Startups
148


where advanced manufacturing, energy leadership, and deep-tech innovation scale globally.
Startups
148
Growth Rate
144.7%
Total Funding
$627.9M
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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Contact UsUlsan Debuts on Global Startup Ecosystem Index
Highest-ranked debut among Korean cities entering the global startup ecosystem rankings for the first time.
National Rank
Ulsan, ranked 4th nationally, has a startup ecosystem that is 61% stronger than Daegu, ranked 5th.
Hardware & IoT Rank
Ulsan is building a digital layer atop its industrial base, ranking 10th in East Asia among cities with populations under 100,000.
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.
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
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.
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
Ulsan is elevated to Metropolitan City status, gaining greater administrative autonomy to steer industrial and economic development.
Ulsan Smart City Construction Master Plan established.
Selected as a Smart Green Industrial Complex
Ulsan obtains National Intelligent City (Smart City) Certification
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