[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] Kakao(035720)is selling products from 20 small businesses in Gangwon, Gongju, and Mokpo to consumers nationwide through Kakao Makers, and in Gongju, it is even linking the initiative with an offline visit program to revitalize the local commercial district.

Kakao announced on the 16th that it will run the “Local Flavors and Charm at Kakao Makers—A Special Exhibition of Favorite Shops from Every Corner” on Kakao Makers through the 31st.

A total of 20 businesses—including 12 food and beverage (F&F) shops in Gangwon selected through a “Regular Shop” contest and 8 shops in Gongju and Mokpo participating in the “Everywhere” project—are taking part in this event, showcasing over 50 products.

Kakao will provide support for participating businesses, covering everything from their setup on Kakao Makers to the operation of the special event and marketing costs.

Starting at 5:00 p.m. on the 16th, when the event begins, Kakao will also offer a first-come, first-served coupon providing a 10% discount on purchases of 10,000 won or more. The maximum discount is 20,000 won.

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Participating Stores in Gangwon; 8 in Gongju and Mokpo

“Regular Shop” is an initiative designed to help local shops that have built a strong reputation in their communities grow into nationwide brands.

Kakao launched the initiative this year targeting small F&B business owners in the Gangwon region and, following a selection process with a competition ratio of 26 to 1 last August, selected 12 stores across seven cities: Gangneung, Goseong, Sokcho, Yeongwol, Wonju, Jeongseon, and Chuncheon.

Participating in this special event are Like by Nest’s potato curry from Gangneung; Love Marine’s red crab ramen and red crab tteokbokki from Sokcho; Geuradeo Farm’s tomato jam and spicy tomato mayo from Yeongwol; and Madle’s dakgalbi from Chuncheon.

Kakao plans to provide support worth up to 100 million won per store through the end of the year, covering not only sales support through Kakao Makers but also service utilization, brand planning, and marketing.

Following Mokpo, ‘Ggotggot’ Kicks Off in Gongju

“Ggotggot” is a win-win initiative in which local governments, local creators, and small business owners collaborate to expand the connection between local shops and consumers. It introduces local shops through a magazine and encourages actual visits by linking them with walking tours and offline events.

A pilot project was conducted in Mokpo last July, and full-scale operations began in Gongju this month. Participating in this special promotion are Mokpo’s Mugabo Cheesecake, Jo Ah-hong’s skate, and Fishteri’s smoked yellow croaker, as well as Gongju’s Gokmuljip grain coffee and tea, Marongde Gongju chestnut jam, and CheilWorldwide’s chestnut T-shirts.

Linking Online Sales with Local Visits

Starting on the 16th, an offline program called “Ggotggot Stroll” will also be held in Gongju. By searching for “Ggotggot Stroll Trail Gongju” on Kakao Maps, users can view walking routes centered around local shops.

Other programs include the “Local Docent Tour,” where participants explore local shops with a professional guide; “Stroll Bingo,” where participants visit 12 designated locations to receive a Talk Digital Card; and “Atelier Week,” featuring participating local shops.

Kakao plans to link online sales through Kakao Makers with local visit programs to simultaneously support small business owners in increasing sales and revitalizing local commercial districts.

Yang Hyun-seo, Performance Leader for Kakao’s Mutual Growth Business, said, “We hope that the stories of local shops and their competitive products will reach consumers nationwide through Kakao Makers, helping to boost brand awareness and sales,” adding, “We will continue our support initiatives to foster the growth of local commercial districts and small business owners.”