Sae-hee runs a small online store from her home, balancing inventory, shipping, and digital marketing. This hub covers the essential national support, tax portals, and business safety nets she relies on to keep her shop running smoothly.
📊 Keeping my shop legal and tax-ready
Managing VAT and business registration is the backbone of staying compliant as an online seller.
HomeTax (National Tax Service)
홈택스
national · National Tax Service
Who qualifies
All registered business owners in Korea.
What you get
Online filing for VAT, comprehensive income tax, and electronic tax invoices.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires a digital certificate (Gongin-injeungseo).
Common gotcha
The site is notoriously difficult to navigate on non-IE browsers, though it has improved with recent updates.
17states & territories — open one to see what it offers.
Seoul서울특별시
Seoul provides the most aggressive digital infrastructure support and small business subsidies in Korea, crucial for e-commerce sellers scaling in a hyper-competitive market.
🚀 Growing my online shop
Seoul Online Business Support Program
서울시 소상공인 온라인 판로지원
state · Seoul Metropolitan Government
Who qualifies
Small business owners registered in Seoul with an active e-commerce presence.
What you get
Subsidies for digital marketing, professional product photography, and platform entry fees.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate and proof of sales; competitive application process.
Common gotcha
Funding is limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis during specific application windows.
Partial reimbursement for international shipping and courier costs.
What it actually costs you
Export declaration documents and shipping invoices.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific shipping partners designated by the city.
Busan Smart Warehouse Rental Support
부산 스마트 물류센터 임대 지원
state · Busan Port Authority
Who qualifies
E-commerce sellers requiring shared storage space near the port.
What you get
Subsidized rental rates for warehouse space equipped with automated sorting systems.
What it actually costs you
Security deposit and monthly maintenance fee.
Common gotcha
Limited space; priority is given to businesses with high export volume.
Daegu대구광역시
Daegu offers localized e-commerce support through the Daegu Digital Innovation Promotion Agency and specific tax incentives for small-scale online retailers based in the city.
📈 Growing my online shop
Daegu E-commerce Support Center
대구 이커머스 지원센터
state · Daegu Digital Innovation Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses registered in Daegu.
What you get
Free consulting on digital marketing, photography studio access, and platform onboarding.
What it actually costs you
Requires business registration certificate and tax records; application via website.
Common gotcha
The studio slots fill up within minutes of release each month.
Businesses facing temporary liquidity issues due to market downturns.
What you get
Up to 6 months extension on local tax payments without penalty.
What it actually costs you
Must apply before the tax deadline with proof of financial hardship.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to national taxes like VAT; only local city taxes.
Incheon인천광역시
Incheon provides unique logistics and export-focused support for e-commerce sellers leveraging its proximity to the international airport and major shipping ports.
📈 Scaling my shop and selling abroad
Incheon E-commerce Export Support Program
인천 전자상거래 수출 지원 사업
state · Incheon Business Agency
Who qualifies
Small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses based in Incheon.
What you get
Up to 10 million KRW in marketing grants.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate and detailed export plan; competitive selection process.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short, usually opening in early spring.
Subsidized office space and shared warehouse facilities.
What it actually costs you
Business pitch and interview process.
Common gotcha
High competition; requires a strong growth narrative.
Gwangju광주광역시
Gwangju offers specialized support for e-commerce entrepreneurs through its robust AI and digital transformation hubs, providing local grants and infrastructure that aren't available elsewhere.
📈 Growing my online shop
Gwangju AI Startup Incubation Program
광주 인공지능 창업 지원 사업
state · Gwangju Metropolitan City
Who qualifies
E-commerce businesses based in Gwangju using AI for logistics or customer analytics.
What you get
Up to 20 million KRW in grants for digital infrastructure and cloud server costs.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan, proof of residency in Gwangju, and quarterly performance reports.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short, usually opening only in February each year.
New e-commerce businesses registered within Gwangju city limits.
