CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS
The purpose of this Decree is to prescribe the matters mandated by the Special Act on High-Tech Industry Talent Innovation and matters necessary for the enforcement thereof.
| Article 2 (Consultation procedures for designation of high-tech industry) |
| (1) | Upon receipt of a request from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources for consultation on the designation of a high-tech industry under subparagraph 1 c of Article 2 of the Special Act on High-Tech Industry Talent Innovation (hereinafter referred to as the "Act"), the head of the relevant central administrative agency shall provide his or her opinion within 30 days from the date of receipt of such request. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | If necessary for the designation of a high-tech industry under subparagraph 1 c of Article 2 of the Act, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may survey central administrative agencies to identify their demand. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | "Persons who meet the requirements prescribed by Presidential Decree" under the provisions, with the exception of its items, subparagraph 5 of Article 2 of the Act means high-tech industry talent meeting all of the following requirements: |
| 1. | A willingness to settle in the Republic of Korea; |
| 2. | Not falling under any of the following: |
| a. | A person in whose case 5 years have not passed since imprisonment without labor or a heavier punishment sentenced by a court was completely executed (or is deemed completely executed) or was remitted; |
| b. | A person under suspension of the execution of his or her imprisonment without labor or a heavier punishment declared by a court; |
| c. | A person defaulting on national or local tax payment; |
| d. | A foreigner falling under any of the grounds referred to in items a through c or any other ground similar thereto in the relevant country. |
CHAPTER II HIGH-TECH INDUSTRY TALENT INNOVATION BY INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITY AND PARTICIPATION
| Article 3 (Persons subject to education by in-house graduate school-type lifelong educational establishment) |
"Candidate for employment prescribed by Presidential Decree" in the latter part of Article 4(2) of the Act means a person who is scheduled to be hired, under a contract for employment, as an employee falling under any subparagraph of Article 32(2) of the Lifelong Education Act, which applies mutatis mutandis under the former part of Article 4(2) of the Act, within one year from the date the relevant contract is concluded [where a person is scheduled to be hired after having been awarded a degree by an in-house graduate school-type lifelong educational establishment under paragraph (1) of that Article (hereinafter referred to as "in-house graduate school") under a contract, within one year from the date the relevant degree program is completed].
| Article 4 (Authorization for establishment of in-house graduate school) |
Where it is intended to establish and operate an in-house graduate school pursuant to Article 4(1) of the Act, Article 36 of the Enforcement Decree of the Lifelong Education Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to authorization for the establishment thereof. In such cases, "in-house college" shall be construed as "in-house graduate school", "next 4 years (2 years in the case of an in-house college that operates a two-year bachelor's degree program or an in-house college, the graduates of which are recognized to have the same level of education and degree as that of junior college graduates)" as "next 2 years (4 years in the case of a doctor's degree program)", and "next 4 years (2 years in the case of an in-house college that operates a two-year bachelor's degree program or an in-house college, the graduates of which are recognized to have the same level of education and degree as that of junior college graduates)" as "next 2 years (4 years in the case of a doctor's degree program).
| Article 5 (Bearing expenses for in-house graduate school education) |
`Article 38 of the Enforcement Decree of the Lifelong Education Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the scope of educational expenses to be borne by an employer under Article 32(3) of the Lifelong Education Act applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Act. In such cases, "in-house college" shall be construed as "in-house graduate school".
| Article 6 (Standards for establishment of in-house graduate school) |
`Article 39 of the Enforcement Decree of the Lifelong Education Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the standards for the establishment of an in-house graduate school under Article 32(4) of the Lifelong Education Act applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Act. In such cases, "in-house college" shall be construed as "in-house graduate school".
| Article 7 (In-house graduate school buildings) |
`Article 40 and Appendices 5 and 6 of the Enforcement Decree of the Lifelong Education Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to school buildings among matters necessary for the operation of an in-house graduate school under Article 32(4) of the Lifelong Education Act which applies mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Act. In such cases, "in-house colleges" shall be construed as "in-house graduate schools"; and "respectively applicable to associate and bachelor's degree programs under Article 44(1)" shall be construed as "comprehensively applicable where both master's and doctor's degree programs are operated".
| Article 8 (Faculty members of in-house graduate school) |
| (1) | Article 41 and Appendix 7 of the Enforcement Decree of the Lifelong Education Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to faculty members among matters necessary for the operation of in-house graduate schools under Article 32(4) of the Lifelong Education Act applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Act. In such cases, "in-house college" shall be construed as "in-house graduate school" and "maximum number of students by division based on the year of completion of organization" shall be construed as "1.5 times the maximum number of students by division based on the year of completion of organization". |
| (2) | Notwithstanding paragraph (1), where an in-house graduate school operates a doctor's degree program, it shall secure at least 7 faculty members in relevant fields. |
| Article 9 (Amendments to in-house graduate school regulations) |
`Article 42 of the Enforcement Decree of the Lifelong Education Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to amendments to school regulations among matters necessary for the operation of an in-house graduate school under Article 32(4) of the Lifelong Education Act applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Act. In such cases, "in-house college" shall be construed as "in-house graduate school".
