Gyeongsangbuk-do to develop K-beauty export hub in Gyeongju and Gyeongsan

Gyeongsangbuk-do, in collaboration with Gyeongju and Gyeongsan, has been selected for the ‘2026 K-Beauty Export Hub Project’ led by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. The initiative aims to establish a specialized ecosystem that links regional tourism with the cosmetics industry to drive international exports.

Between 2026 and 2028, a total of 6.65 billion KRW, including 4.5 billion KRW in national funds, will be invested. The project will utilize Gyeongju’s high volume of foreign tourists by creating consumption and experience hubs in areas such as Hwangridan-gil and Geumridan-gil. These locations will feature permanent stores, pop-up shops, and AI-driven skin diagnosis services to promote K-beauty products.

Gyeongsan will serve as the industrial base, leveraging its existing research and production infrastructure. Through the Global Cosmetic Business Center (GCBC), Gyeongsan will support product development, quality control, and export logistics. This integrated model seeks to convert tourist interest and on-site consumption into long-term growth and export opportunities for local cosmetic companies.