Korea Grand Festival Sets Sail in Gwangju

A Large-Scale Consumption Festival with All Ministries United
Participation from Small Business Owners and Citizens Nationwide
A Platform for Mutual Growth Blending the Passion and Culture of Gwangju Citizens

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that it will hold the opening ceremony of the 'Korea Grand Festival' on October 28 and 29 at Sky Garden of the National Asia Culture Center and the 5·18 Democracy Square in Gwangju. The Korea Grand Festival is a large-scale discount and consumption event promoted through the joint efforts of all government ministries, and will run for 12 days from October 29 to November 9. The festival aims to foster a spirit of 'consumption that brings hope and an economy that grows together,' by encouraging both the public and businesses to participate and share hope through spending, thereby revitalizing the local economy.

First, at 6:50 p.m. on October 28, the opening ceremony of the 'Korea Grand Festival' will be held at the Sky Garden of the National Asia Culture Center. The venue will feature an exhibition of the 'TOP 100 Small Business Representative Products' selected through the 'Korea Grand Festival Online Special Exhibition.' Visitors can experience outstanding products from various sectors, including household goods, food, and beauty, and make online purchases on the spot using QR codes.

Fifty outstanding small businesses from the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions will participate in the opening event, presenting a sales exhibition of local specialties, handicrafts, and local food. Notably, local companies that combine youthful creativity with regional identity will take part in large numbers, such as Yulart, recently recognized as the producer of K-Pop Demon Hunters merchandise; Danmulgage, a handmade beverage brand; and Gaonjamddeul, a traditional snack maker. Their participation will highlight the growth potential of local small businesses and the convergence of cultural industries. There will also be the 'Mutual Growth Receipt Concert,' where citizens and small business owners can enjoy performances together. On October 28, Chungha, Oksangdalbit, Lee Changsub, and Park Jihyun will perform, while on October 29, musicians will hold busking performances.

The Korea Grand Festival will begin with the opening event in Gwangju and will be held concurrently in 42 regions across the country as a mutual growth festival. Notable examples include the 'Bakery Festa' in Cheongju, 'Dongseongno Noljang' in Daegu, 'Snack Road in Busan,' and 'Everyone’s Companion Sales Exhibition' in Seoul, with a wide variety of events that reflect the unique characteristics and cultures of each region. These events go beyond simple sales exhibitions, serving as platforms where small business owners can promote their brands and communicate directly with consumers. Various participants, including young entrepreneurs, traditional market merchants, and local food companies, will join to spread a culture of hopeful consumption.

Han Sung-sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups, stated, "This Korea Grand Festival is a meaningful occasion where the public’s spending becomes a source of hope and a stepping stone for Korea’s economic growth." She added, "I hope that this festival, held in the beautiful cultural city of Gwangju, will foster a culture of mutual growth where everyone can grow and smile together."

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