Seoul-themed goods bring city pride and sales to small businesses
In short
- Ninety small businesses and SMEs picked through Seoul's first brand goods contest sold 114.74 million won from February to June.
- Twenty-seven participants sold 13.76 million won during a three-week pop-up at DDP Design Store.
- A second contest drew 155 businesses and 237 product proposals, held from Aug. 24 to Sept. 20.
Why the Good News Desk likes this one
The Seoul Design Foundation's contest gives small businesses help to build products around the city's branding and landmarks like Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Retail stores and pop-up shops give them a way to reach customers. Interest is growing, with the second contest drawing far more proposals than the first.
From The Korea Times
Seoul’s landmarks, colors and cultural identity are becoming selling points for small businesses, with city-backed merchandise generating more than 114 million won ($84,000) in sales in the first half of 2026. Seoul Design Foundation said Monday that 90 small businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises selected through its first Seoul Brand Goods Commercialization Contest recorded combined sales of 114.74 million won from February through June. The initiative helps businesses incorporate Seoul’s city branding and landmarks, including the “Seoul, My Soul” identity and Dongdaemun...
Ask this story
For kids
In Seoul, some small shops make things with pictures of the city on them. Magnets and bags with the city's famous places on them are being sold. The shops are earning money from people who like their city. Talk about it: what place in your town would you put on a magnet?
