Applications open through Aug. 31 for food service, franchise and service businesses
The 2026 Geobukseom Startup Fair, co-organized by the Geobukseom Development Council and the Siheung Industry Promotion Agency, will be held Sept. 12-13 at the plaza near 116 Geobukseom-ro, adjacent to Sunset 101.
The fair aims to revitalize the Geobukseom commercial district and foster a startup ecosystem. Prospective entrepreneurs, small-business owners considering a change of industry, franchise headquarters and commercial property owners are expected to participate and share information on startups and the local business environment.
Running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, the fair will offer franchise startup consultations and presentations on business ideas, along with policy consultations from startup support agencies, expert startup counseling, startup information sessions and one-on-one tailored consultations for prospective entrepreneurs.
The Siheung city small-business division, Gyeonggi Credit Guarantee Foundation and Nonghyup, among other agencies, will also participate to provide guidance on policy funds, financial support programs and startup assistance projects, as well as on-site consultations.
Side events include daily busking performances from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and prize giveaways. Actor Kim Seung-su, a promotional ambassador for the Geobukseom Development Council, will hold a fan signing event on Sept. 13 from 3:20 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The fair is expected to give prospective entrepreneurs a chance to assess Geobukseom's commercial district and location conditions firsthand while gathering startup information. The event is open to any member of the public interested in starting a business.
"I hope this fair will be an opportunity for prospective entrepreneurs and franchise representatives to see Geobukseom's growth potential for themselves and gather a wide range of information," said Lee Ju-geun, chairman of the Geobukseom Development Council. "We will make sure it offers practical help to those preparing to launch a business."
The fair's organizing secretariat plans to accept applications from food service, franchise and service businesses through Aug. 31 and finalize the lineup of startup consultation programs by that date. Interested businesses can contact the Geobukseom Startup Fair organizing secretariat for details.
pjh@heraldcorp.com
