Ga-eun is a freelance make-up artist in Seoul, constantly balancing gig work with the high cost of living. This hub tracks the national support systems, tax benefits, and professional certifications she relies on to keep her kit updated and her taxes in check.
💄 Leveling up my skills
Staying relevant in the K-beauty industry requires constant training and official certifications.
National Technical Qualification (Make-up)
미용사(메이크업) 국가기술자격
national · Human Resources Development Service of Korea
Who qualifies
Anyone passing the written and practical exam for make-up artistry.
What you get
Official government-recognized license to practice as a professional make-up artist.
What it actually costs you
Exam fees around ₩30,000-₩40,000; requires intense practical preparation.
Common gotcha
The practical exam is notoriously strict about hygiene and specific product placement.
17states & territories — open one to see what it offers.
Seoul서울특별시
Seoul offers specialized support for freelance beauty professionals through creative industry grants and affordable workspace rentals, which are crucial for a freelance make-up artist's growth.
💄 Growing my beauty business
Seoul Creative Industry Startup Support
서울시 콘텐츠 기업 지원사업
state · Seoul Business Agency
Who qualifies
Freelance artists and small beauty studios based in Seoul with less than 3 years of operation.
What you get
Grants up to 10 million KRW for marketing, equipment upgrades, or studio rental assistance.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan and tax registration certificate; competitive selection process.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short, usually only open for 2 weeks in early spring.
state · Seoul Transportation Operations & Information Service
Who qualifies
Anyone commuting within Seoul city limits.
What you get
Unlimited rides on Seoul subways and buses for 62,000 KRW per month.
What it actually costs you
Purchase the physical card or use the mobile app; monthly top-up.
Common gotcha
Does not cover Shinbundang Line or some inter-city buses.
Seoul Youth Health Checkup
서울시 청년 건강검진
state · Seoul Public Health Centers
Who qualifies
Seoul residents aged 19-39 who are not covered by standard employer checkups.
What you get
Free comprehensive health screening including mental health counseling.
What it actually costs you
Appointment at local district public health center; ID card.
Common gotcha
Mental health counseling requires a separate registration after the physical checkup.
Busan부산광역시
Busan offers specific support for small-scale beauty entrepreneurs and creative freelancers through city-led business development grants and local welfare programs.
💄 Growing my beauty business in Busan
Busan Small Business Management Support
부산 소상공인 경영환경개선사업
municipal · Busan Metropolitan City
Who qualifies
Registered small business owners in Busan with less than 5 employees.
What you get
Up to 2 million KRW for interior renovation, equipment purchase, or digital marketing.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate, tax payment proof, and a detailed improvement plan.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short, usually opening in early spring; check the city website daily.
Low-income youth (19-34) living in rented housing in Busan.
What you get
Monthly rental interest support or deposit loan assistance.
What it actually costs you
Lease agreement, income proof, and resident registration certificate.
Common gotcha
Income thresholds are strictly enforced based on the previous year's tax returns.
Busan City Health Screening Subsidy
부산시 건강검진 지원
municipal · Busan Public Health Centers
Who qualifies
Self-employed individuals not covered by standard corporate health plans.
What you get
Subsidized comprehensive health screening at city-designated hospitals.
What it actually costs you
Proof of self-employment and local health insurance payment records.
Common gotcha
Must be used at specific partner hospitals listed on the city health portal.
Daegu대구광역시
Daegu offers specific support for independent beauty professionals and small business owners through local tax incentives and creative industry grants.
💄 Keeping my studio running
Daegu Small Business Credit Guarantee
대구신용보증재단 소상공인 특례보증
state · Daegu Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Small business owners with a beauty salon or freelance makeup studio in Daegu.
What you get
Low-interest loans up to 30 million KRW with government-backed guarantees.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate, ID, and local tax payment proof.
Common gotcha
You must have a physical business address within Daegu city limits.
Independent artists and beauty entrepreneurs under 39.
