2026 New Global Innovation Regulatory Free Zone Candidate Project
Modular L-PBV Global Innovation Regulatory Free Zone
Chilgok County in North Gyeongsang Province announced that, starting from December 18, it will be recruiting companies and organizations to participate in the demonstration project for the "Modular L-PBV Global Innovation Regulatory Free Zone," which has been selected as a candidate project for the "2026 New Global Innovation Regulatory Free Zone" initiative led by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
This special zone project, based in Chilgok County, aims to develop and demonstrate modular purpose-built vehicles (L-PBV) based on low-speed electric vehicles (LSV). The goal is to establish an ecosystem for next-generation future mobility industries that can be applied across various sectors such as tourism, logistics, agriculture, and camping.
Through this special zone, Chilgok County plans to create an environment in which regulatory exceptions can be applied to areas that have been difficult to pursue due to existing legal and institutional constraints, such as vehicle manufacturing, operational demonstration, and safety and reliability verification. Participating companies will be given opportunities to engage in demonstration and research and development (R&D) projects. The county aims to foster Chilgok as a full-cycle demonstration hub for the future mobility industry, covering everything from technology verification and commercialization to global market entry.
The recruitment of special zone operators will take place from December 18 to December 31. Companies that either already have a business site within Chilgok County, or are able to relocate or newly establish a business site in the county should the zone be officially designated, are eligible to apply. Details on how to apply and required documents can be found in the public notices on the websites of North Gyeongsang Province and Chilgok County.
For matters related to the special zone business plan, inquiries should be directed to the Smart Green Logistics Support Center at Gyeongbuk Technopark Foundation. For application and submission-related matters, contact the Regional Revitalization Planning Center at Gyeongbuk Technopark Foundation.
A Chilgok County official stated, "This special zone project is a process in which various stakeholders participate together in demonstration and commercialization. By providing regulatory exceptions and demonstration infrastructure, we will create an environment where technologically capable companies can freely take on challenges and grow, thereby building a new industry ecosystem where both companies and the local community can thrive together."
Meanwhile, the companies and organizations recruited for participation in this special zone will undergo an evaluation process and be selected as special zone operators. If the candidate project is ultimately designated as a Global Innovation Regulatory Free Zone by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, they will officially participate in the demonstration project starting in 2026. The final designation will be decided in the first half of next year following consultations among relevant ministries and expert reviews.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
