Gyeongju City Fully Supports Future Vehicle Industry Development and Settlement of Foreign Talent

Selected for the Future Vehicle Convenience Parts Evaluation Platform Project
Regional Specialized Skilled Worker Visa Recommendation and Settlement Support
Dormitory Environment Improvement Project for Foreign Workers Implemented Concurrently

Gyeongju City is strengthening its regional competitiveness by simultaneously establishing a foundation to become a key hub for the future automobile industry and implementing initiatives to help foreign talent settle in the area, thereby addressing workforce shortages in local industries.

Gyeongju City was ultimately selected for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s public project, "Establishment of an Evaluation Platform for Future Vehicle Occupant-Centric Convenience Parts," securing a total project budget of KRW 17 billion.

Aerial view of the Gyeongju e-Mobility Research Complex. Provided by Gyeongju City.

Accordingly, from 2026 to 2030, the city will work together with Gyeongbuk Technopark Foundation to build a Future Vehicle Convenience and Safety Technology Research Center, accelerate the installation of related equipment, and support the development of key components.

Currently, the e-Mobility Research Complex within the Gueo 2 Industrial Complex in Oedong-eup already operates an Advanced Materials Forming and Processing Center for future vehicles and a Carbon Materials Component Recycling Center.

With the addition of the Convenience and Safety Technology Research Center through this project selection, the ecosystem for the future vehicle industry—spanning materials, components, battery safety, and now advanced convenience technology—is expected to become even more robust.

The city plans to actively support local parts manufacturers by promoting technological advancement, prototype production, and reliability testing and evaluation, as well as by assisting their entry into overseas markets.

Alongside strengthening its industrial infrastructure, Gyeongju City is also intensifying its policies to encourage foreign talent to settle locally, thereby ensuring a stable supply of workforce at production sites.

The city is implementing a "Regional Specialized Skilled Worker Visa Recommendation Program," which enables qualified foreign workers to convert their residency status.

This program is targeted at foreigners who have stayed for more than two years on visas such as E-9 and who meet certain salary and Korean language proficiency requirements. Selected individuals are granted special privileges, including the ability to invite spouses and children and to allow spouses to work.

In addition, the program provides an initial settlement allowance of KRW 1.2 million and support funds for strengthening the capabilities of accompanying family members, aiming to promote long-term employment and increase the local resident population.

The quota for this year is approximately 100 people, and applications are currently being accepted.

Practical support is also being provided to improve the living conditions of foreign workers.

Gyeongju City is allocating a total project budget of KRW 200 million to improve dormitory facilities for small and medium-sized enterprises in the region with high employment ratios of foreign workers.

Selected companies will receive up to KRW 25 million each, enabling them to renovate shared facilities such as bathrooms and restrooms in dormitories, as well as upgrade heating, cooling, and safety facilities.

This is part of the city’s efforts to create an environment in which foreign workers can establish stable roots in the local community.

Choi Hyukjun, Acting Mayor of Gyeongju City, emphasized that strengthening the foundation of the future vehicle industry and ensuring the stable settlement of foreign talent are key tasks that determine the sustainability of the local economy. He added that the city will continue to provide administrative support to enhance the competitiveness of local companies and improve the living conditions of foreign workers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.