What you get
50% reduction in local income tax for the first 3 years.
What it actually costs you
Application filed during the annual tax filing period.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to national corporate taxes, only local municipal taxes.
Daejeon대전광역시
Daejeon is the R&D hub of South Korea, offering unique support for e-commerce entrepreneurs through specialized tech-startup grants and local logistics infrastructure.
🚀 Scaling my online shop
Daejeon Startup Voucher Program
대전 스타트업 바우처 지원사업
state · Daejeon Technopark
Who qualifies
Small e-commerce businesses registered in Daejeon for less than 3 years.
What you get
Up to 20 million KRW for marketing, web development, or patent registration.
What it actually costs you
Requires a business plan and a 10% matching fund contribution.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short; usually only open for 2 weeks in early spring.
Cashback or discounts when paying for business supplies at registered local vendors.
What it actually costs you
Download the app and link your bank account.
Common gotcha
Cashback rates change monthly based on the city budget.
Daejeon SME Local Tax Deferral
대전 소상공인 지방세 유예
state · Daejeon Tax Department
Who qualifies
Businesses experiencing a sudden drop in revenue due to market conditions.
What you get
Deferral of local business taxes for up to 6 months.
What it actually costs you
Proof of revenue decline compared to the previous year.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to national-level VAT (Value Added Tax).
Ulsan울산광역시
Ulsan provides specialized support for small-scale e-commerce entrepreneurs to pivot from the city's heavy industrial reliance toward digital trade and local product branding.
📈 Growing my online shop
Ulsan Small Business Digital Transformation Support
울산 소상공인 디지털 전환 지원사업
state · Ulsan Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Small business owners registered in Ulsan with less than 5 employees.
What you get
Subsidies up to 2 million KRW for website development or online marketing costs.
What it actually costs you
Requires a business license and proof of local residency; 10% self-funding required.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short, usually opening only once in the spring.
Small business owners with an annual revenue below a certain threshold.
What you get
Reimbursement for electricity or water bills up to 200,000 KRW.
What it actually costs you
Must submit utility bills from the last 3 months.
Common gotcha
Only covers business-use meters, not residential.
Gyeonggi-do경기도
Gyeonggi-do provides the most robust support for small-scale e-commerce sellers in Korea through digital transformation grants and localized logistics subsidies.
📈 Growing my online shop
Gyeonggi Small Business Digital Transformation Support
경기도 소상공인 디지털 전환 지원사업
state · Gyeonggi Market Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Small business owners registered in Gyeonggi-do with under 5 employees.
What you get
Up to 2 million KRW for website upgrades, online marketing, or digital payment system integration.
What it actually costs you
Requires a business registration certificate and a detailed digital upgrade plan.
Common gotcha
The grant is strictly for digital infrastructure, not for inventory or rent.
Gangwon-do provides targeted support for e-commerce sellers to overcome geographical isolation through digital transformation grants and logistics subsidies.
📈 Growing my online shop
Gangwon E-commerce Activation Grant
강원도 온라인 쇼핑몰 활성화 지원사업
state · Gangwon-do Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Small business owners registered in Gangwon-do selling goods online.
What you get
Up to 5 million KRW for website development, photography, and digital marketing costs.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate, tax payment proof, and a detailed marketing plan.
Common gotcha
The grant is reimbursement-based; you must spend the money first and submit receipts.
Gangwon Live Commerce Production Support
강원 라이브커머스 제작 지원
state · Gangwon-do Department of Economy
Who qualifies
Local producers and e-commerce sellers in Gangwon.
What you get
Professional studio access and production crew for live-streaming sales events.
What it actually costs you
Application form and product samples for quality review.
Common gotcha
Competition is high; you need a strong sales pitch for the selection committee.
Gangwon Local Brand Design Support
강원 로컬브랜드 디자인 지원
state · Gangwon Design Center
Who qualifies
Sellers with unique local products looking to rebrand for national markets.
What you get
Professional logo design, packaging design, and brand strategy consulting.
