To analyze the status and needs of the small- and medium-sized garment manufacturing industry in Busan, this study comprised an online survey of companies and interviews with 14 representatives of the 98 companies. The results are as follows: Approximately 34.7% of the garment manufacturers were located in Geumjeong-gu, Busan. The most common type of work was the contracting factory type. Daily production output was between 100pcs and 300pcs. Production materials comprised 42.9% woven and 24.8% knitted fabrics. Main products were menswear, uniforms, womenswear, casual wear, sports and leisure wear, protective clothes, and children’s clothing. The main clients were uniform companies, main factories, wholesale markets, online shopping malls and promotion companies, exporters, and department stores. As a result of a survey on industrial needs with company representatives, their satisfaction with company employees was 57.2%, and the most important factor when hiring employees was job-related competencies, among which the ability to understand the sewing process was the most necessary. In terms of computer software literacy, illustrations and pattern CAD/CAM are required. They thought industry-university cooperation is crucial for advantage for advantage research and product development, as it allows for the sharing knowledge, resources, and especially human resources. The greatest administrative issue were human resources and funding.

This study started from the practical need for a career experience program in the fashion major that is creative and responds to current methodologies. The purpose of this study is to propose a fashion work experience program that combines digital technology and practical experience. The research methods and procedures were as follows: fashion items and wearable devices were selected, the LED smart bag program was developed, and it was executed. A total of 123 students participated in the program, and a satisfaction survey was conducted after observation and oral evaluation. All of the participants completed the LED smart bag processes of design ideation, material selection, production, and styling using an eco-bag (one of the fashion items and as an LED wearable device). As a result of the participants’ satisfaction (on a 5-point scale), most items showed a high level of satisfaction of 4.39 points or more. The smart bag program was evaluated to increase interest based on the time allotted and the students’ level and to bolster their understanding of, and interest in, the fashion major. Therefore, this study is expected to be baseline to explore diversification of the fashion major work experience program, in order to create interest in the fashion major based on creative convergence competency.