Ministry of SMEs and Startups, 53 Local Governments to Foster 800 Late-Night Unmanned 'Smart Super' Stores

Support for Introducing Necessary Technologies and Equipment for Unmanned Operation such as Access Authentication Devices and Unmanned Checkout Counters

A neighborhood supermarket in Sadang-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul has opened as the first "Smart Super," with an official demonstrating the process of purchasing items using an unmanned checkout counter.
The Smart Super is a hybrid unmanned store model operated directly by the owner during the day and unmanned at night. The government supports up to 10 million KRW per store for the introduction of smart technologies necessary for unmanned operation, such as smart gates (access authentication devices), unmanned checkout counters, and security systems. The Small Enterprise and Market Service and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups plan to gradually expand Smart Supers nationwide to neighborhood supermarkets starting next year. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Smart supermarkets, operated with staff during the day and unmanned at night, will expand nationwide from Seoul to Jeju.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on the 9th that it has selected 53 local governments to participate in the smart supermarket development project aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of neighborhood supermarkets and improving quality of life.

The local governments participating in this smart supermarket development project include Seoul (Gwangjin-gu, Gwanak-gu, Guro-gu, Geumcheon-gu, Dobong-gu, Dongjak-gu, Songpa-gu), Incheon (Namdong-gu, Michuhol-gu), Daejeon (Daedeok-gu, Dong-gu, Seo-gu), Daegu (Dalseo-gu, Dalseong-gun, Suseong-gu), Busan (Nam-gu, Buk-gu, Yeongdo-gu, Jung-gu), Ulsan Ulju-gun, Gyeonggi (Goyang, Gwangmyeong, Bucheon, Seongnam, Suwon, Siheung, Anyang, Yangju, Yongin, Uiwang), Gangwon (Donghae, Sokcho, Inje, Chuncheon), Chungbuk (Eumseong, Chungju), Chungnam Cheonan, Gyeongbuk (Gumi, Bonghwa, Andong), Gyeongnam (Gimhae, Namhae, Changwon, Hapcheon), Jeonbuk (Gochang, Gunsan, Gimje, Iksan, Jeonju), Jeonnam (Boseong, Yeosu, Jangheung), and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

The smart supermarket development project supports neighborhood supermarkets by introducing technologies and equipment necessary for unmanned operation, such as entry authentication devices and unmanned checkout counters, enabling small business owners to increase additional sales during nighttime hours and reduce working hours to improve their quality of life.

Each local government will receive applications from neighborhood supermarkets in their jurisdiction through the Small Enterprise and Market Service, conduct on-site evaluations, and select 800 stores by April. Eligible stores are neighborhood supermarkets with a floor area of less than 165㎡.

Selected stores will receive support from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (up to 5 million KRW) and local governments (at least 2 million KRW) for pre-diagnosis, introduction of smart technologies and equipment, training, and follow-up management.

A local government official participating in the project stated, "Despite continuous inquiries from neighborhood supermarkets wishing to participate amid the crisis in local commercial districts caused by COVID-19, many could not apply due to limited resources."

Baek Seokhee, Director of Small Business Management Support at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, said, "There are limits to policies focused on regulation or protection in revitalizing local commercial districts like neighborhood supermarkets. We will continuously introduce various models that can sustain the digitalization of neighborhood supermarkets and transform them into key players in the distribution industry."