What it actually costs you
Business plan and portfolio of current products.
Common gotcha
The design rights are often shared or require specific usage agreements.
Gangwon Digital Transformation Academy
강원 디지털 전환 아카데미
state · Gangwon Information & Multimedia Association
Who qualifies
Small business owners in Gangwon-do.
What you get
Free training on data analytics, SEO, and social media management for e-commerce.
What it actually costs you
Time commitment for 4-week intensive workshops.
Common gotcha
Attendance is mandatory for 80% of sessions to receive the completion certificate.
🚚 Managing money and shipping
Gangwon Small Business Special Credit Guarantee
강원도 소상공인 특례보증
state · Gangwon Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Sellers with a physical or online business in Gangwon-do.
What you get
Low-interest loans up to 30 million KRW with government-backed credit guarantees.
What it actually costs you
Business license and local tax clearance certificate.
Common gotcha
The interest rate is tied to the base rate; check if it is fixed or floating.
Gangwon Rural E-commerce Shipping Subsidy
강원도 농특산물 택배비 지원
state · Gangwon-do Agricultural Department
Who qualifies
Sellers of agricultural or local specialty products shipping from Gangwon.
What you get
Partial reimbursement of shipping/courier costs for domestic orders.
What it actually costs you
Monthly submission of courier invoices and shipping logs.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific courier partners designated by the province.
Gangwon Youth E-commerce Office Rent Subsidy
강원 청년 창업 임차료 지원
state · Gangwon-do Youth Policy Division
Who qualifies
E-commerce entrepreneurs under 39 living in Gangwon.
What you get
Up to 50% of monthly rent covered for office or warehouse space.
What it actually costs you
Lease agreement and proof of business activity.
Common gotcha
Does not cover utility bills or maintenance fees.
Chungcheongbuk-do충청북도
Chungcheongbuk-do provides specialized support for small-scale online retailers and local SMEs through regional trade promotion and digital transformation grants.
📈 Growing my online shop
Chungbuk E-commerce Platform Entry Support
충북 온라인 쇼핑몰 입점 지원사업
state · Chungcheongbuk-do Business Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Small businesses based in Chungbuk selling goods online.
What you get
Subsidies for platform listing fees and digital marketing expenses up to 2 million KRW.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate, tax payment proof, and a detailed marketing plan.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short; keep an eye on the agency website in early spring.
Chungbuk Small Business Health Examination Support
충북 소상공인 건강검진 지원
state · Chungcheongbuk-do Health and Welfare Department
Who qualifies
Registered small business owners in the province.
What you get
Free annual health checkup at designated provincial hospitals.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate and ID.
Common gotcha
Must be booked through the local health center portal, not directly at the hospital.
Chungcheongnam-do충청남도
Chungcheongnam-do offers specialized support for small-scale online sellers through regional digital transformation grants and localized logistics subsidies for rural-based entrepreneurs.
📈 Growing my online shop
Chungnam E-commerce Marketing Support Project
충남 온라인 판로개척 지원사업
state · Chungcheongnam-do Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Small businesses based in Chungnam with an active online store.
What you get
Up to 5 million KRW for digital advertising and platform listing fees.
What it actually costs you
Requires a business registration certificate and a detailed marketing plan.
Common gotcha
Funds are provided as reimbursement, so you must pay the ad costs first and submit receipts.
state · Chungcheongnam-do Transportation Department
Who qualifies
Sellers based in rural Chungnam counties with high shipping costs.
What you get
Partial reimbursement of courier shipping fees for local products.
What it actually costs you
Monthly submission of shipping invoices.
Common gotcha
Only applies to shipments sent outside of the province.
Chungnam Local Currency (Chungnam Pay) Incentives
충남페이 인센티브
state · Chungcheongnam-do Government
Who qualifies
Sellers who also act as local consumers for business supplies.
What you get
10% discount or cashback when purchasing supplies from local vendors using the app.
