Gangwon Regional Industry Development Program Nurtures Local Companies, Generates KRW 82.914 Billion in Commercialization Sales

【Financial News Chuncheon=Kim Ki-seop】Gangwon State Government’s regional industry development program has driven technological innovation and commercialization among local small and medium-sized enterprises, producing results in sales and employment.
According to Gangwon State Government and Gangwon Technopark on the 7th, support provided to local SMEs through the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ regional industry development program generated KRW 82.914 billion in commercialization sales and 237.36 new jobs last year. These figures represented 169.3% and 103.6% of their respective targets, exceeding the key performance goals.
The regional industry development program is implemented by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in accordance with the regional industry promotion plans of 14 non-metropolitan cities and provinces. It provides phased support for SMEs, from technology development to commercialization and growth promotion, with a focus on each region’s key industries. Gangwon State Government and Gangwon Technopark strengthened their company-centered support system by reorganizing key industries to reflect corporate demand and changes in the industrial environment, redesigning research and development items, and managing performance throughout the year. In particular, they significantly increased the number of new R&D projects from seven in 2024 and nine last year to 29 this year, expanding local companies’ opportunities for technological innovation.
Support also continued to address technological challenges faced by companies. An intensive R&D care service was introduced, providing 181 expert consultations to 10 companies. A Growth Narae track was also added to the growth ladder support program, strengthening customized assistance for companies at different stages of growth.


This support led to increased sales and exports, as well as the creation of new jobs. Sejun F&B and WELLFINE were selected as leading exemplary cases in recognition of their achievements in technology development and commercialization.
Through R&D, Sejun F&B secured technology for the long-term room-temperature distribution of home meal replacement and rice cake products. By linking this with halal certification and export marketing support, it expanded its export markets from a focus on Thailand to seven countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The company also expanded cooperation with local companies in the production and supply of raw materials and packaging materials, and contributed to addressing the shortage of local production workers by operating the Hongcheon Hope Center. WELLFINE pursued the development of functional materials based on domestic natural resources and the internalization of raw material technologies. With support for prototype production and commercialization, it surpassed KRW 50 billion in sales last year for the first time since its founding. Sales increased 18.9% and exports rose 83.3% from the previous year, while the company is pursuing additional investment and employment expansion through the construction of its second and third plants.
A Gangwon Technopark official said, "The reorganization of key industries, expansion of R&D projects and intensive care services worked together to produce results in corporate sales, exports and employment." The official added, "We will continue providing support so that technological innovation and commercialization are backed at each stage and connected to achievements in the regional economy."

[email protected] Kim Ki-seop Reporter