The government plans to increase this year's service export financing support to a maximum of 12.8 trillion won to expand promising service sector exports, including content, healthcare, and tourism. This figure is a 15.9% increase from last year's support (11.1 trillion won).
On the 21st, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and other relevant ministries announced the 'Implementation status check and future plans for key service industry measures' at the economic relations ministers' meeting and the industry competitiveness enhancement ministers' meeting.
In the content field, funding support will be strengthened throughout the entire cycle through dedicated funds and guarantee systems. A K-content fund of 570 billion won has been established, and cultural industry guarantees specialized for content corporations will be expanded. The Korea Trade Insurance Corporation has also been newly included as a guarantee institution, in addition to existing entities such as the Korea Technology Finance Corporation and Korea Startup Investment Co.
In the healthcare field, a pilot training program for dedicated caregivers for foreign patients will begin. The number of 'excellent attracting medical institutions' that can issue electronic visas is planned to increase to 60 by the end of this year.
In the tourism industry, the expansion of luggage delivery, off-airport baggage check-in services, and improvements in regulations for the convenience of foreign tourists will be pursued. Hybrid vehicles will be added to premium taxis, and visa regulations for foreign hotel staff will also be relaxed.
In the marriage service sector, a bill for the 'Consumer Protection Act for Marriage Services' has been submitted to the National Assembly, and 11 marriage preparation agencies are voluntarily disclosing their prices. The Fair Trade Commission has established standard contracts, and a checklist for preventing consumer harm has been distributed in cooperation with consumer groups. Currently, there are 154 public wedding venues in operation, with plans to expand to over 200 by 2027.
In the postpartum care sector, a bill amending the mother and child health law, which mandates the evaluation of postpartum care facilities, has been proposed, and research is ongoing to improve personnel standards. The Ministry of Health and Welfare will provide consulting services for maternal and newborn health management support overseas, including in Mongolia, starting next year, and will also support exports linked to medical institutions and care facilities.
The government will also reorganize the statistical system to enhance the effectiveness of the export support system. Since March, a 'knowledge service trade statistics' system has been newly established, separate from existing balance of payments statistics. Export performance by industry and corporation size for the three promising sectors, including content, ICT, and professional services, will be compiled more precisely. Through the amendment of the Enforcement Decree of the Foreign Trade Act, the scope of service exports will be comprehensively defined, and the criteria for recognizing export performance will also be expanded.
A Ministry of Economy and Finance official noted, 'The service sector accounts for 72% of employment and 61% of added value based on last year's figures,' adding, 'We will enhance the quality of services closely related to life and strengthen export competitiveness centered on promising industries.'