At Osong Biopolis and Medical Districts, leading national health institutions and bio companies are clustered together, forming a complete, full-cycle biomedical ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Cheongju Aeropolis District is being developed as a hub for MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul), smart logistics, and urban air mobility (UAM). The recent establishment of the National Fire Agency’s Aviation Maintenance Center has further solidified this foundation.

By connecting land, air, and global markets, CBFEZ is growing into an integrated platform for innovation and investment, set to become one of Northeast Asia’s most dynamic business gateways. Read on to find out more.

What makes the Chungbuk Free Economic Zone a standout investment destination, and what are its key strengths?

CBFEZ is unique as the only region in Korea where all six major national health institutions—including the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency—are located in one place. This unparalleled ecosystem enables the entire biopharmaceutical value chain—from discovery and regulatory approval to GMP production and export—to be conducted seamlessly.

Its strategic location enhances this competitiveness: only about one hour from the Seoul metropolitan area, with direct access to Cheongju International Airport, expressways, and high-speed rail. For investors, CBFEZ presents not only physical connectivity but also policy advantages such as comprehensive tax reductions, customs exemptions, and flexible regulatory frameworks.

Furthermore, Osong is home to a dense R&D network—including the Advanced Medical Complex (KBIOHealth) and the K-Biohealth Innovation Centerproviding an ideal base for foreign technology-driven companies to validate innovations, conduct collaborative research, and scale business operations quickly.

What are the core industrial strategies of CBFEZ?

CBFEZ is pursuing a dual-industry strategy that focuses on bio-health in Osong and aerospace/UAM in Cheongju, fostering synergy between advanced healthcare and mobility technologies.

• Osong (Bio-health): Building on world-class assets for biopharmaceutical development and production, Osong is integrating biotechnology with K-beauty and precision medical devices to establish itself as a truly global healthcare hub. This unique convergence fosters a virtuous cycle: biotech strengthens safety and material innovation, while the beauty industry accelerates commercialization and market access.
• Cheongju Aeropolis (Aerospace/UAM): With its direct proximity to Cheongju International Airport, Aeropolis is being developed as a premier aviation hub. Anchored by the National Fire Agency’s Aviation Maintenance Center and Aero K Airlines, the district is attracting MRO and aviation component companies. Investors benefit from reduced entry risks, immediate utilization of airport infrastructure, and faster access to global market opportunities.

What incentives and support systems are available to foreign investors?

CBFEZ provides a comprehensive incentive package designed to ease entry and support long-term growth for foreign investors.
Qualified companies can access benefits such as:

• Customs duty exemptions for up to five years
• Acquisition and property tax reductions
• Streamlined processes for foreign exchange, employment of foreign talent, and facility imports

Beyond these fiscal advantages, Osong offers a unique R&D and commercialization environment. As part of Korea’s regulatory-free zone framework, companies can conduct pilot testing, access technology commercialization platforms, and benefit from tailored support for scaling innovations.

In addition, CBFEZ enterprises are eligible for national programs under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, including priority access to pilot projects, grants, and low-interest financing. This multi-layered support framework makes CBFEZ an exceptionally attractive base for technology-driven global companies.

What major projects or recent achievements has CBFEZ accomplished?

CBFEZ’s dual focus industrie—bio-health and aerospace—are now yielding tangible projects and milestones.

1. K-Beauty Academy (Osong)

Slated for completion in 2026 within Osong Bio Valley, the K-Beauty Academy is designed to provide hands-on, industry-linked training programs. By strengthening corporate export readiness and cultivating skilled professionals, the Academy will function as both a talent hub and an R&D-collaboration platform, accelerating cross-sector innovation in bio and beauty.

2. Cheongju Aeropolis District 2 (Aerospace)

Completed in June 2025, the second Aeropolis district is dedicated to attracting MRO, aircraft component, and advanced materials firms. With direct access to Cheongju Airport, it offers unmatched locational advantages, and tenant negotiations with leading aviation companies are actively underway.

Together, these projects underscore CBFEZ’s strategic approach: combining infrastructure delivery with immediate business opportunities that investors can build upon.

What is CBFEZ’s long-term vision?

Currently operating four districts across Osong and Cheongju, CBFEZ is pursuing expansion and restructuring to meet evolving industry demands. Key initiatives include the development of Osong Bio New City, linked with the Third National Industrial Complex, and the proposed designation of Cheongju Aeropolis District 3.

Over the mid-to-long term, CBFEZ envisions becoming a “Global Advanced Business Hub City”. This vision rests on four pillars:

• Expanding K-bio and healthcare leadership
• Strengthening aerospace precision components and smart logistics
• Attracting global R&D campuses
• Promoting ESG-driven, investor-friendly living and business environments

By reinforcing its infrastructure, regulatory flexibility, and international partnerships, CBFEZ is committed to serving as a trusted and competitive partner for global companies seeking growth in Korea and beyond.