| Article 10 (School year, semester of in-house graduate schools) |
| (1) | Article 43(1), and (3) through (5) of the Enforcement Decree of the Lifelong Education Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to school years, semesters, etc. of in-house graduate schools among matters necessary for the operation of an in-house graduate school under Article 32(4) of the Lifelong Education Act applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Act. In such cases, "in-house college" shall be construed as "in-house graduate school". |
| (2) | Among the matters necessary for operating an in-house graduate school under Article 32(4) of the Lifelong Education applied mutatis mutandis under Article 4(2) of the Act, the term of school years for an in-house graduate school shall be classified as follows:. |
| 1. | Master's degree program: At least 2 years; |
| 2. | Doctor's degree program: At least 2 years; |
| 3. | Combined master's and doctor's degree program: At least 4 years; provided, it shall exceed the sum of school years for master's and doctor's degree programs. |
| (3) | Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the term of school years referred to in paragraph (2) may be shortened to the extent classified as follows, for a person who has earned more credits than those required to obtain a degree, as prescribed by regulations of the relevant in-house graduate school: |
| 1. | Master's degree program: Not more than one year; |
| 2. | Doctor's degree program: Not more than 6 months; |
| 3. | Combined master's and doctor's degree program: Not more than 1.5 year. |
| Article 11 (Operation of curricula by in-house graduate schools) |
| (1) | Article 44 of the Enforcement Decree of the Lifelong Education Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the operation of curricula among matters necessary for the operation of in-house graduate schools under Article 32(4) of the Lifelong Education Act, which applies mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Act. In such cases, "in-house colleges" shall be construed as "in-house graduate schools"; "a course of study for a technical bachelor's degree or a course of study for a bachelor's degree" as "master's degree program"; "a course of study for a technical bachelor's degree and a course of study for a bachelor's degree" as "doctor's degree program as prescribed by school regulations"; "where a student has earned credits at schools under Article 2 of the Higher Education Act, other in-house colleges, or distance college-type lifelong educational establishments under Article 50, or has earned credits by completing the subjects for evaluation and accreditation under the Act on Recognition of Credits under Article 2 of the Higher Education Act" as "where a student has earned credits at a graduate school or graduate school university or college under Article 29 or 30 of the Higher Education Act or an in-house graduate school"; and "admission eligibility under Article 45(1)" as "admission eligibility under Article 13(1)". |
| (2) | Where a doctor's degree program is operated under Article 44(1) of the Enforcement Decree of the Lifelong Education Act applied mutatis mutandis under paragraph (1), a program combining a master's degree program and a doctor's degree program may be established. |
| Article 12 (Operation of in-house graduate school steering committee) |
| (1) | A steering committee shall be established in an in-house graduate school to deliberate on matters regarding the operation of an in-house graduate school under Article 32(4) of the Lifelong Education Act which applies mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Act. |
| (2) | Article 24(2) and (3) of the Enforcement Decree of the Higher Education Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to matters subject to deliberation by the steering committee under paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as the "steering committee") and the composition thereof. In such cases, "Graduate School Committee" shall be construed as "steering committee", "graduate school" as "in-house graduate school", and "school" as "in-house graduate school", respectively. |
| Article 13 (Admission and transfer admission to in-house graduate schools) |
| (1) | Among the matters necessary for operating an in-house graduate school under Article 32(4) of the Lifelong Education applied mutatis mutandis under Article 4(2) of the Act, qualifications for admission to an in-house graduate school shall be classified as follows: |
| 1. | Master's degree program and combined master's and doctor's degree program: Bachelor's degree holders or persons deemed to have equivalent or higher academic background under statutes or regulations, who are employees and candidates for employment under Article 4(2) of the Act; |
| 2. | Doctor's degree program: Master's degree holders or persons deemed to have equivalent or higher academic background under statutes or regulations, who are employees and candidates for employment under Article 4(2) of the Act. |
| (2) | Article 45(2) of the Enforcement Decree of the Lifelong Education Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the maximum number of students, admission, and transfer admission of in-house graduate schools among the matters necessary for the operation of an in-house graduate school under Article 32(4) of the Lifelong Education Act applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Act. In such cases, "in-house college" shall be construed as "in-house graduate school" and "Articles 28(1) and 29(1) of the Enforcement Decree of the Lifelong Education Act" as "Article 30(1) and (7) of the Enforcement Decree of the Lifelong Education Act". |
| Article 14 (Conferment of decree by in-house graduate school) |
| (1) | Among the matters necessary for operating an in-house graduate school under Article 32(4) of the Lifelong Education Act applied mutatis mutandis under Article 4(2) of the Act, conferment of degrees by an in-house graduate school shall be governed by the following subparagraphs; in such cases, types of degrees and matters necessary for the conferment thereof shall be prescribed by regulations of the in-house graduate school: |
| 1. | The head of an in-house graduate school shall confer a master's degree to a person who has completed a master's degree program prescribed by school regulations; |
| 2. | The head of an in-house graduate school shall confer a doctor's degree to a person who has completed a doctor's degree program or a combined master's and doctor's degree program prescribed by school regulations. |
| (2) | Article 35(3) of the Higher Education Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the conferment of degrees for a combined master's and doctor's program under Article 11(2). |
