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Applications Open for the “2026 Busan Metropolitan City Master Craftsperson in Crafts” to Lead the Future of Busan’s Craft Industry

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chun Jae-soo, announced that it will select the “2026 Busan Metropolitan City Master Craftsperson in Crafts” to carry forward Busan’s distinctive craft culture and artisan spirit.

The initiative aims to identify local craftspeople who have worked in the craft and cultural industry for many years and possess the highest level of technical expertise. It also seeks to preserve and advance Busan’s unique craft techniques and artisan spirit while enhancing the value and competitiveness of the city’s craft culture.

Applications are open in six categories: wood and lacquer, ceramics, metal, textiles, paper, and other crafts.

Applicants must have worked in the craft and cultural industry for at least 15 years and must have resided in Busan for at least 10 years as of the application date. They must possess the highest level of technical expertise and have made significant contributions to the development of the craft and cultural industry or to improving the status of craftspeople.

However, individuals who have already been designated as Master Craftspeople of the Republic of Korea or as holders of intangible heritage are not eligible to apply.

Craftspeople wishing to apply must submit an application form and supporting documents by August 7, either in person to the Economic Policy Division of Busan Metropolitan City or by registered mail to the Economic Policy Division, 17th Floor, Busan City Hall, 1001 Jungang-daero, Yeonje-gu, Busan.

Further details are available in the official notice posted on the Busan Metropolitan City website at https://www.busan.go.kr/nbgosi.

Busan Metropolitan City will invite external experts from the six categories to conduct document reviews and on-site inspections. Following deliberation by the Craft and Cultural Industry Review Committee, the city will select the most highly skilled craftsperson in each category as a “Busan Metropolitan City Master Craftsperson in Crafts.”

Each selected master craftsperson will receive a certificate and plaque, along with KRW 10 million in incentives for craft development and production.

Additional benefits will include five extra points when applying for priority access to policy funds and a 50 percent discount on parking fees at public parking facilities.

Kim Gi-hwan, Assistant Mayor of Digital Economy Office, said, “Busan’s distinctive craft culture is a valuable cultural asset that strengthens the competitiveness of Busan as a global tourism city. We will continue to identify and support outstanding local master craftspeople, further enhance the value of Busan’s craft industry, and foster a craft culture that both residents and visitors can enjoy together.”