SMEs ministry opens national traditional market fair in Gongju

The SMEs ministry said Monday that the 22nd National Excellent Market Expo opened in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province, drawing 120 traditional markets and shopping districts from across the country for a three-day run.

The fair, which began Friday at the Art Center Goma and the Baekje Cultural Center, is the largest annual showcase for Korea's traditional markets, and the ministry is marking it with governments decorations for merchants who have worked to revitalize them. Kwon Taek-jun, the Busan branch head of the National Merchants Federation, received the Seoktap Industrial Medal for leading events including an exchange fair for outstanding markets from the Yeongnam and Honam regions. Son Young-han, head of the merchant association at Hakseong Dawn Market, received an industrial citation for building a dawn delivery system and running joint marketing campaigns.

In the 22 years since the expo was first held in 2004, about 2,000 markets and shopping districts have taken part and some 28.7 billion won ($21.4 million) in sales have been generated.

Programs this year include exhibition and sales halls run by 80 markets selling agricultural, livestock and fishery products, crafts and household goods, and a food court where 20 markets are offering regional specialties. A separate pavilion for 20 youth vendors is showing products from younger merchants, and a basket auction show on the opening day started bidding for signature market goods at 100 won.

Private companies including Kakao, Lotte ON, CJ Logistics, Baemin, Coupang Eats and Hyundai Easywell joined the event on their own, offering programs and promotions aimed at cooperation with traditional markets and shopping districts. Kakao is running a kiosk experience zone and a chat channel event, while Lotte ON and Hyundai Easywell are supporting online sales of market products through planned promotions and live commerce.

Concerts are scheduled throughout the run, with Lee Chan-won, Seol Ha-yun and Heo Chan-mi performing on the first day, Ailee, Urban Zakapa and H1-KEY on the second, and a children's musical and a merchant talent show closing the event on Sunday. A shuttle bus is running every 10 to 15 minutes between Gongsanseong Fortress and the venue.

At the opening ceremony on Friday afternoon, which drew about 350 people including SMEs Minister Lee So-young, South Chungcheong Gov. Park Su-hyun and Gongju Mayor Choi Won-chul, Lee said traditional markets preserve the history and culture of their regions. "I hope this expo widely promotes the excellent products and diverse charms of traditional markets and becomes a festival where regions and generations come together," she said.

Lee added that the ministry plans to overhaul the Onnuri gift certificate system so users can receive more benefits when they spend at traditional markets and local commercial districts.