| (3) | Articles 44, 45, 50, and 51 of the Enforcement Decree of the Higher Education Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the submission, examination, publication, etc. of dissertations necessary for conferring degrees under paragraphs (1) and (2). In such cases, "graduate school committee under Article 24" in Article 44(2) shall be construed as "steering committee"; "university or college, industrial college, or teachers' college" in Article 45 as "in-house graduate school"; "graduate school committee" in Article 50(1) as "in-house graduate school"; and "under Article 31 of the Act" in Article 50(2) as "under Article 10(2) and (3)", respectively. |
| Article 15 (Cancellation of conferment of degrees by in-house graduate school) |
Where a person has committed any impropriety in obtaining a degree pursuant to Article 14(1) and (2), the head of an in-house graduate school may cancel the conferment thereof after deliberation by the steering committee; provided, where the relevant in-house graduate school is closed down, the Minister of Education may cancel the conferment of the relevant degree.
| Article 16 (Close-down of in-house graduate school) |
Where an in-house graduate school is to be closed down under Article 32(5) of the Lifelong Education Act applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Act, Article 47 of the Enforcement Decree of the Lifelong Education Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the reporting thereof and the management of school registers. In such cases, "in-house college" shall be construed as "in-house graduate school".
| Article 17 (Designation of enterprise talent development institution and department dedicated to talent innovation) |
| (1) | "Standards prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 5(1) of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | To have in place staff dedicated to supporting and managing talent innovation activities for high-tech industries as classified below: |
| a. | A small enterprise under Article 8(1) of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises: At least 2 persons; provided, the number of such staff shall be at least one person until 3 years from the date of establishment of the enterprise; |
| b. | A medium enterprise under Article 8(2) of the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises: At least 3 persons; |
| c. | A middle-standing enterprise defined in subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Special Act on the Promotion of Growth and the Strengthening of Competitiveness of Middle-Standing Enterprises (hereinafter referred to as "middle-standing enterprise"): At least 7 persons; |
| d. | An enterprise other than those referred to in the above items: At least 10 persons; |
| 2. | To have in place any of the following lecturers (including part-time lecturers) as classified in the items of subparagraph 1: |
| a. | An assistant professor or higher in a field related to high-tech industries or high-tech industry talent innovation or a person holding a position equivalent thereto at a university or authorized research institute; |
| b. | A person who has at least 4 years of work experience in talent innovation activities in the relevant field after having attained a bachelor's or higher degree in the field of high-tech industry; |
| c. | A person who meets the qualification requirements determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources as equivalent to those referred to in items a and b; |
| 3. | To have in place classrooms necessary for high-tech industry talent innovation activities; |
| 4. | To operate educational programs customized to high-tech industries; |
| 5. | To have equipment necessary for practical education. |
| (2) | A person who intends to be designated as an enterprise talent development institution, etc. under Article 5(1) of the Act shall submit to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources an application for designation as an enterprise talent development institution, etc. prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, accompanied by the following documents: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | An outline of high-tech industry talent innovation activities; |
| 2. | The current status of dedicated staff and lecturers referred to in paragraph (1)1 and 2; |
| 3. | Details of educational programs under paragraph (1)4; |
| 4. | The current status of equipment in place necessary for practical education under paragraph (1)5; |
| 5. | The whole drawings and interior drawings of the building or floor where an enterprise-affiliated educational and training institution or an educational and training department of an enterprise is located (including exclusive entrance signboards and interior photographs). |
| (3) | Where a person who has applied for designation pursuant to paragraph (2) meets all the standards for designation under paragraph (1), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may designate the applicant as an enterprise talent development institution, etc. referred to in Article 5(1) of the Act. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (4) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall issue a certificate of designation of an enterprise talent development institution, etc. prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources to a person designated an enterprise talent development institution, etc. pursuant to paragraph (3) (hereinafter referred to as "enterprise talent development institution, etc. "), and record and manage the details thereof in the register of certificates of designation of an enterprise talent development institution, etc. prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (5) | Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources designates an enterprise talent development institution, etc. pursuant to Article 5 (1) of the Act or revokes the designation thereof pursuant to Article 6 (1) of the Act, he or she shall publish such fact on the website of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (6) | "Matters prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 5(3) of the Act means the matters falling under paragraph (2)2 through 5. |
| (7) | Where an enterprise talent development institution, etc. intends to file a report on modification pursuant to Article 5(3) of the Act, it shall submit to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources a report on modification prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, accompanied by documents evidencing such modification. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (8) | Upon receipt of a report on modification under paragraph (7), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall record and manage the details thereof in the register of issuance of certificates of designation of enterprise talent development institutions, etc. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 18 (Support for enterprise talent innovation institutions, etc. from the State and local governments) |
