Promotional poster for Seocho-gu's AI content creation support project for local small businesses
Promotional poster for Seocho-gu's AI content creation support project for local small businesses

Seoul's Seocho-gu district is accepting applications starting Friday for its "AI Promotional Content Creation Support" project, which aims to help local small and mid-sized businesses expand their online marketing and sales channels. District Mayor Jeon Seong-su is leading the initiative.

The project was designed for local small and mid-sized business owners who struggle to produce the content needed for online sales and marketing.

The district is partnering with Drap Co., an AI-based promotional content generation company selected for the 2026 Testbed Seoul program — a city initiative supporting the demonstration and commercialization of innovative technologies. Through the partnership, participating businesses will be able to use AI to produce a range of promotional materials tailored to their products' characteristics and target consumer base, including detailed product pages, images, promotional copy and short-form videos.

The district is backing the project with 200 million won ($141,000) in city funding to provide 300 local small and mid-sized businesses with free access to an AI content creation service valued at roughly 100,000 won per month. Starting Sept. 1, participating businesses can produce five or more pieces of promotional content per month at no cost for up to six months. The finished content can be used freely across a range of channels, including online shopping platforms and SNS.

Recruitment of 300 local small and mid-sized businesses opens Friday on a first-come, first-served basis, with small business owners given priority. Eligible applicants include local online product retailers, mail-order businesses, retail shops and food and beverage establishments that carry products available for online sale.

The district will also provide full support through both in-person and remote education sessions, as well as a dedicated customer service channel, to ensure participants can use the generative AI-powered content creation service without difficulty. Data on participants' business types, product categories, content production and usage, service satisfaction and changes in online sales will be closely analyzed to inform future small business policy.

Since the Yangjae and Umyeon-dong area was designated in November 2024 as South Korea's first AI regional specialization development zone, the district has been pursuing forward-looking policies that integrate AI across its administration.

Through this project, the district plans to extend its use of AI technology into the area of small business support.

"We will actively support local small business owners with competitive products so they can use AI technology to supercharge their marketing efforts, and work to translate that into real gains in online sales and revenue growth," District Mayor Jeon said.


seouldream01@heraldcorp.com