A total of 785 businesses applied for new designation
Record-high competition ratio of 7.9 to 1
Cumulative total: 1,407 Centennial Stores and 981 Centennial Skilled Small Businesses
On June 15, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that it has newly designated 100 "Centennial Small Businesses" for 2025 (50 Centennial Stores and 50 Centennial Skilled Small Businesses) in order to discover and promote successful models among outstanding small business owners with a long history and tradition. Centennial Small Businesses refer to small business owners who have operated their businesses for an extended period, made significant contributions to their local communities, and are expected to achieve continued growth based on their accumulated experience. The term "Centennial Store" applies to small business owners such as restaurants and retail shops that have built trust in their communities for over 30 years, while "Centennial Skilled Small Business" refers to small manufacturers who have maintained their businesses for more than 15 years with skilled techniques and craftsmanship.
Since 2018, the Ministry has been discovering and nurturing outstanding small business owners representing their regions through the "Centennial Store and Centennial Skilled Small Business Development Project." Including the newly designated businesses, there are now 1,407 Centennial Stores and 981 Centennial Skilled Small Businesses nationwide. A total of 785 businesses applied for this year’s selection, resulting in a record-high competition ratio of 7.9 to 1.
Notably, this year, a public awareness vote involving local residents was introduced for the first time. In addition to business longevity, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted on various criteria, including business sustainability, excellence and distinctiveness of products and services, and community contribution. Based on these assessments, the final 100 businesses were selected. The selected businesses will receive a certification plaque as a "Centennial Store" or "Centennial Skilled Small Business," along with a storyboard featuring their founding stories and business philosophies. Additional benefits include preferential access to small business policy funds and consulting, priority selection and extra points when applying for support programs within the Ministry, such as the Strong Small Business Growth Support and Smart Store Technology Distribution initiatives.
Among the newly designated Centennial Small Businesses, many have established themselves as leading local brands by maintaining their unique traditions and technical expertise while engaging with their communities over long periods. In Yeonje District, Busan, "Chaejeon Halmae Kalguksu" has a 37-year history and is recognized for its distinctive menu, featuring a unique onion-based seasoning and fried batter toppings developed in-house.
"Tongdoyo" in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, has a 32-year history. The company produces its products using traditional pottery-making techniques and local sandy white clay and natural materials that embody the vitality of the region. "Hamyeol Sanghoe" in Sokcho, Gangwon-do, handles around 50 types of fermented seafood products, including salted shrimp, seasoned fish sauce, and fish sauce. Despite its 57-year history, the company maintains high hygiene standards by producing its products in a modern, refrigerated, automatic sanitary processing facility. "Hyundai Beauty Academy" in Seo District, Gwangju, is a 42-year-old beauty academy that has introduced advanced beauty techniques to Korea and systematically passed them on by signing a technical exchange agreement with Yamino Beauty College in Japan. "Myeongseong Jeongmiso" in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do, has operated for 30 years, managing premium rice brands such as Myeongseong Rice, Gyeonggi Rice, Suhyangmi, and Koshihikari, and continues to launch new varieties and customized products for consumers.
Lee Daegun, Director of Small Business Policy, stated, "The businesses selected this time are not simply old establishments, but are a source of pride for small business owners who have consistently grown through quality, trust, and craftsmanship." He added, "We will continue to actively reflect the voices from the field and strengthen systematic support so that Centennial Small Businesses can grow into 100-year enterprises that go beyond being regional brands and advance globally."
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