Sojinkong Introduces ESG Management to Traditional Markets... Distributes Eco-Friendly Paper Tape

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwak Minjae] The Small Enterprise and Market Service (SEMAS) announced on the 25th that it conducted a three-day coexistence activity at Seoul Hwayangjeil Alley Market and Daegu Seobyeon Central Market together with the ‘One Institution One Market Public Institution ESG Council’.

This coexistence activity is the first initiative since the council was formed. SEMAS has been linking traditional market co-prosperity projects promoted by individual public institutions according to the characteristics of traditional markets, based on years of operational know-how. SEMAS and six public institutions formed the council last August. They signed a ‘Public Institution Traditional Market Revitalization Council Memorandum of Understanding’ to support the introduction and activation of ESG management in traditional markets.

During the activity period, the council, including SEMAS, promoted various collaborative campaigns so that Seoul Hwayangjeil Alley Market and Daegu Seobyeon Central Market, selected as ESG leading markets this year, could take the lead in adopting ESG management and serve as benchmarks for other markets.

First, SEMAS launched a zero-waste campaign by producing and distributing eco-friendly paper packaging tape featuring the market logo, and collaborated with the small business broadcasting channel ‘yesTV’ to air campaign videos for each market, spreading the council’s activities.

In addition, ▲Incheon Port Authority’s eco-friendly shopping SNS challenge ▲Korea Gas Safety Corporation’s gas inspections per store and distribution of gas leak detection sprays ▲Korea Testing Laboratory’s upcycling eco bag production and distribution activities were carried out. Furthermore, ▲Korea Food Safety Management Certification Institute’s restaurant hygiene rating consulting and distribution of eco-friendly detergents ▲National Information Society Agency’s help desk (kiosk) installation and digital education ▲Korea Railroad Corporation’s distribution of shopping bags and market environment cleanup activities were linked to each institution’s specialized business areas to carry out diverse activities.

Park Seonghyo, Director of SEMAS, said, “For traditional markets to continue growing amid changing distribution environments, it is necessary to create an environment where market merchants can take an interest in ESG management and voluntarily participate.” He added, “The Service will actively cooperate with the council to ensure ESG management is well established in traditional markets and will continue to carry out various activities and campaigns.”