Three New Sites to Be Designated Next Year
Applications Open Until February 6
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on December 5 that they will conduct a joint call for applications to select three “Cultural Leading Industrial Complexes” for 2026, with submissions open until February 6 of next year.
The Cultural Leading Industrial Complex initiative aims to transform industrial complexes into vibrant spaces that attract young people by adding cultural elements. This project is included in the new government’s policy agenda.
Reflecting the main industries and historical characteristics of each complex, the project will establish an integrated brand (logo, color, design, etc.) and symbolic landmarks, with comprehensive support provided by the relevant ministries. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will support culture-specialized programs, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will promote structural advancement projects, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will provide additional support. This year, Gumi, Changwon, and Wanju were selected as the first Cultural Leading Industrial Complexes and received government support, and three new sites will be designated next year.
In the 2025 selection, the Gumi, Changwon, and Wanju complexes were chosen for their unique proposals: Gumi preserved the historical significance of its textile architecture with symbolic landmarks, Changwon established a brand befitting the nation’s largest comprehensive machinery complex, and Wanju operated cultural programs themed around the hydrogen industry.
In the first year of the project, the government prepared to establish cultural infrastructure in each complex and supported specialized cultural programs such as industrial complex festivals (Gumi, transforming from industrial heritage to cultural heritage), art experience events (Changwon, culture school), and lunchtime cultural performances (Wanju, midday cultural table). In addition, local participation groups consisting of workers and residents were formed to identify cultural needs in daily life within the complexes, marking the start of inter-ministerial support to infuse culture into industrial complexes.
The 2026 call for Cultural Leading Industrial Complexes is open to all completed or operational industrial complexes. Local governments (metropolitan or basic municipalities) can establish development plans for Cultural Leading Industrial Complexes that reflect the characteristics, location, and workforce composition of their industrial complexes, and submit applications to the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation (KICOX), the designated agency.
After applications are submitted, a review committee composed of experts recommended by each ministry will conduct document reviews, on-site inspections, and presentation evaluations to select new Cultural Leading Industrial Complexes. Detailed project plans will be refined through consulting from professional organizations such as KICOX, the Regional Culture Promotion Agency, and the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements, and agreements are scheduled to be signed in April next year.
The integrated application guidelines, including application periods, support conditions, and detailed information on each project, can be found on the KICOX website. On December 9, the government will hold a business briefing session for the Cultural Leading Industrial Complex project at Sangyeonjae Seoul Station, providing detailed explanations of each project and evaluation direction, as well as a Q&A session.
Lee Jungwoo, Director General for Culture and Arts Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, “Culture is a key driver for revitalizing industrial complexes. Based on the changes confirmed at the three complexes this year, we will further expand cultural programs for young workers next year to ensure that industrial complexes become places where young people want to stay.”
Kim Sungyeol, Director General for Industrial Infrastructure Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, emphasized, “Industrial complexes are the heart of our manufacturing, accounting for 60% of production and exports. Securing young talent within these complexes is a core task for the future of our manufacturing industry. The relevant ministries will work as one team to ensure that Cultural Leading Industrial Complexes become key growth hubs.”
Lee Sangjoo, Director General for Land and Urban Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stressed, “For balanced regional growth, industrial complexes, which are economic growth hubs for local areas, must be reborn as soft spaces that combine cultural spaces favored by young people and competitive companies where youth want to work. The government, local governments, and the private sector will work together to inject new vitality.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