| (1) | Pursuant to Article 5(4) of the Act, the State and local governments may fully or partially contribute or subsidize expenses incurred in the establishment and operation of facilities of an enterprise talent development institution, etc., taking into consideration its performance in high-tech industry talent innovation activities and other factors. |
| (2) | Upon receipt of a contribution under paragraph (1), an enterprise talent development institution, etc. shall establish and manage a separate account for the contribution, and shall use it only for purposes of installing and operating its facilities. |
| (3) | The provisions of the Subsidy Management Act and the Act on the Management of Subsidies for Local Governments shall apply to the payment, management, etc. of subsidies under paragraph (1). |
| Article 19 (Designation of high-tech industry academy) |
| (1) | "Standards prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 7(1) of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | To be equipped with facilities necessary for education; in such cases, it shall secure a legitimate title to the relevant facilities by means of ownership, jeonse, lease, or loan for use; |
| 2. | To have in place at least 4 professionals (including part-timers) falling under any of the following; in such cases, if the representative of an agency, organization or business entity falls under any of the following, the representative shall be included in the calculation of the number of professionals: |
| a. | A person with a master's or higher degree in a high-tech industry; |
| b. | A person who has at least 2 years of work experience in a high-tech industry after having attained a bachelor's degree in that field; |
| c. | A person who has at least 4 years of work experience in a high-tech industry after having attained an associate degree in that field, |
| d. | A person who has at least 2 years of experience in consulting services related to a high-tech industry after having acquired qualification as a management consultant or technology consultant under Article 3 of the Act on Management Consultants and Technology Consultants; |
| 3. | To operate educational programs for at least 180 days a year; |
| 4. | To have in place equipment for practical education necessary for training high-tech industry talent. |
| (2) | An institution, organization, or business entity which intends to be designated as a high-tech industry academy under Article 7(1) of the Act shall submit to the head of the competent central administrative agency an application for designation as a high-tech industry academy prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources under paragraph (2) of that Article, accompanied by the following documents: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Articles of association or regulations on business operations corresponding thereto; |
| 2. | Business plans and budget for revenues and expenditures; |
| 3. | A list of property and documents proving the contribution of property; |
| 4. | Documents proving that the standards for designation under paragraph (1) are satisfied. |
| (3) | Where a person who has applied for designation pursuant to paragraph (2) meets all the standards for designation under paragraph (1), the head of the competent central administrative agency may designate the applicant as a high-tech industry academy under Article 7(1) of the Act. |
| (4) | The head of the competent central administrative agency shall issue a certificate of designation of a high-tech industry academy prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources to a person designated as a high-tech industry academy pursuant to paragraph (3) (hereinafter referred to as "high-tech industry academy") and shall record and manage the details thereof in the register of issuance of certificates of designation of high-tech industry academy prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (5) | Where the head of the competent central administrative agency designates a high-tech industry academy pursuant to Article 7(1) of the Act or revokes the designation of a high-tech industry academy pursuant to paragraph (5) of that Article, he or she shall publish such fact on the website of the relevant agency. |
| (6) | "Businesses prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 7(3)8 of the Act means the following: |
| 1. | Employment support for high-tech industry talent; |
| 2. | Business consulting on training of high-tech industry talent. |
| Article 20 (Registration of enterprise specializing in high-tech industry talent innovation) |
| (1) | "Person ... meets the requirements prescribed by Presidential Decree" in the provisions, with the exception of its subparagraphs, of Article 8(1) of the Act means a person who meets all of the following requirements: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | To have in place at least 3 professionals falling under any of the following for each high-tech industry; in such cases, if the representative of a corporation or a sole proprietor falls under any of the following, the representative or sole proprietor shall be included in the calculation of the number of professionals: |
| a. | An assistant professor or higher in a field related to high-tech industry talent innovation or a person holding a position equivalent thereto at a university or authorized research institute; |
| b. | A person who has at least 4 years of work experience in talent innovation activities in the relevant field after having attained a bachelor's or higher degree in the field of high-tech industry; |
| c. | A person who meets the qualification requirements determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources as equivalent to those referred to in items a and b; |
| 2. | To have in place facilities and equipment necessary to conduct any business falling under any subparagraph of Article 8(1) of the Act. |
| (2) | "Projects prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 8(1)5 of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Projects for cooperation with local governments for securing local talent in high-tech industries under Article 22(1) of the Act; |
| 2. | Other projects deemed necessary by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources for high-tech industry talent innovation. |
| (3) | A person who intends to register as an enterprise specializing in high-tech industry talent innovation pursuant to Article 8(1) of the Act shall submit to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources an application for registration of an enterprise specializing in talent innovation prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, accompanied by the following documents: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Articles of association or regulations on business operations corresponding thereto; |
