23 newly certified firms include Gukje Food; 10 recertified include Sewoon Steel — bringing total to 87 companies

An MOU signing ceremony for preferential support policies for Busan's prestigious local companies, held in November last year. [Busan City]
An MOU signing ceremony for preferential support policies for Busan's prestigious local companies, held in November last year. [Busan City]

The Busan city government on Sunday named 33 companies as "2026 Busan Metropolitan City Prestigious Local Companies," recognizing firms that have contributed to the regional economy.

To qualify, companies must be headquartered in Busan and meet three criteria: at least 20 years in operation, a full-time workforce of 100 or more, and average annual revenue of at least 20 billion won (about $13.3 million) over the past three years.

This year's selections include 23 newly certified firms — among them Hwashin Bolt Industry, Unhasu Fisheries, SB Sunbo, Samdeok Tongsan, Simjin Food and Gukje Food — and 10 recertified companies, including Daehan Steel, Hwaseung Corporation and Sewoon Steel. The additions bring the total number of designated prestigious local companies in Busan to 87.

The city said the updated program criteria are designed to broaden participation among leading regional firms and to raise both the recognition and brand value of companies that have driven the Busan economy. Following an open application period in April, the city evaluated candidates on years of operation, economic contribution and social contribution, then finalized selections through expert review and deliberation by its Corporate Grievance Resolution Committee.

The program has also expanded beyond traditional manufacturing to cover a wider range of industries, including electronics, shipbuilding, auto parts, footwear, food, fisheries, aviation, finance and healthcare. The city plans to hold a certification ceremony in early July, along with a roundtable aimed at strengthening policy support for designated firms and fostering exchange and cooperation among them.

Certified companies will receive an official plaque and certificate. Under the city's ordinance on fostering and supporting prestigious local companies, they are also entitled to a range of benefits: policy financing support, a deferral of local tax officials' right to question and inspect, promotional support to raise their global profile, and preferential rates on Busan City Gas charges.


kaf2002@heraldcorp.com