What it actually costs you
Download the 'Chungnam Pay' app and link your bank account.
Common gotcha
The 10% benefit is subject to monthly budget limits.
Chungnam Tax Consulting for Small Sellers
충남 소상공인 세무 상담
state · Chungcheongnam-do Tax Division
Who qualifies
Small sellers needing help with VAT and income tax filings.
What you get
Free one-on-one sessions with a certified tax accountant.
What it actually costs you
Appointment scheduling via the provincial portal.
Common gotcha
They provide advice but do not file the taxes for you.
Jeollabuk-do전북특별자치도
Jeollabuk-do offers unique regional subsidies and logistics support for small-scale e-commerce sellers looking to digitize local agricultural and craft products.
📈 Growing my online shop
Jeonbuk E-commerce Activation Support
전북 이커머스 활성화 지원사업
state · Jeonbuk Technopark
Who qualifies
Small businesses based in Jeonbuk selling goods online.
What you get
Up to 5 million KRW for digital marketing, platform entry fees, and product photography.
What it actually costs you
Requires a business registration certificate and a detailed marketing plan.
Common gotcha
Funding is competitive and usually opens in the first quarter of the year.
Jeonbuk Small Business Credit Guarantee
전북신용보증재단 특례보증
state · Jeonbuk Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Local sellers with low credit scores struggling to get bank loans.
What you get
Low-interest loans backed by the provincial government.
What it actually costs you
Requires a visit to the local branch and proof of business activity.
Common gotcha
The guarantee fee is separate from the interest rate.
Jeonju Local Brand Development
전주 로컬브랜드 육성사업
municipal · Jeonju City Hall
Who qualifies
Sellers based in Jeonju focusing on local specialties.
What you get
Consulting for branding and packaging design.
What it actually costs you
Application through the Jeonju City website.
Common gotcha
Must prove the product has a strong connection to Jeonju culture.
Jeonbuk Digital Transformation Voucher
전북 디지털 전환 바우처
state · Jeonbuk Provincial Office
Who qualifies
Traditional sellers transitioning to online platforms.
What you get
Vouchers for purchasing software or hiring digital consultants.
What it actually costs you
Need to provide invoices for digital services.
Common gotcha
Cannot be used for hardware purchases like laptops.
🚚 Getting my products out
Jeonbuk Export Logistics Subsidy
전북 수출 물류비 지원
state · Jeonbuk International Trade Association
Who qualifies
Sellers shipping products internationally.
What you get
Reimbursement for a portion of shipping costs.
What it actually costs you
Requires shipping manifests and export declarations.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific international shipping carriers.
Jeonju Small Business Delivery Fee Support
전주 소상공인 배달료 지원
municipal · Jeonju City Hall
Who qualifies
Sellers using local delivery apps for food or small goods.
What you get
Partial refund of delivery platform commission fees.
What it actually costs you
Monthly submission of commission statements.
Common gotcha
Only valid for specific partner delivery platforms.
Jeollanam-do전라남도
Jeollanam-do provides specialized logistics and digital transformation support for small-scale e-commerce sellers looking to expand beyond the local market.
