A Plate of Sundae Also 'Free Delivery' at the Market

Online Christmas Market Also Opens at Traditional Markets

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Minister Park Young-sun, hereinafter referred to as the Ministry) announced on the 13th that more than 6,000 stores in 350 traditional markets nationwide will hold the '2020 Christmas Market' online.

The traditional market online Christmas market, held for two weeks from the 14th to the 27th, was organized to revitalize traditional markets through online events and to inform consumers that traditional markets can also conduct online transactions.

First, through services such as 'Neighborhood Market Shopping' by Freshmento on Naver, 'Come to the Market' by Weju Co., and 'Our Neighborhood Traditional Market' by Coupang Eats, 133 traditional markets nationwide will sell not only side dishes like vegetables and fruits but also meals such as Altang (spicy fish roe soup) and beef radish soup, along with various foods. Customers who purchase during the Christmas Market period will receive free delivery within two hours of ordering, regardless of the amount.

The list of 133 traditional markets participating in this event and usage information can be found on the traditional market event page 'Sijang-ae (愛)'. Considering the environmental issues caused by increased use of disposable products due to the spread of non-face-to-face transactions, the Ministry plans to distribute 240,000 eco-friendly bags to traditional markets to align with the government's 'carbon neutrality' policy.

Through dedicated online shopping malls for traditional markets, customers can conveniently purchase famous local representative products nationwide without visiting in person, such as Dakgangjeong (sweet crispy fried chicken) from Sokcho Central Market, Gwamegi (half-dried Pacific saury) from Pohang Jukdo Market, Korean beef from Jangheung Saturday Market, and salted seafood from Nonsan Gang-gyeong Jeotgal Market. During the Christmas Market period, excellent traditional market products will be sold at up to 30% discount, and prize events for customers will be prepared by each shopping mall. Free shipping is also available at three shopping malls: Onnuri Traditional Market, Onnuri Good Day, and Saram Punggyeong.

On the online shopping mall Wemakeprice, about 180 products from young merchants, such as Dacquoise from Wonju Central Market (Jamae Bakery) and strawberry chocolate from Suwon Yeongdong Market (Snack Queen), are ready to welcome customers. Free shipping and a 20% discount coupon will be provided for purchases over 10,000 KRW.

During the event period, customers who purchase over 50,000 KRW will be entered into a draw to win prizes such as vacuum cleaners and air purifiers, with a total of 631 winners. Additionally, 600 customers who post online purchase certification shots on the traditional market event page 'Sijang-ae' will receive mobile gift certificates.

Minister Park Young-sun of the Ministry said, "'Merry K-MAS! Warm gifts delivered by Santa Mask!' Through the '2020 Christmas Market,' we aim to create a special Christmas unique to Korea where everyone becomes Santa to share warmth of comfort and hope together," adding, "We hope that the warm energy delivered by Santa Mask, through gifts purchased at traditional markets conveying love and gratitude, will spread widely not only in traditional markets but throughout the country."