Seoul's startup ecosystem ranks 9th globally, up from 12th
Strong AI and biotech pipelines drove the climb, according to Startup Genome's annual report.
The announcement comes at a time when the broader industry is recalibrating expectations following several quarters of mixed signals.
Officials said the move reflects a longer-term strategic positioning rather than a short-term tactical response, with further details expected in the coming weeks.
Analysts suggest that while immediate market reaction has been muted, the structural implications could be more significant than initial readings indicate.
"This is the kind of step that takes 12 to 18 months to fully play out," said one industry observer who asked not to be named.
Market participants will be watching closely for follow-up actions and any signals from policymakers in the days ahead.