AI-powered solutions to navigate and access Korea's startup funding programs
The Global Startup Center (GSC) is Korea's government-backed hub specifically designed to help foreign founders enter and build in Korea. Launched in July 2024, it operates under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and KISED (Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development), and serves as a soft landing pad, resource hub, and gateway to Korea's broader startup ecosystem. In its first year, the GSC welcomed over 7,000 entrepreneurs from 100 countries.
Tel: +82 02-3440-7346
Email: [email protected]
Website: startup-korea.com
Location: 165 Yeoksam-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul** (1F and 5F, Myungwoo Building)
The GSC is structured around practical, non-dilutive support for early-stage foreign teams. Core benefits include:
For startups needing dedicated office space beyond the co-working floor, the GSC also runs the Global Startup Office (GSO) program, which is a separate paid workspace with access to all GSC programs and facilities.
The Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System (OASIS) is the primary pathway for foreign founders to obtain Korean startup visas. It is a modular program covering startup basics, IP filing, mentoring, incorporation, investor pitching, and commercialization support. Completing OASIS courses earns points toward the D-10-2 (Startup Preparation Visa) and D-8-4 (Technology Startup Visa).
This OASIS-9 course provides up to ₩80 million KRW in equity-free funding for foreign startups commercializing in Korea, over a 10-month period. Covers outsourcing, IP, labor, marketing, and travel. Targets foreign-founded startups under seven years old; up to 15 teams selected per cohort.
The D-8-4S Startup Korea Special Visa is a newer visa path launched in November 2024 that bypasses the OASIS point system. Evaluated on innovation potential and business feasibility rather than academic credentials or IP. Recommendation letters can now be issued by MSS, local governments, and private accelerators. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
A common trajectory for foreign founders using the GSC:
Alternatively, founders with strong innovation potential can apply directly for the D-8-4S Startup Korea Special Visa without the OASIS point system.
For foreign founders, Korea's startup support system can be difficult to navigate: information is fragmented across agencies (MSS, KISED, KOSME), many things are conducted in Korean, and it is tied to a visa system with specific sequencing requirements. The GSC addresses this directly by consolidating access in one place, in English, with staff who understand where founders are in the process.
It is one of the few government-backed programs in Korea built specifically for foreign founders as the primary audience, not an add-on to a Korean-first program.
Janie Baek
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