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The Busan Metropolitan City Launches the 2025 Sodam Square Busan Support Program — Supporting Digital Transformation for 700 Local Small Businesses

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The Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon), in cooperation with the Busan Economic Promotion Agency (President Song Bok-chul), announced the implementation of the 2025 Sodam Square Busan Support Program to promote digital transformation and online market entry for local small businesses.

Sodam Square Busan is a digital commerce support hub jointly operated by the City, the Busan Economic Promotion Agency, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency. It offers a variety of programs to strengthen online sales capabilities and market access for small businesses.

The center provides free use of high-end equipment such as photo and video studios, recording booths, cameras, and lighting. It also supports entry into online markets by helping businesses participate in live commerce, join online marketplaces, and issue promotional coupons.

Sodam Square Busan Overview

• ●Location: 18th floor, KT Nam-Busan Branch, 23 Jasungongwon-ro, Dong-gu, Busan

• ●Facilities: Three dedicated studios, recording booths, editing rooms, lounge areas

• ●Services: Digital commerce consulting and online sales support

• ●Budget: KRW 400 million (plus KRW 700 million in national funding)

• ●Operator: Busan Economic Promotion Agency

Since 2021, the City has supported a total of 9,781 small businesses through Sodam Square Busan. In 2024 alone, 1,058 companies launched 3,412 products online. In 2025, the goal is to support 700 businesses.

Participants in previous years gave highly positive feedback, noting tangible sales increases and relief from the burden of costly production equipment.

Currently Open Programs Include:

• ●Online Sales Campaigns: Includes marketplace entry and coupon distribution

• ●Promotional Video Production & Posting Support: Includes product and store content creation

• ●Live Commerce Support: Includes live studio broadcasts using Sodam Square facilities

2025 Sodam Square Busan Program Summary

• ●Target Applicants: Local small business owners

• ●Scale: 10 programs, supporting 700 businesses

• ●Services: Online campaigns, video production, live commerce, product photography, etc.

• ●Application: Visit bssodam.or.kr for detailed announcements

• ●Application Period: Starting mid-April, accepted on a rolling basis until budget is exhausted

As consumer interest in vertical platforms such as Market Kurly and Musinsa continues to grow, so too does demand among small businesses for access to these platforms. In response, beginning in May, the City will launch tailored support programs for fashion and food businesses, including entry consulting, onboarding assistance, and promotional coupon support.

Later this year, the City will also connect the program with local festivals through live broadcasts and hybrid (online-offline) promotional events.

Any small business located in Busan is eligible to apply. Full details and announcements can be found on the Sodam Square Busan website (bssodam.or.kr).

Kim Bong-chul, Director-General of the Digital Economy Bureau of The Busan Metropolitan City, stated,
“This program is expected to accelerate digital transformation and online expansion for local small businesses. We will continue providing strong support to enhance business resilience and stability for our region’s small enterprises.”