Gyeongbuk Creative Economy Innovation Center: Local Creator Orientation for '2025 Gyeongbuk Local Change-up'

## Gyeongbuk Local Creators, Igniting a New Wind of Regional Innovation! 'Gyeongbuk Local Change-up' Project Fully Launched The 'Gyeongbuk Local Change-up' project, poised to uncover Gyeongbuk's hidden values and inject new vitality into the region, has officially commenced. The Gyeongbuk Center for Creative Economy & Innovation recently successfully hosted an orientation for the selected local creator companies, signaling a vigorous start to this year's project. This project, continued for its third year by Gyeongbuk Province and the Center, aims to solve regional issues and promote revitalization through the re-creation of local value. Last year, 19 supported companies achieved impressive results, including 2.076 billion KRW in sales, 37 intellectual property applications/registrations, selection for major government grant projects, and expansion into the global market. Buoyed by this success, 15 outstanding companies were finally selected this year, overcoming a high competition rate of 1:17 among 255 applicants, generating significant anticipation. This orientation served as an important occasion to announce the start of comprehensive support programs for these companies and to provide practical information necessary for project implementation. The companies that took their first steps at the orientation include Nongbuchanggo (local food), Hanjisesang (lifestyle), Baekdupyogo (local food), Byeonggwajeomasil (local food), Agros (lifestyle), JL (cultural space), Bae-ri Samneung Park (leisure tourism), Haedam (local food), Somi International (lifestyle), Gyeongju Anju (local food), Yeongcheon Moktak Craftsman (lifestyle), Chilbaekjujo (local food), Yangwol-daek (local food), Kim Sangsang Studio (lifestyle), and Iroum (local food). They are all prepared to reinterpret Gyeongbuk's charm and create new value in their respective fields. The selected companies will receive comprehensive support for approximately six months, including commercialization funds, brand strengthening, marketing, and sales channel assistance. Through this, they will rediscover the value of local resources, build unique business models, and grow into key players in recreating Gyeongbuk. A representative from the Gyeongbuk Center expressed strong commitment, stating, "We will spare no practical support to ensure that these companies can establish themselves as core entities in Gyeongbuk's local ecosystem." This year, the 'Gyeongbuk Local Change-up' project will go beyond fostering local creators, accelerating the realization of a 'Gyeongbuk-type local life' through diverse programs such as activating local content at the community level and establishing mutually beneficial regional local hubs.