
Startups within 7 years of incorporation based in Jeonbuk.
What you get
Up to 50 million KRW for marketing, R&D, or consulting services.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 20% matching fund contribution; requires business plan submission.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short; keep your financial statements audit-ready.
Early-stage startups with high growth potential in the region.
What you get
Direct equity investment ranging from 100 million to 500 million KRW.
What it actually costs you
Requires a pitch deck and a rigorous due diligence process.
Common gotcha
This is equity-based, not a grant; you will lose a portion of your ownership stake.
Jeonbuk R&D Commercialization Grant
전북 R&D 사업화 지원사업
state · Jeonbuk Institute of Science and Technology
Who qualifies
Tech-based startups focusing on carbon materials or bio-industry.
What you get
Up to 100 million KRW for prototype development and testing.
What it actually costs you
Detailed technical roadmap and proof of IP ownership required.
Common gotcha
Funds are released in installments based on project milestones.
Jeonbuk Global Export Support
전북 수출기업 지원사업
state · Jeonbuk Trade Association
Who qualifies
Small businesses in Jeonbuk looking to export products abroad.
What you get
Subsidies for international trade fair participation and translation services.
What it actually costs you
Application fee for specific trade missions; proof of export readiness.
Common gotcha
Focuses heavily on manufacturing; software startups may find it harder to qualify.
👥 Finding and keeping my team
Jeonbuk Youth Employment Subsidy
전북 청년 고용 장려금
state · Jeonbuk Employment Center
Who qualifies
Companies hiring youth (18-39) residents of Jeonbuk.
What you get
Up to 1 million KRW per month per employee for up to 12 months.
What it actually costs you
Must maintain employment for the duration of the subsidy period.
Common gotcha
If the employee quits early, you may have to return a portion of the funds.
Jeonbuk Youth Housing Support
전북 청년 주거비 지원
state · Jeonbuk Provincial Government
Who qualifies
Employees under 39 working for Jeonbuk-based startups.
What you get
Monthly rental assistance of up to 200,000 KRW.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residency and employment contract required.
Common gotcha
This is a benefit for your employees, but you must help them verify their employment status.
Jeonbuk Startup Internship Program
전북 스타트업 인턴십 프로그램
state · Jeonbuk University-Industry Cooperation Foundation
Who qualifies
Startups willing to host university students for internships.
What you get
The state covers 70% of the intern's minimum wage.
What it actually costs you
Must provide a structured training plan for the student.
Common gotcha
Internship periods are strictly tied to academic semesters.
Jeollanam-do전라남도
Jeollanam-do offers unique support for startup founders focusing on agricultural technology, tourism, and regional revitalization in the southern province.
🚀 Getting my business off the ground
Jeonnam Startup Growth Voucher
전남 창업 성장 바우처
state · Jeollanam-do Provincial Government
Who qualifies
Startups established within the last 3 years based in Jeollanam-do.
What you get
Up to 20 million KRW for marketing, consulting, or prototype development.
What it actually costs you
Requires a business plan and proof of local registration.
Common gotcha
Funds are provided as a reimbursement after you submit receipts.
Jeonnam Technology Innovation Fund
전남 기술 혁신 펀드
state · Jeonnam Techno Park
Who qualifies
Tech-based startups with R&D capabilities in the province.
What you get
Low-interest loans up to 100 million KRW.
What it actually costs you
Requires a technical evaluation and credit check.
Common gotcha
The application process is highly competitive and requires a detailed IP portfolio.
Jeonnam Youth Startup Support Program
전남 청년 창업 지원 사업
state · Jeollanam-do Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Founders aged 19-39 residing in Jeollanam-do.
What you get
Monthly living expenses and initial seed funding for 1 year.
What it actually costs you
Must attend mandatory entrepreneurship training sessions.
Common gotcha
You must maintain your business address within the province for at least 2 years.
Jeonnam Global Market Entry Support
전남 글로벌 시장 진출 지원
state · Jeollanam-do Trade Promotion Division
Who qualifies
Local SMEs and startups looking to export products.
What you get
Subsidies for overseas trade fairs and translation services.
You must prove your product has export potential to be selected.
