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Busan’s Driving Force for Growth: “2025 Busan SME Entrepreneur Grand Award” Ceremony to Be Held

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will hold the “2025 Busan SME Entrepreneur Grand Award Ceremony” today (the 24th) at 2:00 p.m. in the City Hall Grand Conference Room.

The “SME Entrepreneur Grand Award” is presented to entrepreneurs who (1) have their headquarters and factory located in Busan, (2) employ at least 10 workers, and (3) have been operating an SME for at least three years as of the announcement date, and who are accelerating technological innovation and leading an advanced management culture.

Since 1999, a total of 162 individuals have been honored through this award. At this year’s event, Mayor Park Heong-joon will attend and personally present the commendations and trophies.

<Overview of the “Busan SME Entrepreneur Grand Award”>
◦ (Eligibility) Individuals employing 10 or more workers, with headquarters and factory in Busan, who have operated an SME for at least three years
◦ (Number of Awardees) 7 ▸See reference materials
◦ (Progress) Application & submission (Sept.–Oct.) ⇒ Document screening (Nov. 11–Nov. 17) ⇒ On-site inspection (Nov. 21, Nov. 24) ⇒ Final selection (Dec. 10)
◦ (Award Benefits) Preferential support for Busan Metropolitan City development/working-capital funds, deferral of local tax audits, free use of public parking lots and the Gwangandaegyo Bridge, etc.

This year’s award recipients are seven entrepreneurs: Ahn Cha-hee, CEO of Wonpoong Industrial Co., Ltd.; Jeon Chan-il, CEO of Jeil Vacuum Pump Co., Ltd.; Kim Gwang-seok, CEO of Ion M Solution Co., Ltd.; Park Moon-su, CEO of IOT Flex Co., Ltd.; Lee Sang-hyeon, CEO of Hansung Tech Co., Ltd.; Kwon Tae-hyeok, CEO of Youngrong Co., Ltd.; and Choi Hyun-woo, CEO of Eogiya Factory Co., Ltd.

“Wonpoong Industrial Co., Ltd.,” led by CEO Ahn Cha-hee, is a next-generation mobility company that has contributed to strengthening manufacturing competitiveness in the Busan region by expanding orders for electrification components and leveraging in-house process internalization technologies. It supplies core electric vehicle parts to major Hyundai and Kia models and has continued stable growth.

“Jeil Vacuum Pump Co., Ltd.,” led by CEO Jeon Chan-il, has technological expertise accumulated over approximately 48 years in the field of seawater pumps for marine engine cooling. It independently developed Korea’s first self-priming rubber-impeller seawater pump* technology, performs key processes in-house, and has secured high durability and reliable quality.

• ●Self-priming rubber-impeller seawater pump: A high-performance marine pump that draws up seawater on its own without separate water injection and circulates seawater through rotating blades (impellers).

“Ion M Solution Co., Ltd.,” led by CEO Kim Gwang-seok, is a medical IT company that provides integrated medical information systems optimized for general hospitals and small- and mid-sized hospitals. It has built systems for more than 180 medical institutions nationwide, including Busan Medical Center, and its standardization and reliability have been recognized to the extent that it is used as educational software at 17 universities.

“IOT Flex Co., Ltd.,” led by CEO Park Moon-su, develops wireless communication-based IoT intelligent terminals and control platforms, providing solutions across various industries. It is expanding its business into diverse areas such as industrial safety, asset management, and defense.

“Hansung Tech Co., Ltd.,” led by CEO Lee Sang-hyeon, specializes in manufacturing industrial sealing* products and has led the localization of rubber packing products. Based on broad production capacity and eco-friendly certifications, it is enhancing competitiveness both domestically and internationally.

• ●Sealing: A core component that blocks gaps in machinery or equipment to maintain stability and performance.

“Youngrong Co., Ltd.,” led by CEO Kwon Tae-hyeok, develops and distributes health functional foods and inner beauty products, drawing on the expertise of its pharmacist-founded management team. With strong competitiveness in functional products for skin care and gut (intestinal) care, it is expanding its business not only in the domestic market but also into overseas markets such as Southeast Asia.

“Eogiya Factory Co., Ltd.,” led by CEO Choi Hyun-woo, is a fisheries-tech company that is leading the digital and AI transformation of the traditional fisheries industry. It develops IT and AI solutions specialized for the fisheries sector and is advancing smart transformation in areas such as fisheries logistics and seawater reprocessing.

Award recipients will be presented with commendations and trophies, and Busan Metropolitan City will provide various benefits for three years, including preferential support for SME development and working-capital funds, a deferral of local tax audits, and free use of Busan Metropolitan City-operated public parking lots and the Gwangandaegyo Bridge.

Mayor Park Heong-joon is expected to say, “This year’s award-winning entrepreneurs have been key drivers who have strengthened the competitiveness of local industries through technological innovation and a pioneering spirit, even amid uncertainties in domestic and global economic conditions,” adding, “From traditional backbone industries to emerging digital industries, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all recipients who have served as a steadfast driving force behind Busan’s development.”