'Hidden Food Gems Revealed by a Banker' Shinhan Bank YouTube Channel 'Shinbaram' is Thriving

Small Business Support Project 'Ssadaegi' Gains Popularity

A screenshot from a program on Shinhan Bank's YouTube channel

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] Shinhan Bank's YouTube programs are showing signs of a big hit. In particular, the small business support project amid the COVID-19 pandemic, "Ssa-daegi (Cheap and Amazingly Delicious Restaurant Exploration)," is gaining popularity.

According to the financial sector on the 16th, Shinhan Bank launched a major revamp of its YouTube channel content on the 1st, its anniversary, and the new segment Ssa-daegi has already surpassed 40,000 views as of today. This segment was created with the purpose of introducing popular restaurants frequently visited by 14,000 employees working at over 870 Shinhan Bank branches nationwide. The concept features two Shinhan Bank employees visiting selected restaurants based on the average lunch price of 7,500 KRW for office workers and dining there themselves. It adds fun by revealing hidden gems that have never been featured on TV programs or blogs and sharing tips on how to enjoy the food deliciously.

The first episode featured a kimchi stew restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul, which was the most recommended place by 140 employees from 13 branches around City Hall Station. The second episode introduced a 5,000 KRW set meal restaurant in Jung-gu with no signboard and a daily changing menu. Despite its shabby appearance, it was well received for being cheap and tasty.

A screenshot from a program on Shinhan Bank's YouTube channel

Comments are also enthusiastic. The first episode received over 30 comments such as "Am I the only one looking forward to the next episode?" "My mouth is watering," and "The price is great, I will definitely visit later." As the purpose of supporting small businesses struggling due to COVID-19 became known, the official YouTube channel of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups also posted a comment saying, "We thank Shinhan Bank, a considerate company running a campaign to support local small businesses during these difficult times caused by COVID-19."

The third episode of Ssa-daegi selected a knife-cut noodle restaurant near Seoul City Hall Station. This content is scheduled to be uploaded on the afternoon of the 21st. Ssa-daegi plans to continue introducing restaurants nationwide.

The "Chinhan Bank" series, where bankers explain financial terms such as credit cards, currency exchange, and loans to preschool children, is also gaining popularity. The fun element comes from bankers trying to explain difficult financial terms through analogies like Aesop's fables but ultimately struggling to make the children understand. These short videos, about 5 to 6 minutes long, have all recorded between 40,000 and 54,000 views across the three episodes released so far.

The effect was immediate. Since the revamp, the number of subscribers has increased by nearly 6,000. As of today, Shinhan Bank has secured about 30,000 YouTube subscribers.

A Shinhan Bank official explained, "We named the YouTube channel nickname 'Funhan Bank,' a combination of 'fun' and 'Shinhan Bank,' reflecting the channel's direction to create financial content that can be enjoyed as entertainingly as variety shows." Shinhan Bank received advice from active variety show PDs and broadcast writers during this revamp. The official added, "Despite being a corporate account, many comments praise it as 'fun' and 'informative,' and it is growing in a positive atmosphere."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.