| 3. | Documents proving that the standards for registration under paragraph (1) are satisfied. |
| (4) | Upon receipt of an application for registration filed under paragraph (3), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall register the applicant as an enterprise specializing in high-tech industry talent innovation, if he or she deems that the applicant meets the requirements for registration prescribed in paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (5) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall issue a certificate of designation of an enterprise specializing in high-tech industry talent innovation prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources to a person designated an enterprise specializing in high-tech industry talent innovation pursuant to paragraph (4) (hereinafter referred to as "enterprise specializing in talent innovation"), and record and manage the details thereof in the register of certificates of designation of an enterprise specializing in talent innovation prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (6) | "Support prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 8(2)4 of the Act means the following: |
| 1. | Support for public relations on the educational contents of an enterprise specializing in talent innovation; |
| 2. | Supporting linkage between professional trainers and enterprises specializing in talent innovations under Article 10(1) of the Act. |
| (7) | Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources intends to provide support to an enterprise specializing in talent innovation pursuant to Article 8 (2) of the Act, he or she shall formulate a support plan, including criteria for selecting eligible recipients, details of support, and procedures for support, and post it on the website of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 21 (Registration of professional trainer) |
| (1) | "Person ... who meets certain requirements prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 10(1) of the Act means a person who has completed curricula determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources, from among the following persons: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | A person qualified as a professional engineer in a high-tech industry under the National Technical Qualifications Act; |
| 2. | A person qualified as a master craftsman in a high-tech industry under the National Technical Qualifications Act; |
| 3. | A person who has at least 10 years of work experience in a high-tech industry after having attained a bachelor's or higher degree in that field; |
| 4. | A person who has at least 13 years of work experience in a high-tech industry after having attained an associate degree in that field. |
| (2) | The categories of high-tech industries in national technical qualification under paragraph (1)1 and 2 shall be determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | A person who intends to register as a professional trainer for high-tech industry talent pursuant to Article 10(1) of the Act shall submit to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources an application for registration of a professional trainer for high-tech industry talent prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, accompanied by documents evidencing that the requirements for registration under paragraph (1) are met. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (4) | Upon receipt of an application for registration filed under paragraph (3), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall register the applicant as a professional trainer for high-tech industry talent, if he or she deems that the applicant meets the requirements for registration prescribed in paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (5) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall issue a certificate of registration as a professional trainer for high-tech industry talent prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources to a person designated as a professional trainer for high-tech industry talent pursuant to paragraph (4) (hereinafter referred to as "professional trainer"), and record and manage the details thereof in the register of certificates of registration of as a professional trainer for high-tech industry talent prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (6) | "Support prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 10(2)4 of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Support for employment of high-tech industry talent trained by professional trainers; |
| 2. | Support for linkages between professional trainers and educational institutions, etc.; |
| 3. | Support for professional trainers to strengthen their competency in training high-tech industrial talent; |
| 4. | Support for employment of professional trainers; |
| 5. | Other matters deemed necessary by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources to facilitate training of talent by professional trainers. |
| (7) | Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources intends to provide support to a professional trainer or an institution hiring or utilizing professional trainers pursuant to Article 10(2) of the Act, he or she shall formulate a support plan, including criteria for selecting eligible recipients, details of support, and procedures for support, and post it on the website of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 22 (Support for facilitation of opening and sharing of industrial talent innovation facilities) |
"Support prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 12(2)6 of the Act means the following:
| 1. | Public relations for talent innovation facilities under Article 12(1) of the Act (hereafter in this Article referred to as "talent innovation facilities"); |
| 2. | Consulting support for security maintenance and management in opening and sharing talent innovation facilities. |
CHAPTER III LAYING FOUNDATION FOR TALENT INNOVATION IN HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES
| Article 23 (Establishment of High-Tech Industry Talent Innovation Center) |
| (1) | "Public institution prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 14(1) of the Act means the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology established under Article 38 of the Industrial Technology Innovation Promotion Act. |
| (2) | "Projects prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 14(2)6 of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Projects for high-tech industry talent innovation, which are conducted jointly with an association of high-tech industrial engineers established under Article 15(1) of the Act or the Talent Innovation Council established under Article 18(1) of the Act; |
| 2. | Projects for assisting in the acquisition of local talent in high-tech industries under Article 22(1) of the Act; |