What you get
Grants for marketing, professional photography, or website development.
What it actually costs you
Business plan submission and interview process.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; requires a clear growth plan for your makeup business.
🏥 Taking care of myself
Daegu Women's Health Screening Support
대구광역시 여성 건강검진 지원
state · Daegu Health Department
Who qualifies
Low-income female sole proprietors in Daegu.
What you get
Full coverage for specialized health screenings including thyroid and bone density.
What it actually costs you
Proof of income and business registration.
Common gotcha
Must be booked through designated local health centers, not private hospitals.
Daegu Culture Nuri Card Top-up
대구 문화누리카드 추가지원
state · Daegu Culture & Arts Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Recipients of national welfare who also reside in Daegu.
What you get
Additional 20,000 KRW top-up on top of the national card for cultural activities.
What it actually costs you
Automatic credit if you hold the national card.
Common gotcha
Must be used within the calendar year; it does not roll over.
Incheon인천광역시
Incheon offers unique support for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners in the beauty sector through specialized municipal funds and local startup incubation programs.
💄 Growing my beauty business
Incheon Small Business Special Guarantee
인천광역시 소상공인 특례보증
state · Incheon Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Small business owners in Incheon with a valid business license.
What you get
Low-interest loans with credit guarantees up to 30 million KRW.
What it actually costs you
Application fee and credit check; requires business registration certificate.
Common gotcha
The annual quota fills up very quickly in the first quarter.
Gwangju provides unique support for local creative professionals and small business owners through specialized city-run grants and cultural development initiatives.
💄 Running my studio in Gwangju
Gwangju Small Business Special Guarantee
광주광역시 소상공인 특례보증
state · Gwangju Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Small business owners with a physical studio location in Gwangju.
What you get
Low-interest loans with city-backed credit guarantees.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate, tax records, and a visit to the foundation office.
Common gotcha
The interest rate subsidy is limited to a specific annual budget; apply early in the year.
Space is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis after selection.
Daejeon대전광역시
Daejeon offers unique support for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners in the beauty sector through specialized local grants and digital transformation incentives.
💄 Growing my beauty business
Daejeon Small Business Startup Loan
대전광역시 소상공인 경영안정자금
state · Daejeon Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Small business owners (including make-up artists) with a registered business in Daejeon.
What you get
Low-interest loans up to 50 million KRW for business operations or equipment upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Requires business registration certificate and credit check; processing takes 2-3 weeks.
Common gotcha
The interest rate subsidy is limited, so apply early in the fiscal year.
Residents aged 19-39 earning below a certain income threshold living in Daejeon.
What you get
Monthly stipend of up to 200,000 KRW for 10 months to assist with rent.
What it actually costs you
Lease agreement and proof of income; annual application window.
Common gotcha
Cannot be combined with national housing benefits.
Daejeon Youth Transportation Card
대전 청년 교통비 지원
state · Daejeon Metropolitan City
Who qualifies
Young professionals and students living in Daejeon.
What you get
Reimbursement of a portion of monthly public transport expenses.
What it actually costs you
Registration of your transit card on the city portal.
Common gotcha
Only applies to public transit (bus/subway) within the Daejeon metropolitan area.
Ulsan울산광역시
Ulsan provides specialized small business support and vocational training grants that help freelance make-up artists transition from gig work to owning their own beauty studios.
💄 Growing my beauty business
Ulsan Small Business Management Stabilization Fund
울산광역시 소상공인 경영안정자금
state · Ulsan Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Small business owners in Ulsan with a registered business license.
What you get
Low-interest loans up to 50 million KRW with interest rate subsidies.
What it actually costs you
Credit check, business license, and proof of income.
Common gotcha
You must have a credit score above a certain threshold to qualify for the full interest subsidy.
Subsidies for tuition fees for advanced make-up or beauty certification courses.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residence and course registration receipt.
Common gotcha
Must be a state-accredited training institution to receive the subsidy.
