Korea Franchise Association Accepting Applications for 'Korea Franchise Industry Development Merit Awards' Until July 31

Commendations Awarded by the President and Prime Minister

The Korea Franchise Association announced on July 7 that it will be accepting applications for the "27th Korea Franchise Industry Development Merit Awards 2026," which is held together with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to promote the sound development of the domestic franchise industry, until July 31.

The Korea Franchise Industry Development Merit Awards recognize outstanding and promising brands, franchise stores, and individuals who have contributed to the development of the industry over the past year, with commendations granted by the President and the Prime Minister.

The award categories for franchise headquarters include: ▲Outstanding Franchise ▲Innovative & Growth Franchise ▲Rookie Award. In addition, for partner companies, franchise stores, and individuals, the categories are: ▲Technology Innovation ▲Outstanding Franchise Store ▲Franchise Industry Development Merit. In total, there are six award categories.

Through evaluations by an external judging panel and a government review, approximately 37 awards will be presented, including commendations from the President, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, as well as the Chairman of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, and the President of the Korea Franchise Association.

Eligibility is limited to franchise headquarters or franchise stores, partner companies, and individuals operating in Korea that have registered disclosure documents. In addition, applicants must not be disqualified from receiving government awards and must meet the required service period for each commendation. The Presidential and Prime Minister’s commendations require at least five years, ministerial-level commendations at least three years, and the Rookie Award is for those with at least one year but less than three years.

Companies or individuals wishing to participate can download the application form from the association's website notice section, complete it, and submit it along with all required documents by email by 6 p.m. on July 31. All applications must be submitted via email, and there is no application fee. The awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on December 11 this year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.