Lee Byeong-gweon, the second Vice Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, visited a special pre-event sale for the "April Companion Festival" held at Gwanghwamun Square on the 8th and said, "We will overcome the economic crisis caused by the Middle East war by boosting consumption."
The Vice Minister emphasized, "It is more important than anything to keep the flow of consumption steady even amid the crisis caused by the Middle East war." He explained that if consumption contracts, it could have a negative impact on small business owners and the domestic economy as a whole.
The special sale runs from the 8th to the 10th at Yukjo Madang in Gwanghwamun Square, a popular destination for foreign tourists. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) organized the event to showcase K-culture small business products to a global audience and to spread a pro-consumption mood.
Fifteen small businesses, mainly in fashion and beauty, are taking part. Ninety-four kinds of "K-heritage" cultural products, which reinterpret traditional culture in a modern way, are also on sale. A variety of side events, including traditional game experiences for foreigners and busking, are being held.
The Vice Minister toured the venue and personally bought products from participating companies. At the site, the Vice Minister encouraged spending and reviewed the progress of policies to expand sales channels for small businesses using digital distribution platforms.
The Vice Minister emphasized, "Starting with the Gwanghwamun special sale, we will go all out to boost consumption and overcome the crisis through the 'April Companion Festival,' which will be fully rolled out from the 11th."