Seoul City Supports Subway and Kiosk Advertising for Nonprofit Corporations and Small Business Promotion

Selected Over 30 Youth Startups for Ad Production... Posted on Shoe Repair Stands and Citizen Bulletin Boards

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 17th that it will hold the second 'Hope Advertisement' contest of the year until the 16th of next month to support non-profit organizations and small business owners.

Since 2012, the city has selected hopeful organizations annually and provided free support for advertisement production, posting, and broadcasting. Up to the first project this year, a total of 360 organizations and companies have been supported.

Applicants must be non-profit corporations or organizations, traditional markets, enterprises for the disabled, women-owned businesses, cooperatives, social enterprises, shared enterprises, etc., and must have an address in Seoul. Organizations and companies selected within the last two years from the contest start date are excluded. In particular, following last year, this year as well, additional points will be awarded to youth startups applying for the Hope Advertisement contest to support youth entrepreneurship, and they will be given preferential treatment and selection in the case of ties.

The contest themes include ▲ activities of non-profit organizations contributing to society through donations, sharing, and volunteer work, and protecting the human rights and interests of socially vulnerable groups ▲ activities of small business owners that can give hope and courage to citizens and youth ▲ stories with public interest such as corporate social participation.

Selected organizations will receive comprehensive support from the Seoul Metropolitan Government for advertisement design planning, printing, posting, and video production. Moreover, since last year, youth startups with expertise in design planning and video production have participated, enabling higher-quality advertisements.

The print media supported by the city includes over 9,000 surfaces such as subway interior corners, street vendor stands, and shoe repair stands, while video media includes a total of 106 units such as the main government building’s citizen bulletin board, subway media boards, and municipal facility video equipment. Detailed information on application procedures can be found on the Seoul city website (seoul.go.kr), and the final selection will be made at the end of October through a screening committee composed of advertising experts.

Considering the difficult conditions caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the city decided to select and support about 30 organizations this year, more than usual. Promotional materials will be produced and advertisements will run from March to August next year.

Park Jin-young, Director of Citizen Communication Planning at Seoul City, said, "Hope Advertisement can be a great opportunity for small business owners and non-profit organizations struggling with promotional costs," adding, "We especially hope for many applications from youth startups seeking new opportunities amid the difficult economic conditions caused by COVID-19."