South Korea is set to launch the "May Donghaeng Festival," a nationwide initiative aimed at stimulating consumer spending and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the traditionally family-centric month of May. Organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the festival will run from May 1 to 30, featuring a wide array of products and promotions across various online and offline platforms.
The festival will showcase over 24,000 high-quality products from local small business owners, available through more than 130 sales channels. Consumers can expect significant discounts, with online retailers such as Naver Shopping and Gmarket offering up to 30% off on 15,000 selected items. A highlight of the event will be the "Donghaeng Products 300" exhibition, presenting a curated selection of national representative products from these businesses.
To further amplify the reach of the festival, eight major home shopping networks, including Hyundai Home Shopping, will host dedicated promotional segments highlighting products from local SMEs. Additionally, Home&Shopping and Public Home Shopping will offer unique incentives such as clearance sales, discount coupons, and point accumulation programs.
The festival will kick off with simultaneous opening events in Sejong, Chuncheon, Incheon, and Naju from May 2 to 4. Following these events, regional special sales will take place in 18 locations across the country, featuring cultural performances and other engaging activities. Notable locations include Jeonju Weridan-gil and Cheongju Seongan-gil.
For travelers and shoppers alike, six dedicated sales outlets for SME products, including Panpan Duty Free at Incheon International Airport and Happy Department Store, will offer discounts ranging from 30% to 50% on 1,000 products.
Traditional markets and neighborhood shopping districts will participate by offering special refund programs on Onnuri gift certificates. Customers using digital Onnuri gift certificates will receive a 10% refund, up to 20,000 won per week, in digital Onnuri gift certificates. Ten online shopping malls that accept digital Onnuri gift certificates will host special exhibitions of traditional market products, complete with free delivery and discount coupons.
Private sector collaborations will also play a significant role in the festival's success. Card companies such as KB Kookmin and BC Card will offer discounts at long-standing businesses, traditional markets, and neighborhood shopping districts. Baedal Minjok will provide discounts of up to 10,000 won on products in the "Paldo Jinmi Hall" and 4,000 won discount coupons for takeout orders. Moreover, 200 supermarkets nationwide will offer discounts of up to 15% on 30 essential food and daily items.
Consumers interested in participating in the "May Donghaeng Festival" can find detailed information on sales products and events through the official festival website (k-shoppingfesta.org) and the KakaoTalk "Donghaeng Festival" channel. This initiative aims to provide a substantial boost to the economy while supporting the backbone of South Korea’s small business community.
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