2026 Gangwon Local Venture Business Development Program

Can a foreigner apply?

Yes, with conditions

Foreigners are not excluded, but the announcement attaches requirements — residency, a Korean entity, a visa status or a partner. Read the conditions before you spend time on this.

Open to local venture businesses (개인사업자 or 법인사업자) or pre-founders located in (or planning to relocate to) Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Existing businesses must have been founded within 7 years as of January 19, 2026. Pre-founders must be able to obtain a business registration certificate under their own name by September 2026. The representative's residence and business location must move to Gangwon Province (by September 2026). Selected applicants are divided into three tracks: Startup Stage (pre-founder or company age under 1 year – 6 companies), Settlement Stage (company age 1 to under 3 years – 8 companies), and Leap Stage (company age 3 to under 7 years – 6 companies). Additional funding (₩20M each) for up to 5 top-performing companies through mid-term evaluation.