"Yeongwol Small Business Sales Rise 36% Thanks to 'The King and the Living Man' Blockbuster"

Accommodation and Food Service Up 52.5%

With the film "The King and the Man Who Lives" surpassing 10 million viewers, it has been found that sales of small businesses in the Yeongwol area of Gangwon, a major filming location, have increased significantly compared to before the movie's release.

Daejeon Small Enterprise and Market Service Headquarters building exterior. SEMES

On the 19th, the Small Enterprise and Market Service (SEMAS) announced that, according to an analysis of 2,161 stores in Yeongwol County related to tourism industries, the average daily sales of small businesses in Yeongwol County during the four weeks following the movie's release date (February 4) rose by 35.7% compared to the four weeks prior to the release. This analysis was conducted by comparing and analyzing KB Card sales data.

By industry, the accommodation and restaurant sector saw the highest increase at 52.5%, followed by the arts, sports, and leisure services sector at 37.8%, and the wholesale and retail sector at 27.0%. Weekend sales surged by 68.5%, while weekday sales increased by 22.1%, indicating that tourism demand was concentrated on weekends.

Compared to the same period last year, sales increased by 16.4%. By industry, the arts, sports, and leisure services sector recorded the highest growth at 59.9%, followed by the accommodation and restaurant sector at 21.5%, and the wholesale and retail sector at 11.7%.

SEMAS also plans to analyze the spillover effects on nearby commercial districts and the perceived business climate among small business owners in connection with the upcoming BTS concert to be held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on the 21st.

Chairman In Taeyeon stated, "SEMAS aims to conduct in-depth analyses of small business management status in response to rapidly changing commercial trends and key local issues, centering on our research institute," adding, "We will ensure that these analysis results form a foundation for enhancing the self-sustainability of local commercial districts so that the benefits do not remain temporary but lead to continuous competitiveness."

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