What Is a 'Startup City'? Turning Science-Institute Hubs into Startup Bases
In April 2026, the Korean government announced the 'Startup City' project. The first four cities are the ones home to Korea's science and technology institutes: Daejeon (KAIST), Daegu (DGIST), Gwangju (GIST) and Ulsan (UNIST). The plan is to name six more by the first half of 2027, for a national network of 10 Startup Cities.
The long-term goal is to have five Startup Cities in the global top 100 startup ecosystems by 2030. The idea is to move Korea away from a startup scene concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area toward one with several hubs.
Existing programs such as 'Startup for All' accept applicants from anywhere in the country. This policy works differently: support depends on where you build your company.
Reading the 2026 Results: How 278 Firms Were Selected
The integrated call ran from June 22 to July 7. Support was split into two tracks: an investment-linked startup package and a regional startup package.
What Grows in 2027: A New ₩170 Billion Regional Startup Package
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups' 2027 budget proposal (₩18.0724 trillion) includes a new ₩170 billion regional startup package. It would give firms based in Startup Cities, and firms planning to move there, up to ₩500 million in commercialization funding plus settlement costs.
As the network grows to 10 cities, more regions may become eligible. The additional cities have not been announced yet. The budget is still under review in the National Assembly, so base your plans on the call notices that follow its approval in December.
Move or Stay? A Relocation Decision Checklist
The size of the grant alone shouldn't drive the decision. Weigh these factors as well:
A Preparation Roadmap for the 2027 Call
How KITIM Supports Startup Relocation Strategy
KITIM assesses how well each Startup City fits your company and helps you pick the right track. We support business plans built around a concrete settlement plan, and we design links to R&D programs and policy financing that favor non-capital-region firms. If you're unsure whether relocating makes sense for your company, contact KITIM through our consultation request form. We'll help you be fully prepared before the 2027 call opens.