📈 Growing my online shop
Jeonnam E-commerce Specialized Support Program
전남 전자상거래 활성화 지원사업
state · Jeollanam-do Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Small businesses based in Jeonnam selling via online platforms
What you get
Subsidies for product photography, detailed page design, and platform entry fees
What it actually costs you
Requires a business registration certificate and a 20% self-funding ratio
Common gotcha
The application window is very short, usually opening in early spring
Jeonnam Live Commerce Broadcasting Support
전남 라이브커머스 방송 지원
state · Jeollanam-do Small & Medium Business Agency
Who qualifies
Local producers and sellers with a physical presence in Jeonnam
What you get
Professional studio rental, equipment, and influencer pairing for live streaming
What it actually costs you
Application through the provincial portal; must provide product samples
Common gotcha
You must have a consistent supply chain ready for the live broadcast surge
Jeonnam Local Brand Development Grant
전남 로컬브랜드 육성사업
state · Jeollanam-do Tourism and Culture Department
Who qualifies
Sellers focusing on regional specialties (food, crafts)
What you get
Funding for branding, packaging design, and storytelling marketing
What it actually costs you
Requires a business plan focusing on regional identity
Common gotcha
Focuses heavily on products that represent the 'Jeonnam' brand
Jeonnam Digital Transformation Consulting
전남 디지털 전환 컨설팅
state · Jeollanam-do Techno Park
Who qualifies
E-commerce sellers looking to automate inventory or CRM
What you get
1-on-1 expert consulting on digital tools and platform optimization
What it actually costs you
Free of charge, but requires a time commitment for 3-5 sessions
Common gotcha
The advice is often generic; be prepared with specific technical questions
📦 Managing my shipping and storage
Jeonnam Small Business Logistics Fee Support
전남 소상공인 물류비 지원
state · Jeollanam-do Provincial Office
Who qualifies
Registered small businesses in Jeonnam with high shipping volumes
What you get
Partial reimbursement of annual shipping and courier costs
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of shipping receipts and tax invoices
Common gotcha
Only applies to business-related shipping, not personal use
Jeonnam Shared Logistics Center Access
전남 공유물류센터 이용지원
state · Jeollanam-do Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Sellers needing temporary storage for seasonal stock
What you get
Discounted rates for warehouse space in regional logistics hubs
What it actually costs you
Monthly rental fee at 50% of market rate
Common gotcha
Space is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis
Gyeongsangbuk-do경상북도
Gyeongsangbuk-do provides targeted support for rural e-commerce entrepreneurs and small-scale manufacturers looking to digitize their traditional goods.
📈 Growing my online shop
Gyeongbuk E-commerce Consulting Support
경상북도 이커머스 컨설팅 지원사업
state · Gyeongsangbuk-do Economic Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Small business owners based in Gyeongbuk selling products online.
What you get
1-on-1 expert coaching on store UI/UX, SEO, and digital marketing strategy.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires business registration certificate and proof of online store activity.
Common gotcha
Limited slots per quarter; you must apply early in the month.
Businesses shipping goods outside the province or abroad.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to 30% of annual shipping costs.
What it actually costs you
Requires detailed shipping logs and invoices for the entire year.
Common gotcha
Only applies to logistics companies registered with the province.
Gyeongbuk Youth Startup Office Rent Support
경상북도 청년 창업 임차료 지원
state · Gyeongbuk Youth Policy Division
Who qualifies
Entrepreneurs under 39 years old operating in Gyeongbuk.
What you get
Monthly rent subsidy of up to 300,000 KRW for 6 months.
What it actually costs you
Lease agreement and business registration required.
Common gotcha
Must maintain business activity for the duration of the subsidy.
Gyeongsangnam-do경상남도
Gyeongsangnam-do provides critical support for small e-commerce sellers through local digital transformation grants and regional logistics subsidies designed to help local businesses reach national markets.
📈 Growing my online shop
Gyeongnam E-commerce Digital Transformation Grant
경상남도 소상공인 디지털 전환 지원사업
state · Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Government
Who qualifies
Small business owners based in Gyeongnam with an active online store.
What you get
Up to 2 million KRW for website upgrades, online marketing, or digital payment system integration.
What it actually costs you
Business registration certificate, proof of online sales, and a 10% self-contribution.
Common gotcha
Funds are released as reimbursements, so you must pay for the upgrades first and submit receipts.
Gyeongnam Local Specialty Branding Support
경상남도 지역특산물 브랜드화 지원
state · Gyeongnam Techno Park
Who qualifies
Sellers dealing in local Gyeongnam agricultural or craft products.
What you get
Professional photography, packaging design, and listing optimization for major e-commerce platforms.
What it actually costs you
Application form and a portfolio of your current product listings.
Common gotcha
Strict requirement that the product must be sourced within Gyeongsangnam-do.