Ulsan Women's Entrepreneurship Mentoring Program
울산 여성기업인 멘토링 프로그램
state · Ulsan Women's Center
Who qualifies
Female business owners in the beauty and service sector in Ulsan.
What you get
Free one-on-one consulting on tax, legal, and business management.
What it actually costs you
Time for scheduled sessions.
Common gotcha
Sessions are highly sought after; apply as soon as the annual window opens.
Gyeonggi-do경기도
Gyeonggi-do offers the most robust support for small-business owners and freelance artists in the Seoul metropolitan area, providing essential grants and vocational training to stay competitive in the beauty industry.
💄 Keeping my studio running
Gyeonggi-do Small Business Support Center Grants
경기도시장상권진흥원 소상공인 지원사업
state · Gyeonggi Market & Commercial Development Agency
Who qualifies
Small business owners with a physical studio or shop registered in Gyeonggi-do.
What you get
Financial grants for facility renovation, marketing, or digital transformation up to 5 million KRW.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate, tax payment proof, and a detailed business plan.
Common gotcha
The application window is extremely short; check the portal daily in early spring.
Gangwon-do provides specific support for small-scale creative entrepreneurs and beauty service providers to thrive in a region with a smaller, more dispersed customer base.
💄 Keeping my beauty studio running
Gangwon Credit Guarantee Foundation Small Business Loan
강원신용보증재단 소상공인 특례보증
state · Gangwon Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Small beauty business owners in Gangwon with a valid business license.
What you get
Low-interest loans with state-backed guarantees for shop rent or equipment upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Requires business registration certificate, tax records, and 2-3 weeks of credit review.
Common gotcha
The interest rate subsidy is often capped; check if your specific district has an additional top-up.
Gangwon Digital Marketing Voucher for Small Businesses
강원 소상공인 디지털 마케팅 지원사업
state · Gangwon Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Local service providers including make-up artists and hair stylists.
What you get
Financial support for professional photography of your portfolio or social media ad campaigns.
What it actually costs you
Matching fund requirement (usually 20% of total cost) and proof of business activity.
Common gotcha
Funds are released on a first-come, first-served basis once the annual budget opens in spring.
Gangwon Youth Entrepreneurship Support
강원 청년창업 지원사업
state · Gangwon-do Provincial Office
Who qualifies
Entrepreneurs under 39 residing in Gangwon-do.
What you get
Seed money for studio interior renovation or purchasing high-end make-up kits.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan submission and an interview process.
Common gotcha
You must maintain your business address within Gangwon for at least 2 years to avoid repayment.
🏔️ Daily life and health in the province
Gangwon Medical Transport Assistance
강원도 의료비 및 교통비 지원
state · Gangwon Health and Welfare Department
Who qualifies
Low-income residents or those in remote mountainous areas needing specialized medical care.
What you get
Reimbursement for travel costs to major hospitals in Chuncheon or Wonju.
What it actually costs you
Requires medical receipts and proof of residency in designated remote zones.
Common gotcha
It does not cover cosmetic procedures, only essential health consultations.
Gangwon Culture and Arts Voucher
강원 문화누리카드
state · Gangwon Culture Foundation
Who qualifies
Low-income households or individuals meeting state welfare criteria.
What you get
Annual credit for purchasing books, cinema tickets, or attending local cultural festivals.
What it actually costs you
Application via local community center or online portal; no fee.
Common gotcha
The balance expires at the end of the calendar year; use it or lose it.
Chungcheongbuk-do충청북도
As a make-up artist in Chungcheongbuk-do, you benefit from specific provincial support for small business owners and local beauty industry promotion initiatives that help you compete with Seoul-based studios.
🏢 Keeping my studio running
Chungbuk Small Business Support Loan
충청북도 소상공인 육성자금
state · Chungbuk Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Small business owners in Chungbuk with a valid business registration.
What you get
Low-interest loans and credit guarantees for studio rent or equipment upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Requires business plan and tax records; 2-4 weeks processing.
