The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on August 21, 2026, that it has selected Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province and Jeju Island as the two regions to support the K-Beauty export hub development project.
According to the ministry, the K-Beauty export hub development project aims to combine the K-Beauty support policies of the central and local governments with private infrastructure and expertise to cultivate areas frequented by foreign tourists into global centers for K-Beauty expansion. This initiative is part of 15 major super-innovation economic projects aimed at securing global competitiveness in key industries expected to drive new growth.
The selected regions are known for their unique cultural heritage and natural beauty, attracting a steady stream of foreign visitors year-round. They are considered ideal global tourist destinations to promote the excellence and appeal of K-Beauty worldwide.
Additionally, these areas possess abundant natural resources that can be used as high-quality K-Beauty ingredients, as well as research and production facilities necessary for product development. They also have spaces and infrastructure for promotion and marketing, making them optimal locations to lead the global expansion of K-Beauty based on domestic inbound tourism.
Support will be provided by relevant ministries, local governments, and affiliated organizations for product development, production, and marketing linked to Hallyu events and local festivals. This includes facilities, specialized personnel, and funding for business consultations with buyers and investors. Furthermore, assistance will be offered to help companies navigate challenges related to certification, customs, and logistics during the export process.
Meanwhile, in the first half of 2026, small and medium-sized enterprises recorded an export value of $64 billion, an 11.6% increase compared to the same period last year. The cosmetics sector, which is driving this growth, saw exports rise to $5.07 billion, a 30.7% increase during the same timeframe.
Shim Jae-yoon, the Global Growth Policy Director at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, "It is crucial for foreign visitors to experience and become familiar with Korea's diverse quality products directly in our country, as this is an important aspect of the global expansion of K-Beauty. We will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to enhance policy support so that K-Beauty export hubs can contribute to diversifying K-Beauty's global strategy and revitalizing local economies."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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