AI-Powered Personalized Consumer Recommendations... '2025 Small Business Owners Conference' Showcases K-Tech Innovations

Held for Two Days Until November 1
A Variety of Attractions Including AI Experiences and Exhibitions

"Wow, that's pretty accurate! I really like it."

On October 31, at KINTEX Exhibition Hall 2 in Ilsan, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Mr. Kwon (64), who runs a Korean restaurant in Busan, smiled broadly as he received a "whole wheat bread" from a staff member. This booth allows small business owners to experience artificial intelligence (AI) systems for smart store management firsthand. When a customer scans a QR code displayed in the store with their phone and stands in front of a video camera, the AI system analyzes the customer's gender and age group to recommend a personalized bread. Mr. Kwon said, "How did it know that someone in their 60s like me prefers whole wheat bread? The recommendation was spot on," adding, "If we had one of these in our store, customers would love it."

On the 31st, a woman is using an artificial intelligence (AI) experience booth at the '2025 Small Business Owners Conference' held at KINTEX in Ilsan, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Lee Seohui

The AI experience booth was one of the most eye-catching exhibits at the "2025 Korea Small Business Conference" held that day. The Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise organized this event, the largest festival for small business owners nationwide, to mark Small Business Owners Day (November 5). Hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and co-organized by the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise and the Small Enterprise and Market Service, the event is being held over two days, October 31 and November 1, at KINTEX in Ilsan, under the slogan "Small Business Owners Opening Today, Korea Connecting Tomorrow."

Minister Han Sung-sook of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and Song Chi-young, Chairman of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business, visited the booths at the "2025 Korea Small Business Conference" held on the 31st at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Ministry of SMEs and Startups

The event venue was packed with more than 2,500 small business owners eager to experience various booths and special exhibitions. In particular, the AI beauty store experience booth attracted a large crowd.

"Your personal color is Summer Cool Light." When a woman in her 50s sat in front of a mirror equipped with a camera, dozens of AI-recommended styling options appeared based on an analysis of her facial shape, eyebrow shape, lip size, and more. The AI carefully recommended everything from suitable cosmetic colors to hair styling. Ms. Lim (45), who used the service, said, "If this kind of service were introduced in cosmetics stores, it would greatly help customers choose products," adding, "The facial analysis results were more detailed and professional than I expected, so I trust it."

Song Chi-young, President of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise, (fourth from the left) and Han Sung-sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups, (fifth from the left) are taking a commemorative photo after attending the "2025 Micro Enterprise Conference" held on the 31st at KINTEX, Ilsan, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise

This year's Small Business Conference was held at a time when small business owners' sense of crisis has deepened more than ever due to sluggish domestic demand and economic downturn. In addition to key figures such as Minister Han Sungsook of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and Song Chiyoung, President of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise, an economic delegation from the Georgia State Senate and House of Representatives in the United States also attended, adding significance to the event.

Minister Han said, "The 7.9 million small business owners are the foundation of our economy and the roots of our local communities," and pledged, "We will do our best to strengthen safety nets and create an environment where small business owners can continue to take on challenges and grow." She also encouraged the small business owners attending the event. Song Chiyoung, President of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise, emphasized, "The newly established position of Vice Minister exclusively for small business owners at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, which was introduced at our suggestion, will be a groundbreaking turning point for small business policy and support."

Government awards were also presented to those who contributed to the development of small businesses. The highest honor, the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, was awarded to Seo Daeho, CEO of Seojin Comprehensive Architectural Facilities. He was recognized for developing new construction techniques to prevent accidents and providing free boiler inspections, among other contributions.

During the conference, organization-specific "Small Business Skills Competitions" will also be held, hosted by the Korea Outdoor Advertising Association Central Committee, the Korea Confectionery Association, and others. About 1,500 small business owners will compete to showcase their outstanding skills. In addition, various experiences and exhibitions are being offered, including makeup trials, exhibitions of outstanding outdoor advertising works, and customized scalp shampoo production.

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