🤝 Hiring and keeping my team happy
Jeonnam Youth Employment Subsidy
전남 청년 고용 장려금
state · Jeollanam-do Labor Department
Who qualifies
Startups hiring local youth (aged 18-39) as full-time employees.
What you get
Up to 1.5 million KRW per month per employee for up to 2 years.
What it actually costs you
Must provide proof of 4 major social insurance enrollments.
Common gotcha
If the employee quits within 6 months, you may have to return the subsidy.
Jeonnam Employee Housing Allowance
전남 근로자 주거 지원
state · Jeollanam-do Housing Division
Who qualifies
Employees of startups located in rural Jeollanam-do areas.
What you get
Monthly rent subsidy of 100,000 KRW for employees.
What it actually costs you
Requires a rental contract in the employee's name.
Common gotcha
Only available for specific designated rural districts.
Gyeongsangbuk-do경상북도
Gyeongsangbuk-do offers specialized support for tech founders and small business owners looking to leverage the region's unique blend of traditional industry and emerging biotech/energy hubs.
🚀 Scaling my startup in Gyeongbuk
Gyeongbuk Startup Voucher Program
경상북도 스타트업 바우처 지원사업
state · Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government
Who qualifies
Early-stage startups headquartered in Gyeongbuk with less than 3 years of operation.
What you get
Up to 50 million KRW in vouchers for marketing, consulting, and prototype development.
What it actually costs you
Requires a business plan submission and a pitch presentation; 10% matching fund required.
Common gotcha
Vouchers cannot be used for payroll; they must be spent on approved service providers.
Any registered founder in Gyeongbuk needing legal, tax, or patent advice.
What you get
Free one-on-one consultations with certified patent attorneys and tax accountants.
What it actually costs you
Registration via the provincial portal; limited to 5 sessions per year.
Common gotcha
Sessions are booked on a first-come, first-served basis and fill up quickly in early spring.
Gyeongsangnam-do경상남도
Gyeongsangnam-do is the industrial heartland of South Korea, offering specific R&D grants and startup support for founders focused on manufacturing, robotics, and maritime tech.
🚀 Scaling my business in Gyeongnam
Gyeongnam Startup Investment Fund
경상남도 창업투자펀드
state · Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Government
Who qualifies
Early-stage startups registered in Gyeongsangnam-do with high growth potential in manufacturing or tech.
What you get
Equity investment ranging from 50 million to 500 million KRW.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan, financial statements, and pitch deck; 3-month review process.
Common gotcha
Requires a physical office presence in the province for at least 3 years.
Companies allowing employees to work remotely from Jeju.
What you get
Subsidies for shared office rental and accommodation costs.
What it actually costs you
Registration of the company as a participant in the workation program.
Common gotcha
Must use designated workation centers to claim the subsidy.
💰 Saving on taxes and operations
Jeju Special Tax Exemption for Strategic Industries
제주 전략산업 지방세 감면
state · Jeju Provincial Tax Office
Who qualifies
Companies in designated strategic sectors like clean energy or bio-tech.
What you get
Reduction in acquisition and property taxes for business facilities.
What it actually costs you
Proof of business classification and local employment quotas.
Common gotcha
Exemptions are often tied to maintaining a specific headcount in Jeju.
Jeju Carbon-Free Island Energy Subsidy
탄소없는 섬 에너지 보조금
state · Jeju Energy Corporation
Who qualifies
Businesses installing solar panels or EV charging stations.
What you get
Rebate on installation costs for renewable energy equipment.
What it actually costs you
Technical inspection of the site and equipment certification.
Common gotcha
Must adhere to strict 'Carbon-Free Island' technical standards.
Sejong세종특별자치시
As South Korea's administrative capital, Sejong offers unique startup support infrastructure and family-centric welfare programs designed for young, professional founders.
🚀 Scaling my venture in Sejong
Sejong Startup Accelerator Program
세종창업지원센터 액셀러레이팅
state · Sejong Techno Park
Who qualifies
Early-stage startups headquartered in Sejong City.
What you get
Up to 50 million KRW in non-equity seed funding and office space.
What it actually costs you
Business plan submission, pitch deck, and 6 months of residency commitment.
Common gotcha
The selection process is highly competitive; focus on local job creation metrics.
