[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] Kakao(035720)received the Prime Minister’s Commendation for its contributions to supporting the digital transformation of traditional markets and local shops. The company was recognized for its achievements in providing digital transformation training to 325 commercial districts nationwide through “Project Regular Customer,” which has been in operation since 2022, and for connecting approximately 1 million customers with over 4,000 KakaoTalk channels.

Kakao announced on the 12th that it received the Prime Minister’s Commendation at the “2026 Awards for Contributions to the Revitalization of Traditional Markets and Shopping Districts” ceremony held on the 9th at the Goma Art Center in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province. Organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Small Business and Market Service, this award honors individuals, institutions, and organizations that have contributed to the revitalization of traditional markets and local commercial districts.

“Project Regular” is a mutual growth program designed to help small business owners utilize digital services to maintain consistent communication with customers and grow their businesses. Kakao has been collaborating with the Korea Small Business and Market Promotion Corporation and local merchant associations to provide on-site, customized training and marketing support.

Last year, the free shuttle bus “Regular Customer Bus,” which connects local festivals and commercial districts, operated 104 times across four regions, facilitating approximately 2,400 visits. This year, Kakao is continuing its support initiatives across 38 traditional markets and local shopping districts nationwide and has introduced training on the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

“Kakao Class,” launched in 2016, has also supported small business owners and entrepreneurs in strengthening their digital capabilities and developing online sales channels, helping approximately 7,000 people to date. In addition to hands-on training, the program provides top graduates with support linked to Kakao’s business resources to help them grow their businesses.

This year, the company is also expanding initiatives to boost the competitiveness of individual stores and increase local foot traffic. “Regular Spot” has selected 12 food and beverage (F&F) establishments in the Gangwon region to provide support in product planning, branding, online sales, and AI training. It is also helping these businesses list their products on KakaoTalk’s TalkDeal and Makers platforms, and plans to provide benefits worth up to 100 million won per store through December.

“Ggokgok,” a project connecting local shops with visitors, is also underway. It introduces local shops’ products, spaces, and owners’ stories through a magazine and encourages visits via walking route guides using KakaoMap and guided local tours. “Ggokgok Magazine: Gongju” was published on the 6th, and starting on the 16th, “Ggokgok Walk”—an event where participants can experience local shops and spaces—will take place in the Jeminchon area of Gongju.

Yang Hyun-seo, Kakao’s Mutual Growth Business Performance Leader, stated, “This award is the result of the efforts of merchants and local partner organizations who have worked together on new initiatives in the field,” adding, “We will continue our mutual growth initiatives to help small business owners build relationships with customers and enable communities to grow independently by leveraging Kakao’s technology and services.”

Kakao won the “2024 Korea Shared Growth Daesang” in the Local Community Shared Growth category and, in April of this year, received a Presidential Commendation for its contributions to mutual cooperation in the mobile gift certificate market and the digital transformation of small business owners.