The Ministry of SMEs and Startups said on the 26th that it newly designated 300 "centennial microbusinesses" for 2026 (150 Centennial Stores and 150 Centennial Master Craftspeople) to foster outstanding small merchants who have contributed to local communities based on long experience and technology.
Centennial microbusinesses are small merchants expected to achieve sustained growth while operating for a long period and contributing to their local communities. "Centennial Stores" are businesses such as restaurants and retail/wholesale operators that have been in operation for 30 years or more, and "Centennial Master Craftspeople" are skilled micro-manufacturers who have engaged in manufacturing for 15 years or more.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) has designated and nurtured centennial microbusinesses since 2018, and with the latest designations, the nationwide total has increased to 2,598 (1,545 Centennial Stores and 1,053 Centennial Master Craftspeople).
A total of 747 businesses applied for this round, recording a competition rate of about 2.5 to 1. Notably, businesses outside the greater Seoul area accounted for 62.7% (188) of all designees, which is expected to contribute to revitalizing regional economies and balanced development. Selection was made through document and on-site evaluations and a review committee, comprehensively assessing management sustainability, product and service competitiveness, and community contribution.
Selected businesses will receive a certification plaque and a storyboard, along with various benefits such as preferential access to policy funds and extra points in small business support programs. The ministry also plans to strengthen marketing support by partnering with Lotte Wellfood, Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC), and KORAIL Retail to create dedicated sales spaces, expand sales channels on and offline, and hold special exhibitions.
Among this year's honorees is "An-gang Restaurant" in Nam District, Busan. Opened in 1991, it has become a long-standing local favorite with its signature cauldron-lid samgyeopsal. "Jeonju Bokjip" in Yuseong District, Daejeon, was recognized as a case of business succession that has carried on pufferfish cuisine expertise across three generations.
"Haeinbang" in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, has continued metal crafts manufacturing for 26 years, inheriting miniature crafting techniques. The agricultural corporation "Miseullan" in Gokseong, South Jeolla Province, was selected as a corporations that has continued rice variety research for 20 years while working to develop healthy foods.
Lee Byeong-gweon, second vice minister at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), said, "Centennial microbusinesses are representative success models that have led regional economies based on accumulated experience, technology, and trust over many years," adding, "We will continue to strengthen support linked to policy, including expanding sales channels and promotion."
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