| 3. | Other projects deemed necessary by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources for high-tech industry talent innovation. |
| Article 24 (Business affairs of association of high-tech industrial engineers) |
"Business affairs prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 15(3)8 of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
| 1. | Projects for strengthening the training competency of professional trainers; |
| 2. | Project to support linkages between professional trainers, enterprises, colleges, etc.; |
| 3. | Public relations projects to improve the social status of high-tech industry talent; |
| 4. | Other projects deemed necessary by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources to achieve the purpose of establishing the association of high-tech industrial engineers. |
| Article 25 (Procedures for support related to voluntary regulations for creating high-tech industry talent innovation ecosystem) |
| (1) | A person who intends to receive support from the Government pursuant to Article 16(3) of the Act shall submit to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources voluntary regulations under paragraph (1) of that Article (hereafter referred to as "voluntary regulations" in this paragraph), accompanied by the following documents: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Written consent of enterprises, institutions, and organizations to participate in voluntary regulations; |
| 2. | Other documents deemed necessary by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources. |
| (2) | Upon receipt of an application for support under paragraph (1), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall determine whether to provide support, the details of support, etc., and notify the relevant applicant thereof. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 26 (Use of High-Tech Industry Talent Development Fund) |
"Projects prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 17(4)8 of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
| 1. | Projects to prevent the outflow of high-tech industry talent to foreign countries; |
| 2. | Projects to support employment of high-tech industry talent; |
| 3. | Other projects deemed necessary by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources for the vitalization of the ecosystem for high-tech industry talent innovation. |
| Article 27 (Talent Innovation Council) |
`Article 5 of the Enforcement Decree of the Industrial Development Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the methods of organizing and operating the Talent Innovation Council under Article 18(1) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as "Talent Innovation Council"). In such cases, "Article 12(2) of the Act" shall be construed as "Article 18(1) of the Act", "consultative body on human resources development for each industry" as "Talent Innovation Council", and "consultative body for each industry" as "Talent Innovation Council".
| Article 28 (Workforce supply and demand analysis for high-tech industries) |
| (1) | "Matters prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 19(1)3 of the Act means the following: |
| 1. | Employment trends and employment status by business type; |
| 2. | Status of human resources training institutions by business type; |
| 3. | Trends in workforce supply and demand in overseas high-tech industries. |
| (2) | Where necessary for the workforce supply and demand analysis under Article 19(1) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as "human resources supply and demand analysis"), with the exception of its subparagraphs, the head of a central administrative agency may request a relevant specialized institution to collect, investigate, and analyze information. |
| (3) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may establish and operate a comprehensive information system for the supply of and demand for workforce in high-tech industries in order to systematically manage and utilize the information collected for the workforce supply and demand analysis. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 29 (Designation of business types at risk in terms of high-tech industry talent) |
| (1) | The heads of relevant central administrative agencies subject to consultation under Article 20(1) through (4) of the Act shall be the Minister of Economy and Finance, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Science and ICT, the Minister of Employment and Labor, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Minister of Planning and Budget. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025; Dec. 30, 2025> |
| (2) | "Industry of a scale equivalent to or larger than that prescribed by Presidential Decree" in the former part of Article 20(2) of the Act means an industry of a scale equivalent to or larger than that determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources in consideration of the marketability, ripple effects, etc. of high-tech industries. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources designates a type of business at risk in terms of high-tech industry talent (hereinafter referred to as "business type at risk") pursuant to Article 20(1) or (2) of the Act or cancels the designation thereof pursuant to paragraph (3) of that Article, he or she shall publish such fact on the website of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (4) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may request an institution, corporation, or organization equipped with expertise and human resources in high-tech industries to conduct a fact-finding survey and data collection under Article 20(4) of the Act. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (5) | A fact-finding survey referred to in Article 20(4) of the Act shall be conducted by means of a written survey, field survey, etc., for each high-tech industry, and shall include the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Matters regarding the size of an industry, the current status of talent, causes of an industrial crisis, etc.; |
| 2. | The effects of industrial crises on the national economy; |
| 3. | Other matters deemed necessary by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources to identify the need to designate business types at risk and the current status of talent, etc. |
| Article 30 (Support for business types at risk) |
"Matters prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 21(1)6 of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
| 1. | Improving the working environment of employees in business types at risk; |
| 2. | Priority participation in talent development projects implemented by educational institutions, etc.; |
| 3. | Support for educational facilities, equipment, etc. necessary for talent development projects jointly conducted by business entities of business types at risk; |
| 4. | Support for re-employment of workers in other types of business; |