Common gotcha
You must maintain your business address within Chungbuk for the duration of the loan.
Vouchers worth up to 500,000 KRW for advanced make-up or beauty courses.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of employment; limited to approved training centers.
Common gotcha
Only valid for courses certified by the provincial government.
Chungcheongnam-do충청남도
Chungcheongnam-do offers unique support for small-scale beauty entrepreneurs and creative freelancers looking to establish their business in a rapidly developing provincial hub.
💄 Growing my beauty business
Chungnam Small Business Support Loan
충남 소상공인 경영안정자금
state · Chungnam Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Small business owners with a physical or registered studio in Chungnam.
What you get
Low-interest loans up to 50 million KRW for studio renovation or equipment.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate, tax records, and a visit to the local guarantee center.
Common gotcha
Requires a credit score check which can be strict for new freelancers.
Chungnam Digital Transformation Voucher
충남 소상공인 디지털 전환 지원사업
state · Chungnam Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Local service providers looking to digitize their booking or marketing.
What you get
Up to 1 million KRW for website creation or social media advertising costs.
What it actually costs you
Application form and a simple business plan for digital growth.
Common gotcha
Funds are released on a reimbursement basis after proof of expenditure.
Hongseong Creative Youth Entrepreneur Grant
홍성군 청년 창업 지원사업
municipal · Hongseong County Office
Who qualifies
Beauty artists aged 19-39 starting a business in Hongseong.
What you get
Initial startup grant of up to 10 million KRW.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan and participation in a mandatory orientation session.
Common gotcha
Must maintain the business in Hongseong for at least two years.
🏠 Living well in the province
Chungnam Youth Monthly Rent Support
충남 청년 월세 지원사업
state · Chungnam Provincial Government
Who qualifies
Low-income youth (19-39) living in rented accommodation in Chungnam.
What you get
Up to 200,000 KRW per month for rent for 12 months.
What it actually costs you
Lease agreement, income proof, and resident registration.
Common gotcha
Cannot be combined with national housing vouchers.
Chungnam Culture & Arts Voucher
충남 문화누리카드 추가 지원
state · Chungnam Culture and Arts Foundation
Who qualifies
Low-income residents eligible for the national Culture Nuri card.
What you get
Additional 30,000 KRW top-up for cultural activities.
What it actually costs you
Automatic application if you already hold the national card.
Common gotcha
Must be spent within the calendar year.
Chungnam Freelancer Health Screening
충남 프리랜서 건강검진 지원
state · Chungnam Health and Welfare Department
Who qualifies
Registered freelance artists who do not have employer-provided health checks.
What you get
Full subsidy for annual comprehensive health check-up.
What it actually costs you
Proof of freelance income or business registration.
Common gotcha
Only valid at designated provincial hospitals.
Jeollabuk-do전북특별자치도
As a make-up artist in Jeonbuk, you benefit from local cultural tourism grants and small business support tailored for the region's unique artisan and beauty industry.
💄 Keeping my studio running
Jeonbuk Small Business Credit Guarantee
전북신용보증재단 소상공인 특례보증
state · Jeonbuk Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Small business owners in Jeonbuk with a physical studio or shop.
What you get
Low-interest loans and credit guarantees for studio rent or equipment upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Requires business registration certificate and tax payment proof; takes 2-4 weeks.
Common gotcha
You must have a good credit score; the guarantee is not a grant, it is a debt facility.
Small studio owners looking to upgrade digital marketing or booking systems.
What you get
Subsidies for website development, social media ads, or digital booking software.
What it actually costs you
Must provide receipts for services rendered; reimbursement model.
Common gotcha
Only covers specific approved vendors.
🏡 Life as a resident
Jeonbuk Youth Housing Rental Interest Support
전북 청년 주택 임차보증금 이자지원
state · Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
Who qualifies
Youth aged 19-39 living in Jeonbuk with low-to-mid income.
What you get
Interest subsidies on housing rental loans.
What it actually costs you
Rental contract and income verification documents.
