Seoul’s city pride drives revenue for small businesses
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
Small businesses in Seoul, South Korea, earned over 114 million won (approximately $84,000) from selling goods themed around the city’s landmarks and culture during the first half of 2026.
Seoul Design Foundation launched a program to help 90 businesses integrate Seoul’s branding, including the “Seoul, My Soul” identity and Dongdaemun Design Plaza, into their products. These businesses then sold their items through retail locations and temporary pop-up shops.
Twenty-seven businesses, such as magnet maker Magumagu and bag brand Ashe, achieved 13.76 million won in sales during a three-week pop-up shop at the DDP Design Store. The Seoul Design Foundation reported increased interest in the initiative, receiving 237 product proposals from 155 businesses for its second contest held between August 24 and September 20. The program aims to boost revenue for small and medium-sized enterprises by capitalizing on local pride and Seoul’s unique identity.
