'Korea Grand Festival' Opens in Gwangju

Concluding Amid Enthusiasm for Local Small Business Fair and Mutual Growth Concert
A Festival Blending Consumption and Culture

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that the opening ceremony of the "Korea Grand Festival," held on the Sky Garden and at the 5·18 Democracy Square in the National Asia Culture Center in Gwangju on the 28th, concluded successfully.

The "Korea Grand Festival" is a nationwide campaign to boost consumption, promoted under the slogan "Consumption that Brings Hope, an Economy that Grows Together," with cooperation from all government ministries. Starting with the opening event in Gwangju, the campaign will continue for 12 days across the country until November 9, encouraging consumption and mutual growth.

Hansung Sook, Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, is touring the sales booths at the opening ceremony of the Korea Grand Festival held on the 28th at the National Asian Culture Complex in Gwangju. Ministry of SMEs and Startups

The opening ceremony was attended by key figures including Minister Hansung Sook, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung, and the President of the Federation of Small Business Owners. Additionally, the "Mutual Growth Concert," where attendees could enjoy cultural performances by presenting receipts from their purchases, received a positive response. On the 28th, artists including Chungha, Oksang Dalbit, Lee Changsub, and Park Jihyun took to the stage. Audience members were able to receive a consumption coupon worth 10,000 won-the same amount as their ticket purchase-which could be used on-site to buy products from small business owners. The performance on the 29th is scheduled to be a free busking event open to all citizens.

A university student visiting the event commented, "I never realized there was such a variety of products from local small businesses." An office worker said, "With both busking performances and a flea market, it really felt like a festival in the heart of the city. I hope events like this are held more often."

Minister Hansung Sook of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups stated, "The Korea Grand Festival is not just a discount event, but a virtuous cycle where consumption leads to economic growth," adding, "I hope everyone enjoys the festival together and that the power of consumption helps both local communities and small business owners grow."