Gyeongju HICO Local Brand Fair Selected for Ministry of Trade Project for Second Consecutive Year... Set for July 2 This Year

Expansion of International Buyer, Domestic Distribution, and Investment Connections

Recognition for Fostering Brands Based on Regional Resources

The Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Bureau (HICO, Acting Chairperson Choi Hyukjun) announced that the 'Local Brand Fair,' which it organizes, has been selected for the second consecutive year in the '2026 Domestic Exhibition Support Project' under the Regional New Trade Exhibition category by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

This recognition was the result of high marks for its efforts to discover and nurture local brands based on regional resources and culture, as well as for contributing to revitalizing the local economy by supporting market expansion and export marketing for startups and small business owners through the exhibition.

Local Brand Fair 2025 event scene. Provided by Gyeongju City

At last year's event, buyers from 11 companies across four countries were invited for a glocal buyer consultation session, which resulted in a total of 469 consultations, three MOUs, and one LOI signed.

Building on this success, HICO has confirmed the potential for local brands to expand into domestic and international markets and has proven its competitiveness as a business-linked exhibition.

Marking its fifth edition this year, 'Local Brand Fair 2026' will be held over three days from July 2 to 4 at HICO and the first floor of the APEC International Media Center.

During the event, a variety of programs to support the business expansion of local brands will be held, including export consultations for international buyers, networking programs, the Local Insight Conference, and the Local Brand Awards.

This year, in addition to inviting international buyers, the event plans to expand the participation of domestic buyers, including MDs and purchasing managers from major domestic distribution platforms, business collaboration and utilization managers from local governments and public institutions, and investors (VCs, ACs) who support the growth of local brands.

Yoon Seunghyun, President of Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center (HICO), stated, "Being selected for this project will further strengthen the role of the Local Brand Fair as a business platform connecting domestic and international buyers. We will work to broaden participation to include not only overseas participants but also those from domestic distribution, investment, and public sectors, in order to foster an ecosystem for local brand growth."

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