South Korea has set a decade-long target to triple annual venture investment and nurture 50 global unicorns by 2030. Supported by deep tech funding, regulatory reforms, and an expanded inbound tourism strategy, the plan is designed to strengthen Korea’s position in global innovation and enhance its long-term economic competitiveness.

Korean Government Sets Bold 2030 Startup and Investment Targets

The Presidential State Affairs’ Planning Committee announced on August 13 that South Korea will target ₩40 trillion (approximately $30 billion) in annual venture investment by 2030. The plan includes fostering 50 Korean global unicorn companies from South Korea as part of a strategy to secure the country’s position in the global startup ecosystem.

New venture investment in the first half of 2025 totaled ₩5.7 trillion, with the full-year figure expected to reach around ₩12 trillion, similar to 2024 levels. The 2030 target represents more than a threefold increase from the current market size.

Policy Measures to Drive Korea’s Startup Ecosystem 2030 Vision

To reach these targets, the government will:

• Expand the Korea Fund of Funds to increase available startup capital.
• Provide stage-specific growth support for Korean deep tech startups, from early innovation through global scaling.
• Advance tax reforms and ease regulations to improve the business climate.
• Strengthen safeguards against technology theft and build a corporate environment based on mutual growth.

These measures are intended to position Korea’s startup ecosystem as an engine for high-value industries while addressing structural barriers that have historically limited scale-up potential.

Support for Small Businesses and Economic Balance

Alongside startup-focused policies, the government will expand the “New Start Fund” debt adjustment program for small business owners and the self-employed.
The beneficiary pool will grow from 80,000 to 350,000, as part of a broader Korean government economic policy 2025 commitment to inclusive growth and balanced economic development.

Tourism as a Strategic Growth Sector

Tourism is another pillar of the national growth plan. The government’s Korean inbound tourism strategy sets a target of 30 million foreign visitors annually, nearly doubling the 16.37 million recorded last year.

Planned initiatives include developing a wider range of K-tourism content and improving the visitor experience through infrastructure and service upgrades, with the aim of strengthening Korea’s standing as a top global destination.

Korea’s Venture Investment Plan: Strategic Implications for Global Startup Leadership

By aligning Korea’s startup funding targets with its inbound tourism strategy, expanded small business support, and the Korean government’s 2025 economic policy, this initiative creates a multi-pronged approach to national growth.

The government’s focus on scaling venture investment to ₩40 trillion, fostering a 50-unicorn pipeline, and integrating policy support across sectors is designed to build resilience, attract global capital, and strengthen Korea’s position in competitive innovation markets.

For international investors, these moves signal a clear intent to elevate Korea from a fast-growing startup hub to a global leader in high-value, innovation-driven industries, capable of setting benchmarks in both deep tech and cross-border business scalability.

Stay informed on Korea’s fast-moving startup and tech scene—follow KoreaTechDesk on social media: LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Bluesky, and Facebook for insights, funding news, and industry updates.