May Companion Festival Achieves 436.6 Billion Won in Sales... All Indicators Hit Record Highs

130 On- and Offline Channels
22,000 SMEs and Small Business Owners Participate

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on June 12 that the May Companion Festival, which took place throughout May, recorded total sales of 436.6 billion won.

In addition to direct sales, 238.8 billion won worth of Onnuri gift certificates and 26.8 billion won worth of Local Love gift certificates were sold, contributing to increased sales for small business owners and traditional markets. This year's Companion Festival saw the participation of 130 on- and offline distribution channels, with 22,000 SMEs and small business owners selling their products through various special exhibitions.

Notably, for the first time, simultaneous opening sales events were held in four key regions nationwide (Incheon, Sejong, Naju, Chuncheon), effectively spreading a consumption-boosting atmosphere across the country and playing a significant role in revitalizing local economies.

Furthermore, to enhance the effectiveness of the Companion Festival, comprehensive efforts were made based on a strategy of selection and concentration. These included selecting outstanding products, introducing a direct purchase function on the website through functional improvements, encouraging consumer participation through various events, and strengthening viral and social network service (SNS) promotions.

Private companies also actively participated in mutual cooperation. Major platform companies such as Coupang and LotteON conducted special promotions for outstanding small business products selected through public contests ("Companion 300"), supporting the expansion of sales channels and revitalization for small business owners.

Seven credit card companies held discount and point accumulation events for "Hundred-Year Stores" and traditional markets, benefiting 15,000 consumers. These benefits translated into a total of 2.7 billion won in sales. Kakao (Talk Deal) and Baemin (Pickup Discount) also hosted a variety of win-win consumption events to support small business owners.

Public interest and participation were also enthusiastic. In the digital Onnuri gift certificate refund event held in connection with the festival, 830,000 people received refund benefits. About 2 million visitors flocked to 22 local sales events held nationwide. A Shorts video featuring festival ambassador and singer Sean reached a cumulative 3.6 million views, the festival website attracted 180,000 visitors, and 40,000 people participated in prize draws, review certifications, and discount events. All these indicators surpassed previous records, demonstrating that the Companion Festival is establishing itself as Korea's leading consumer festival.

Choi Wonyoung, Director of Small Business Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, said, "I sincerely thank all small business owners, SMEs, and citizens who participated in the May Companion Festival. For the September festival, we will discover and promote outstanding small business products and further invigorate the people's economy by preparing an even more diverse and abundant event."