Busan to House the Inaugural Global Startup Immigration Center in the Southeast Region
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Busan to House the Inaugural Global Startup Immigration Center in the Southeast Region
□ The Busan Startup Investment Agency has been approved by the Ministry of Justice as the operating institution for the Global Startup Immigration Center.
○ The Global Startup Immigration Center assists foreign nationals seeking to launch ventures in Korea with the OASIS (Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System) program, which consists of training, mentoring, and incubation.
○ In its capacity as a Global Startup Immigration Center, the Busan Startup Investment Agency is empowered to award participants the points needed to obtain the Technology Startup Visa (D-8-4).
□ Global Startup Immigration Centers had been concentrated in Seoul Metropolitan City. In 2025, however, discussions on regional expansion were initiated in line with the government’s balanced progress policy. As a result of proactive efforts, Busan will host the first authorized center in southeastern Korea.
○ This designation lays the foundation for foreign talent to settle and grow beyond the Seoul Metropolitan Area.
○ Five centers are currently based in Seoul and one in Jeonbuk State. With the inclusion of Busan and Chungcheongbuk-do, eight centers countrywide will foster foreign entrepreneurs.
* Seoul (5): Korea Productivity Center, Korea Invention Promotion Association, Seoul Global Center, Seoul Business Agency, Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development
* Outside Seoul (3): Jeonbuk Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, Busan Startup Investment Agency, Chungbuk Bio Industry-Academy Convergence Institute
□ Busan has steadily bolstered its reputation as a startup hub in Asia by deepening cooperation with ecosystem stakeholders, investors, and affiliated organizations, anchored by FLY ASIA.
○ Its sustained commitment to accelerating overseas market entry and attracting innovators via exchange and investment initiatives is considered a critical factor behind the selection of a Global Startup Immigration Center.
○ Strategically built networks are expected to underpin the center’s successful management.
□ Scheduled for the first half of 2026, the Global Startup Immigration Center in Busan will utilize the Busan Eurasia Platform (formerly Busan Station Plaza) as a venue for education and international networking.
