Gwangju Takes Key Step to Unleash Student Potential Through Entrepreneurship

Gwangju is embarking on an ambitious new effort to empower international students and fuel its innovation economy. The city has unveiled plans to launch an extensive entrepreneurship support program offering internships, startup courses, and mentorship to global learners studying within its borders.

Officials from organizations across Gwangju including the Technopark, Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, and Information & Content Agency met recently to flesh out the initiative’s details. International students at Gwangju-based universities will have the opportunity to apply for paid internships starting in April at local companies participating in the program.

Selected candidates will undergo pre-internship training before embarking on a six-month placement beginning in July/August. The city will cover part of interns’ salaries to incentivize more employers to get involved and provide valuable on-the-job experience. In addition, Gwangju will expand its existing entrepreneurship training curriculum exclusively for international students.

Last year, 25 global learners gained startup skills through courses teaching Korea’s business environment and connecting them with mentors. The refreshed program aims to build on this success by nurturing aspiring student entrepreneurs from ideation through execution. With its generous support structures, Gwangju is positioning itself as a thriving hub where the next generation of innovators can turn their dreams into reality.