[Report] Korea Small Business Owners' Conference Transforms Into Participatory Festival, Moving Beyond Skills Contests

Transformed from a competition-focused event into a festival for public participation

Around 280 booths from 153 small businesses and associations

A wealth of hands-on activities, from cake-making and bottle salads to tattoos

On the afternoon of Oct. 23, at Hall 4 of BEXCO Exhibition Center 2 in Busan, a small drone took off at one end of the venue, drawing visitors' attention. At the other end, cheers erupted each time a roulette wheel spun and the prize draw results were announced. Visitors could also be seen lining up for hands-on programs and taking commemorative photos. The indoor exhibition hall, covering approximately 3,000 pyeong, was bustling with visitors eager to enjoy a variety of activities. This was the scene at the opening of the "2026 Korea Small Business Owners' Conference," which began that day.

Visitors pose for commemorative photos at a photo booth in Hall 4 of BEXCO Exhibition Center 2 in Busan on the afternoon of the 23rd. Photo by Choi Hogyeong, reporter.

The conference, now in its 21st year, welcomed visitors with a markedly different look from previous years. Held under the theme "A Bigger Korea, Built by Small Business Owners," this year's event runs for two days, through Oct. 24, at Hall 4 of BEXCO Exhibition Center 2 and the outdoor exhibition area on the second floor. While previous editions through last year focused on skills competitions for master technicians and policy promotion halls, this year's event was designed as a festival for everyone to enjoy, with product sales and hands-on programs greatly expanded.

A total of 153 small business owners from across the country and various associations are taking part at Hall 4 of BEXCO Exhibition Center 2, operating around 280 booths. The indoor exhibition hall is divided into zones including the Local Businesses Zone, 100-Year Small Businesses Zone, Paldo Premium Products Zone, Excellent Technologies and Skills Experience Zone by Industry, R&D Lifestyle Innovation Small Businesses Zone, and Young Small Business Owners Zone. There are also a Policy Promotion Hall, a Busan Special Pavilion, and a Win-Win Cooperation Pavilion. Visitors can collect stamps as they tour the venue and receive a souvenir through the "Small Business Owners Stamp Tour." The "Small Business Owners Pet Lounge," where visitors can enjoy pet-related activities, has been set up in the outdoor exhibition area on the second floor.

Song Chiyoung, chairman of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises, told reporters that day, "The conference is completely different from what it has been until now," adding, "We planned the conference as a participatory event for the first time so that many people could take part." He continued, "It's very important to try or taste the products for yourself," emphasizing, "Rather than simply looking around and leaving, visitors need to experience the products firsthand and go on to purchase them for the event to provide tangible benefits to small business owners."

Children take part in a cake-making activity at the Korea Master Bakers Association booth in Hall 4 of BEXCO's Exhibition Center 2 in Busan on the afternoon of the 23rd. Photo by Choi Hogyeong.

Every part of the exhibition hall was bustling with visitors eager to enjoy the various hands-on programs. The Korea Master Chef Association held a "Make Your Own Bottle Salad" activity using dressings made with the know-how of master chefs. It also held a spicy fried chicken cooking demonstration and a free tasting event for 1,500 people. At the Korea Master Confectioners Association booth, children had fun making cakes themselves. Oh Yujun, a 7-year-old boy, pointed to the cake he had made and proudly said, "There are blueberries hidden inside." He added with a smile, "The cake is pretty. The cream turned red, but it tastes good."

The Korea Central Tattooists Association booth, which joined the event for the first time this year, also caught visitors' attention. The booth introduced visitors to tattoo culture through activities such as trying tattoo stickers, caricature drawing, and tattoo lipstick. A space displaying tattoo artwork was also set up. Kim Soyun, a senior officer of the Korea Central Tattooists Association, said, "Now that the Tattooists Act has been passed and the profession has entered the institutional framework, tattooists are taking part to fulfill their role as small business owners." She added, "We want to improve the negative image tattoos have traditionally had through fun activities and a cultural approach."

Visitors look around the Korea Tattooists Association booth in Hall 4 of BEXCO Exhibition Center 2 in Busan on the afternoon of the 23rd. Photo by Choi Hogyeong.

Young small business owners also had a strong presence. The Young Small Business Owners Zone was the largest section of the exhibition, with 150 booths. Young entrepreneurs who have developed a range of food products, including meal kits, and household goods met visitors there. Choi Youngju, a 25-year-old office worker, showed interest in a functional beverage said to help with sleep as she tried it at the zone. "My sleep schedule got disrupted, and I felt tired during the day. I became curious after seeing the product information at the booth and came over," Choi said. "I wanted to find out how it differs from products I've tried before, so I tasted it myself."

The Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises is considering ways to expand growth opportunities for young small business owners not only by broadening their sales channels but also by connecting them with investors, including accelerators. "We want to work actively with young small business owners so they can have more opportunities," Chairman Song said.

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