Editor’s Note
This report highlights the successful overseas expansion efforts of Iksan’s jewelry industry, facilitated by targeted municipal support. The significant export consultations secured at key international exhibitions underscore the sector’s growing global competitiveness and potential for economic contribution.
Iksan City is actively supporting its jewelry companies in expanding their overseas sales channels and enhancing competitiveness.
According to the city on the 8th, local jewelry companies achieved a total of 328 export consultations worth $12.71 million (approximately 18.3 billion KRW) through the 2025 Joint Exhibition Support Project.
This project supports participation in international jewelry exhibitions such as the Seoul International Jewelry & Accessory Show and the Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong. The city promotes the project annually in collaboration with the Fashion Industry Testing & Research Institute, the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Economic & Trade Promotion Agency, and the National Root Industry Promotion Center.
This year, six Iksan companies participated in the Seoul International Jewelry & Accessory Show, conducting 66 consultations (approximately $30,000) and signing on-site contracts worth $36,000.
At the Hong Kong jewelry show, 19 companies participated, recording 262 consultations worth approximately $12.68 million. This represents an increase of about 59% compared to last year’s $7.97 million.
Notably, the Iksan Pavilion attracted significant buyer interest during the exhibition period, with on-site contract amounts alone reaching $710,000 (approximately 1 billion KRW). The city supported the companies’ success by covering 90% of booth rental and setup costs and 100% of interpretation fees.
Furthermore, the Iksan Precious Metal Manufacturing Cooperative, a cooperative of Iksan jewelry company representatives launched earlier this year, participated in an international exhibition for the first time, showcasing various items and confirming potential in the overseas market.
Meanwhile, in addition to joint exhibition support, the city is helping to strengthen the competitiveness of local jewelry companies through initiatives like operating the ‘Brilliant Studio’ for online sales channel development and providing plating cost support. In November, the city plans to further solidify the status of Iksan as a jewelry city through the Root Functional Skills Competition to be held at Korea Polytechnic University.