Kakao Impact Receives Presidential Award for 'Revitalizing Traditional Markets'

Kakao Impact announced on the 6th that it has been awarded the Presidential Award, the '2023 Traditional Market Revitalization Merit Award,' in recognition of its contribution to revitalizing traditional markets at the National Excellent Market Expo.

The National Excellent Market Expo, hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, is an event that exhibits and sells excellent traditional market products nationwide. It has been held annually since 2004, marking its 19th year this year. The 'Traditional Market Revitalization Merit Award' received by Kakao Impact is given to organizations that contribute to revitalizing traditional markets, cooperate symbiotically with merchant associations and the government, and help boost morale and pride in traditional markets. Kakao Impact was recognized for strengthening the digital capabilities of markets by assisting in the establishment of KakaoTalk channels for traditional markets and individual stores, and providing digital marketing and online communication education using these channels, earning the Presidential Award.

Since last year, Kakao Impact and Kakao have been promoting 'Our Neighborhood Favorite Market,' a digital transformation project aimed at revitalizing traditional markets and fostering coexistence with small business owners. 'Our Neighborhood Favorite Market' began last year with Shinyeong Market in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, and completed digital transformation education for 36 markets nationwide by September this year. Starting in October, 75 markets received support, benefiting a total of 111 markets nationwide this year. Since the launch of the 'Our Neighborhood Favorite Market' project, a total of 1,506 KakaoTalk channels have been established in 36 markets nationwide. These channels have collectively secured approximately 116,227 KakaoTalk channel friends.

Yook Sim-na, Secretary General of Kakao Impact, said, "We are pleased that the passion of traditional market merchants for the new change called digital transformation and Kakao’s efforts have been recognized," adding, "We will continue to consider various support measures to revitalize traditional markets."