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Busan Launches Local Government Visa Implementation in Full Force Holds “Local Government Visa Coordination Meeting” with Stakeholders

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Mayor Park Heong-joon of Busan Metropolitan City announced that the City hosted the “Local Government Visa Coordination Meeting” on May 21 at 2:00 PM in the City Hall video conference room, presided over by the Mayor, to share and initiate the implementation plan for the Local Government Visa pilot program.

The meeting brought together university presidents and vice presidents from 14 participating universities, as well as officials from the Busan Immigration Office, Busan Global City Foundation, Busan Research Institute, Busan RISE Innovation Center, Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other related institutions.

The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss strategies for Local Government Visa operations and to explore inter-university cooperation.

The City of Busan presented its operational strategy, while universities shared their individual implementation plans. All stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to work together to nurture global professionals in Busan’s strategic future industries.

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Background of the Local Government Visa Pilot Project

Busan was selected in April by the Ministry of Justice to carry out the Local Government Visa pilot program, which aims to attract 1,000 international students over the next two years and support their local settlement.

The project targets strategic industries such as semiconductors, secondary batteries, and future mobility parts, and aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem for attracting and retaining practical global talent.

To this end, the City will offer:
– Relaxed financial requirements
– Permit for internships during semesters
– Industry-linked curriculum
– Dormitory and residential support
– Visa conversion to residency-type status

Participating universities will select students through dedicated visa-track majors and operate internship and job placement programs in cooperation with industry to improve both settlement and employment outcomes for international students.

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Strategic Integration & National Projects

The City of Busan will expand collaboration between local universities and industries, connecting this visa program with major national education initiatives such as:

– RISE (Regional Innovation System for Education)
– Glocal University Projects
– Specialized University Support Systems

The goal is to position the Local Government Visa program as the core platform for Busan’s global talent strategy, backed by robust administrative and financial support.

Mayor Park stated:

“Busan is currently at a critical turning point, facing challenges such as population decline, aging demographics, and the need for industrial transformation.
This Local Government Visa program will strengthen the competitiveness of our local universities, expand the sustainable growth base of Busan’s industries, and serve as a strategic tool for preparing the city’s future.
I hope today’s meeting marks the beginning of strong cooperation for Busan’s future, and we will do our utmost to create a robust ecosystem for attracting and retaining global talent.”

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Appendix 1. Meeting Overview

• ●Date & Venue: Wednesday, May 21 / Video Conference Room, Busan City Hall

• ●Participants: Mayor, university presidents and vice presidents, heads of related organizations (~50 participants)

• ●Agenda: Presentation of Busan’s Local Government Visa strategy, university-specific plans, feedback and suggestions

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Meeting Schedule

Time	Content	Notes
14:00–14:05	Opening & Participant Introduction	Moderator: Population Policy Officer
14:05–14:10	Welcoming Remarks	Mayor
14:10–14:20	Report on Busan’s Visa Strategy	Planning Officer
14:20–14:50	University Operation Plan Presentations	University Presidents/Vice Presidents
14:50–15:10	Open Discussion & Feedback	All Participants
15:10–15:15	Closing Remarks	Mayor
15:15–15:20	Adjournment	Population Policy Officer

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Appendix 2. Busan Local Government Visa Operational Strategy (Summary)

(✔ details included in source document)

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Appendix 3. Program Summary

• ●Objective: Train foreign professionals in future industries through government–industry–academic collaboration

• ●Duration: 2 years (2025–2026)

• ●Quota: 1,000 students

• ●Eligible Visa Types: D-2 (study), E-7 (special activities)

• ●Participating Universities (14 total):
  – General Universities (11): Kyungsung Univ., Pukyong Nat’l Univ., Korea Maritime & Ocean Univ., Tongmyong Univ., Dongseo Univ., Dong-A Univ., Dongeui Univ., Pusan Nat’l Univ., Busan Univ. of Foreign Studies, Silla Univ., Youngsan Univ.
  – Junior Colleges (3): Kyungnam College of Information & Technology, Dongeui Institute of Technology, Busan Institute of Science & Technology

• ●Target Departments: Semiconductor, secondary battery, and future mobility-related fields

• ●Implementation Process:
  – University Recommendation → City Review → Certificate of Recommendation Issued → MOJ Visa Issuance → Settlement & Employment Support