JEJU-DO < invest Korea

Jeju Province is launching the “Digital Transformation Project for Small Businesses” to adapt to the evolving distribution landscape and the rise of online consumerism. This initiative aims to strengthen the competitiveness of local small businesses by implementing various support measures, such as facilitating online grocery shopping from traditional markets and increasing the number of SmartPay-affiliated stores through discount promotions.

Adapting to Consumer Trends: From Online Marketing to SmartPay Adoption

Since 2022, Jeju has been driving digital transformation efforts for traditional markets and small businesses, including online marketing training. A key initiative, the "Smart Traditional Market R&D Support Program," is being rolled out at Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, developing services that allow customers to browse and shop online. Additionally, the “Our Neighborhood Dangol Market” program, developed in collaboration with Kakao, has expanded from Seomun and Dongmun Traditional Markets to the Chilseong-ro Shopping District. This program includes the creation of official KakaoTalk channels for shopping areas, offering services such as announcements, product information, and customer support. Within just 40 days of launching 55 store channels, the program attracted 1,600 subscribers.

In March, the province deployed "Market Managers," who handle administrative tasks for merchants' associations, to expand SmartPay affiliations. These managers visited stores to explain the benefits of joining the program and assisted with the application process, making it more convenient for busy merchants. As a result, the Onnuri Gift Certificate affiliation rate increased by 2.3% compared to the previous month. Notably, a ZeroPay-Alipay discount promotion held at Dongmun Market and Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market from April to May led to a 15-fold increase in sales by May compared to March, prompting an extension of the promotion through July. Jeju Province remains dedicated to enhancing the digital capabilities of small businesses. Kim In-young, Director of Jeju’s Economic Vitality Bureau, stated, “In the second half of this year, we plan to offer marketing training using ChatGPT for 180 local small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. We hope for widespread participation and encourage merchants to actively join SmartPay, ZeroPay, and Onnuri Gift Certificate programs.”