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Explore Ulsan’s Industrial Roots Fueling Startup Innovation

where advanced manufacturing, energy leadership, and deep-tech innovation scale globally.

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Startups

148

Growth Rate

144.7%

Total Funding

$627.9M

Best Achievements of the Ecosystem

National Ranking

#4 in South Korea

Ulsan ranks as the 4th-strongest startup ecosystem in South Korea, driven by its industrial strength and innovation capacity.

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Top Achievements of the Ulsan Startup Ecosystem

Rankings provided by

Ulsan Debuts on Global Startup Ecosystem Index

#1 New Entrant

Highest-ranked debut among Korean cities entering the global startup ecosystem rankings for the first time.

National Rank

4th

Ulsan, ranked 4th nationally, has a startup ecosystem that is 61% stronger than Daegu, ranked 5th.

Hardware & IoT Rank

#10

Ulsan is building a digital layer atop its industrial base, ranking 10th in East Asia among cities with populations under 100,000.

Key Benefits of Joining Ulsan Startup Ecosystem

Energy & Hydrogen Innovation Hub

Ulsan produces more than 50% of Korea’s total hydrogen output and hosts large-scale hydrogen storage facilities, positioning the city as a leading base for the hydrogen economy and energy innovation in the country. Building on its role in national energy supply and industrial energy infrastructure, Ulsan provides a strong foundation for the development and application of hydrogen-related and energy technologies.

World-Class Talent Hub

Ulsan Startup Hub (via CCEI) offers incubation, acceleration (U-STAR), mentoring, and TIPS funding, attracting talent with investor matching and global networks. Proximity to industrial giants fosters tech transfer, while events like CITYPRENEURS connect local engineers and researchers to international VCs.

Connectivity & Pro-Business Infrastructure

Ulsan benefits from a strategic coastal location with a major port and well-developed transportation and logistics infrastructure. As a metropolitan city, it offers a business-friendly urban environment designed to support large-scale industrial activity and long-term economic sustainability.

Key Statistics

Produces

12.1 %

of Korea’s total industrial output and exports industrial products.

Produces

20.3%

of Korea’s automotive production.

South Korea's

#1

Petrochemical Producer

Ulsan Ecosystem Landscape

Taxes & Incentives

Corporate & Local Tax Incentives – Ulsan offers local tax reductions and exemptions (acquisition and property tax) for qualifying investment projects, particularly in designated industrial, foreign investment, and Free Economic Zones, with relief periods that can extend for multiple years depending on project size and location.

Local Tax Exemptions – Foreign-invested companies in Ulsan may receive full exemptions (100%) from acquisition tax, property tax, and registration tax, significantly reducing upfront and operational costs when establishing local entities or facilities.

Investment Subsidies – Eligible companies can access cash grants and subsidies covering employment creation, workforce training, facility construction or expansion, and business relocation into Ulsan’s strategic industrial zones.

SME & Startup Financing Support – The city operates guaranteed loan and interest-subsidy programs for SMEs and startups, supporting working capital, facility investment, and early R&D activities through partnerships with local financial institutions.

Industrial & R&D Incentives – As a core industrial hub, Ulsan provides sector-specific support programs linked to manufacturing, energy, automotive, shipbuilding, and emerging green and hydrogen technologies, aligned with national innovation policies.

Foreign Investment Zones & FEZs – Ulsan’s Foreign Investment Areas and Free Economic Zones provide a structured entry point for investors, combining tax incentives, administrative support, and site development assistance.

Ecosystem Milestones

1962

Ulsan is designated as Korea’s first Special Industrial Zone.

Completion of a large-scale petrochemical industrial complex, establishing Ulsan as a national petrochemical hub

1969
1997

Ulsan is elevated to Metropolitan City status, gaining greater administrative autonomy to steer industrial and economic development.

Ulsan Smart City Construction Master Plan established.

2017
2021

Selected as a Smart Green Industrial Complex

Ulsan obtains National Intelligent City (Smart City) Certification

2024

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