| 5. | Consulting support for training talent in business types at risk; |
| 6. | Other matters deemed necessary by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources for the prompt acquisition of talent by business types at risk. |
CHAPTER IV SUPPORT PROJECTS FOR HIGH-TECH INDUSTRY TALENT INNOVATION
| Article 31 (Acquisition of local high-tech industry talent) |
"Projects prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 22(1)4 of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
| 1. | Projects for supporting the improvement of transportation infrastructure and expansion of convenience facilities for employees of enterprises in high-tech industries; |
| 2. | Projects for creating cultural facilities for the influx of human resources from other areas; |
| 3. | Projects for training local talent in connection with specialized complexes for national high-tech strategic industries defined in subparagraph 3 of Article 2 of the Act on Special Measures for Strengthening the Competitiveness of, and Protecting National High-Tech Strategic Industries; |
| 4. | Other projects deemed necessary by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources for acquiring local talent in high-tech industries. |
| Article 32 (Support for youth and female talent in high-tech industries) |
"Matters prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 23(3)5 of the Act means the following:
| 1. | Support for international exchange projects in connection with educational institutions, etc.; |
| 2. | Support for the creation of networks of youth and female talent in high-tech industries. |
| Article 33 (Support for small and medium enterprises and middle-standing enterprises in high-tech industries) |
| (1) | "Small and medium enterprises and middle-standing enterprises in high-tech industries, the scale of which does not exceed that prescribed by Presidential Decree" in the main clause, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 24(1) of the Act means any of the following among enterprises in high-tech industries: |
| 1. | Small and medium enterprises under Article 2 of the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises; |
| 2. | Middle-standing enterprises with an average sales of less than one trillion won for the immediately preceding 3 business years (the average sales calculated pursuant to Article 7(2)2 or 3 of the Enforcement Decree of the Special Act on the Promotion of Growth and the Strengthening of Competitiveness of Middle-Standing Enterprises, if the number of immediately preceding business years is less than 3). |
| (2) | "Projects prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 24(1)5 of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Projects to support retraining of employees of enterprises; |
| 2. | Support for talent acquisition projects implemented in cooperation with large enterprises; |
| 3. | Other projects deemed necessary by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources to assist small and medium-sized enterprises and middle-standing enterprises in high-tech industries in acquiring talent. |
| Article 34 (Review of appropriate number of overseas talent to attract) |
"Matters prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 26(2)4 of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
| 1. | Current status of overseas talent by country and technology; |
| 2. | Information on policies and systems for attracting overseas talent; |
| 3. | Other matters deemed by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources to be necessary for review of the appropriate number of overseas talent to attract. |
| Article 35 (Cooperation in attracting overseas talent) |
"Activities prescribed by Presidential Decree" in subparagraph 4 of Article 27 of the Act means the following:
| 1. | Support for exchanges with overseas high-tech industry talent training institutions; |
| 2. | Public relations on domestic residential conditions and working environment through connection with high-tech industry-related enterprises and the Talent Innovation Council; |
| 3. | Support for overseas and online recruitment activities of domestic enterprises; |
| 4. | Financial support for the Overseas Talent Attraction Center under Article 29 of the Act. |
| Article 36 (Support for overseas talent in settlement) |
| (1) | "Standards prescribed by Presidential Decree" in the provisions, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 28(1) of the Act means the standards publicly notified by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources in consideration of the academic background, career, annual income, etc. of overseas talent, in consultation with the Minister of Economy and Finance, the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Planning and Budget. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025; Dec. 30, 2025> |
| (2) | "Matters prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 28(1)2 of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Support necessary for admission to a foreigners' school under Article 60-2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (hereafter referred to as "foreigners' school" in this paragraph); |
| 2. | Permission for extra-quota admission to a foreigners' school; |
| 3. | Tuition subsidization for lineal minor children of overseas talent; |
| 4. | Support for lineal minor children of overseas talent in exchanges; |
| 5. | Other matters deemed necessary by the Minister of Education or the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources to assist in child care and regular education for lineal minor children of overseas talent. |
| (3) | "Matters prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 28(1)4 of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Counseling, brokerage, and other support related to the domestic housing lease system, such as jeonse deposit return guarantee; |
| 2. | Other matters deemed necessary by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources for residential stability of outstanding overseas talent. |
| Article 37 (Standards for selecting outstanding enterprises and professional trainers and procedures for support) |
| (1) | Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources intends to provide financial support under Article 31(1)1 of the Act, he or she shall have a prior consultation with the Financial Services Commission. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (2) | Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources intends to select persons eligible for support under Article 31(1) of the Act, he or she shall formulate a selection plan including the number of persons to be selected, the period of application, details of support, etc. and post it on the website of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | The criteria for selecting business entities and professional trainers eligible for support under Article 31(2) of the Act shall be as follows: |