Changwon Small Business Consulting Program
창원시 소상공인 경영컨설팅
municipal · Changwon City Hall
Who qualifies
Small business owners operating within Changwon city limits.
What you get
Free 1-on-1 sessions with e-commerce experts on tax, logistics, and digital marketing.
What it actually costs you
Time commitment for 3-5 sessions and business license.
Common gotcha
Limited slots per quarter, usually filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
💰 Managing cash flow
Gyeongnam Credit Guarantee Foundation Special Loan
경상남도신용보증재단 소상공인 특례보증
state · Gyeongnam Credit Guarantee Foundation
Who qualifies
Small business owners in Gyeongnam with low credit scores who need working capital.
What you get
Low-interest loans up to 30 million KRW with government-backed guarantees.
What it actually costs you
Application fee and credit check; requires a visit to the local branch.
Common gotcha
The guarantee fee is separate from the interest rate and must be paid upfront.
Gyeongnam Love Gift Certificate (Gyeongnam Sarang)
경상남도 지역사랑상품권
state · Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Government
Who qualifies
Residents and business owners in Gyeongnam.
What you get
10% discount when purchasing the local currency, which can be used for business expenses at local suppliers.
What it actually costs you
Download the 'Chak' app and link your bank account.
Common gotcha
Can only be used within the specific city or county where it was issued.
Jeju-do제주특별자치도
Jeju-do provides unique logistical subsidies and digital transformation support for island-based e-commerce sellers to overcome the 'island tax' on shipping.
📦 Cutting the Cost of Island Shipping
Jeju Logistics Cost Support for Small Businesses
제주 소상공인 물류비 지원사업
state · Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
Who qualifies
Small business owners registered in Jeju with annual revenue under 500 million KRW.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to 70% of additional shipping surcharges incurred for island-to-mainland delivery.
What it actually costs you
Application via Jeju Economic Promotion Agency; requires shipping receipts and business registration.
Common gotcha
Only covers the 'additional' island surcharge, not the base shipping rate.
Jeju E-commerce Export Logistics Voucher
제주 전자상거래 수출 물류비 바우처
state · Jeju Technopark
Who qualifies
Jeju-based sellers exporting goods via global e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Shopee.
What you get
Vouchers worth up to 5 million KRW for international shipping and fulfillment fees.
Must prove export sales volume through platform dashboards.
📈 Growing My Online Brand
Jeju Small Business Digital Transformation Grant
제주 소상공인 디지털 전환 지원
state · Jeju Small Business Support Center
Who qualifies
Local sellers looking to build a website or integrate automated inventory systems.
What you get
Grant of up to 2 million KRW for digital equipment or software subscription fees.
What it actually costs you
Requires a business plan and proof of digital implementation.
Common gotcha
Cannot be used for general office supplies, only digital tools.
Jeju Local Product Branding Support
제주 향토제품 브랜드 마케팅 지원
state · Jeju Economic Trade Promotion Agency
Who qualifies
Sellers of Jeju-made products (food, crafts, cosmetics) with a valid brand.
What you get
Professional photography, social media ad budget, and packaging design support.
What it actually costs you
Application during the annual call for proposals; requires brand portfolio.
Common gotcha
High competition; focus on 'Jeju-ness' in your branding.
Sejong세종특별자치시
As a planned smart city, Sejong offers unique digital infrastructure support and localized business grants for small e-commerce entrepreneurs looking to scale within the capital region.
📈 Growing my online shop
Sejong Small Business Digital Transformation Grant
세종시 소상공인 디지털 전환 지원사업
state · Sejong City Economic Policy Division
Who qualifies
Registered small business owners in Sejong with less than 5 employees.
What you get
Up to 2 million KRW for website upgrades, online marketing, or e-commerce platform fees.
What it actually costs you
Requires a business registration certificate and a detailed plan for digital expansion.
Common gotcha
The application window is very short, usually opening in early spring.