Common gotcha
Limited annual quota; apply as soon as the window opens.
Jeonju City Bus Pass Discount
전주시 대중교통 정기권
municipal · Jeonju City
Who qualifies
All residents using public transport for work.
What you get
Discounted monthly passes for city buses.
What it actually costs you
Registration via T-money card.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to inter-city travel outside Jeonju.
Jeollanam-do전라남도
Jeollanam-do offers unique support for small-scale creative entrepreneurs and beauty professionals looking to establish themselves in a province that prioritizes local cultural tourism and small business growth.
💄 Growing my beauty studio
Jeollanam-do Small Business Special Loan
전라남도 소상공인 경영안정자금
state · Jeollanam-do Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Registered small business owners in Jeonnam with a valid business license.
What you get
Low-interest loans up to 50 million KRW for business operation and facility improvement.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate, tax payment proof, and 2-3 weeks for credit review.
Common gotcha
The interest rate subsidy is limited; apply early in the fiscal year before the budget runs out.
Young adults commuting for work or study within the province.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to 30% of monthly public transport expenses.
What it actually costs you
Registration of your transportation card on the portal and monthly expense submission.
Common gotcha
Only applies to registered transit cards linked to your identity.
Jeonnam Local Health Checkup Subsidy
전라남도 건강검진 지원사업
state · Jeollanam-do Health & Welfare Department
Who qualifies
Self-employed individuals not covered by standard corporate health checkups.
What you get
Free or heavily discounted comprehensive health screenings at local provincial hospitals.
What it actually costs you
Registration at the local public health center (Bogunso).
Common gotcha
Must be booked in advance; slots fill up quickly in the autumn months.
Gyeongsangbuk-do경상북도
Gyeongsangbuk-do offers specific support for small-scale beauty entrepreneurs and local cultural performance artists who need to maintain professional equipment and studio spaces.
💄 Keeping my studio running
Gyeongbuk Small Business Startup and Management Loan
경상북도 소상공인 육성자금
state · Gyeongsangbuk-do Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Registered small business owners in Gyeongbuk with a physical studio.
What you get
Low-interest loans up to 30 million KRW for studio upgrades or equipment.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate, tax payment proof, and 2-3 weeks of credit review.
Common gotcha
You must have a valid business license in Gyeongbuk for at least 6 months.
Annual voucher worth 100,000 KRW for cultural activities or professional development courses.
What it actually costs you
Online application via the provincial youth portal.
Common gotcha
Cannot be used for general business expenses; must be used for approved cultural vendors.
Gyeongsangnam-do경상남도
Gyeongsangnam-do offers unique support for small business owners and creative freelancers in the beauty sector, focusing on local business stabilization and digital transformation grants.
💄 Keeping my studio running
Gyeongnam Small Business Management Stabilization Fund
경상남도 소상공인 경영안정자금
state · Gyeongsangnam-do Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Registered small business owners in Gyeongnam with a valid business license.
What you get
Low-interest loans and credit guarantees for studio rent or equipment upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Requires business registration certificate and tax payment proof; 2-4 weeks processing.
Common gotcha
Funds are released in batches; you must apply as soon as the announcement hits the provincial website.
Entrepreneurs aged 19-39 starting a business in Gyeongnam.
What you get
Mentoring, office space, and initial startup capital.
What it actually costs you
Business plan presentation; 3-month incubation period.
Common gotcha
Strict age limit; proof of residency in Gyeongnam is mandatory.
Jeju-do제주특별자치도
Jeju offers unique support for small business owners and creative freelancers in the beauty sector, including specialized local tax incentives and island-specific welfare programs for independent contractors.
💄 Keeping my studio running
Jeju Small Business Credit Guarantee
제주신용보증재단 소상공인 특례보증
state · Jeju Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Small business owners with a physical studio in Jeju.
What you get
Low-interest loans with state-backed credit guarantees.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate, tax records, and a visit to the foundation office.