| 1. | Period of high-tech industry talent innovation activities; |
| 2. | The number of high-tech industry talent trained through high-tech industry talent innovation activities; |
| 3. | The degree of contribution of talent trained through high-tech industry talent innovation activities to the development of high-tech industries. |
| (4) | Details regarding the procedures for providing support and the criteria for selecting persons eligible for support under paragraphs (2) and (3) shall be determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 38 (Support for outstanding enterprises and talent and selection standards thereof) |
| (1) | "Support prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as awarding a prize to outstanding enterprises and paying incentives to outstanding talent" in Article 33(1) of the Act means the following: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Granting an award to outstanding enterprises; |
| 2. | Paying incentives to outstanding talent; |
| 3. | Promotion of outstanding enterprises and talent; |
| 4. | Priority participation in talent training programs implemented by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources. |
| (2) | Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources intends to select outstanding enterprises and talent under Article 33(1) of the Act, he or she shall formulate a selection plan including the number of persons to be selected, the period of application, details of support, etc. and post it on the website of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | The criteria for selecting outstanding enterprises under Article 33(2) of the Act shall be as follows:. |
| 1. | The level of establishment of the talent training system; |
| 2. | The level of contribution of high-tech industry talent trained by the relevant enterprise to the development of high-tech industries. |
| (4) | The criteria for selecting outstanding talent under Article 33(2) of the Act shall be as follows: |
| 1. | The level of contribution to training of talent through high-tech industry talent innovation activities; |
| 2. | The level of contribution to the improvement of the talent innovation system for high-tech industries. |
| (5) | Details regarding the procedures and criteria for selecting outstanding enterprises and talent under paragraphs (2) through (4) shall be determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources. |
CHAPTER V SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
| Article 39 (Entrustment of business affairs) |
| (1) | Pursuant to Article 35(2) of the Act, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall entrust the following affairs to the high-tech industry talent innovation center under Article 14(1) of the Act (hereafter referred to as "Talent Innovation Center" in this Article): <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Conducting a fact-finding survey and collecting data on business types at risk under Article 20(4) of the Act; |
| 2. | Conducting a survey on the demand for projects for acquiring local talent in high-tech industries under Article 22(2) of the Act; |
| 3. | Conducting a fact-finding survey on the utilization of youth and female talent under Article 23(1) of the Act; |
| 4. | Conducting a survey on the demand for projects for talent acquisition by small and medium and middle-standing enterprises in high-tech industries under Article 24(2) of the Act; |
| 5. | Conducting surveys to examine the appropriate number of overseas talent to attract under Article 26(2) of the Act; |
| 6. | Receiving applications for designation of enterprise talent development institutions, etc. and confirming the details of applications under Article 17(2); |
| 7. | Receiving applications for designation of high-tech industry academies and confirming the details of applications under Article 19(2); |
| 8. | Receiving applications for registration of enterprises specializing in talent innovation and confirming the details of applications under Article 20(3); |
| 9. | Establishment and operation of a comprehensive information system for the supply of and demand for workforce in high-tech industries under Article 28(3). |
| (2) | The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may entrust business affairs regarding the receipt of applications for registration of professional trainers under Article 21(3) and the confirmation of the details of applications to the Talent Innovation Center or the association of high-tech industrial engineers under Article 15(1) of the Act. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources entrusts business affairs pursuant to paragraph (2), he or she shall give public notice of the institution to be entrusted therewith and the details of the entrusted business affairs. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 40 (Re-examination of regulation) |
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall examine the appropriateness of the following matters every 3 years, counting from January 1, 2025 (referring to the period that ends on the day before the base date of every third year) and shall take measures, such as making improvements: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
| 1. | Standards for the designation of an enterprise talent development institution, etc. under Article 17(1); |
| 2. | Standards for the designation of a high-tech industry academy under Article 19(1). |
CHAPTER VI PENALTY PROVISIONS
| Article 41 (Criteria for imposing administrative fines) |
The criteria for imposing administrative fines under Article 38(1) of the Act shall be as specified in the Appendix.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 35210, Jan. 16, 2025>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on January 17, 2025.
Article 2 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 35803, Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation; provided, from among the Presidential Decrees amended pursuant to Article 6 of the Addenda, the amendments to the Presidential Decrees which have been promulgated before this Decree enters into force but the enforcement dates of which have yet to arrive, shall enter into force on the enforcement date of the relevant Decree.
Articles 2 through 5 Omitted.
Article 6 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 35939, Dec. 23, 2025>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 35947, Dec. 30, 2025>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on January 2, 2026; provided, from among the Presidential Decrees amended pursuant to Article 6 of the Addenda, the amendments to the Presidential Decrees which have been promulgated before this Decree enters into force but the enforcement dates of which have yet to arrive, shall enter into force on the enforcement date of the relevant Decree.
Articles 2 through 5 Omitted.
Article 6 Omitted.