The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) said it will hold the opening event of the "Korea Grand Festival," a nationwide celebration for small business owners and the public, over two days on the 28th and 29th at Sky Garden in the Asia Culture Center and around the May 18 Democracy Square in Gwangju.
The Korea Grand Festival is a large-scale discount and consumption festival promoted by all ministries. With the goal of "consumption that brings hope, an economy that grows together," it will run for 12 days from Oct. 29 to Nov. 9.
First, on the 28th, the opening ceremony of the "Korea Grand Festival" will take place. At the venue, the TOP 100 representative products from small business owners selected through the "Korea Grand Festival online special exhibition" will be displayed. Visitors can see outstanding products across a range of categories, including household goods, food, and beauty, and can purchase them online on the spot via QR code.
In addition, 50 outstanding small businesses from Gwangju and South Jeolla Province will take part in a sales exhibition showcasing local specialties, handicrafts, and local foods. Participants include "Yul Art," noted as the merchandise producer for "K-pop Demon Hunters," the handcrafted beverage brand "Danmul Store," and the traditional snack oranda maker "Gaon Jamddeul."
Starting with the opening event in Gwangju, the Korea Grand Festival will be held alongside win-win festivals taking place simultaneously across 42 regions nationwide. Representative events include Cheongju's "Baking Bakery Festa," Daegu's "Dongseong-ro Noljang," Busan's "Snack Road in Busan," and Seoul's "Everyone's Companion Sales Exhibition," a colorful lineup reflecting each region's unique character and culture unfolding across the country.
Minister Han Seong-sook of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) said, "This Korea Grand Festival is a meaningful occasion where the public's consumption becomes hope and a stepping stone for South Korea's economic growth," adding, "I hope this festival in the beautiful cultural city of Gwangju will help build a culture of mutual growth where we can thrive and smile together."