Common gotcha
The interest rate subsidy is limited and fills up quickly at the start of each quarter.
Jeju Small Business Digital Transformation Support
제주 소상공인 디지털 전환 지원
state · Jeju Economic and Trade Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Small studio owners looking to upgrade digital booking or marketing systems.
What you get
Up to 50% subsidy for purchasing digital equipment or software.
What it actually costs you
Receipts for equipment and proof of business activity.
Common gotcha
Only specific pre-approved vendors qualify for the subsidy.
🌴 Living well on the island
Jeju Freelancer Health Checkup Subsidy
제주 프리랜서 건강검진 지원
state · Jeju Health and Welfare Department
Who qualifies
Freelance make-up artists registered in the local database.
What you get
Full or partial reimbursement for annual health checkups.
What it actually costs you
Proof of freelance income and medical receipt.
Common gotcha
Must use designated local hospitals in Jeju city or Seogwipo.
Jeju Public Transport Discount for Self-Employed
제주 대중교통 이용 지원
state · Jeju Transportation Bureau
Who qualifies
Low-income self-employed individuals.
What you get
Monthly credit on public transport cards.
What it actually costs you
Application via the Jeju Transport portal with income proof.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to taxis, only city buses.
Jeju Youth Housing Rental Interest Subsidy
제주 청년 주택 임차보증금 이자 지원
state · Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
Who qualifies
Self-employed individuals under 39 living in rented housing.
What you get
Subsidy for interest paid on housing rental loans.
What it actually costs you
Rental contract and proof of business registration.
Common gotcha
Must be a resident of Jeju for at least 6 months.
Sejong세종특별자치시
As a planned city, Sejong offers unique business support for small-scale creative entrepreneurs and specialized childcare subsidies for its young, professional demographic.
💄 Growing my make-up studio
Sejong Small Business Special Guarantee
세종특별자치시 소상공인 특례보증
state · Sejong Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Small business owners with a physical studio in Sejong.
What you get
Low-interest loans up to 30 million KRW with government interest subsidies.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate, tax records, and a visit to the local branch.
Common gotcha
The annual budget is limited; apply early in the first quarter of the year.
Sejong Creative Economy Startup Support
세종창조경제혁신센터 창업지원
state · Sejong Creative Economy Innovation Center
Who qualifies
Creative professionals and artists launching a new business model.
What you get
Mentoring, workspace access, and up to 10 million KRW in marketing support.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan and a pitch session.
Common gotcha
Focuses heavily on 'innovation'—make sure your studio has a unique digital or service angle.
Yeominjeon Cashback
여민전
state · Sejong City Government
Who qualifies
All residents and business owners in Sejong.
What you get
7-10% cashback on purchases made within Sejong city limits.
What it actually costs you
Download the app and link your bank account.
Common gotcha
The cashback limit resets monthly and varies based on city budget availability.
Sejong E-commerce Digital Transformation Support
세종시 소상공인 디지털 전환 지원
state · Sejong City Economic Policy Division
Who qualifies
Local business owners needing to set up online booking or social media ads.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to 50% of costs for website development or digital ads.
What it actually costs you
Receipts for services rendered and proof of business activity.
Common gotcha
You must use approved vendors for the digital services.
🏠 Balancing life in the city
Sejong City Childcare Allowance Top-up
세종시 양육지원금
state · Sejong Welfare Department
Who qualifies
Parents residing in Sejong with children under 6.
What you get
Additional monthly stipend on top of national childcare benefits.
What it actually costs you
Resident registration verification.
Common gotcha
Must be applied for separately at the local Community Service Center (Haengbok-bokji-center).
Sejong Citizen Culture Pass
세종시민 문화혜택
state · Sejong Facilities Management Corporation
Who qualifies
Registered residents of Sejong.
What you get
Reduced entry fees for public swimming pools, gyms, and arts centers.
What it actually costs you
Resident card or mobile identification.
Common gotcha
Discounts are only valid at city-run facilities, not private gyms.
