A five-session, practice-focused program covers everything from AI-powered marketing to live-stream selling — with top graduates earning live commerce broadcasts and pop-up store exhibition opportunities.
Yeongdeungpo-gu will offer hands-on AI training to help small business owners put artificial intelligence to practical use, and will connect top graduates with live commerce broadcasts and pop-up store opportunities to open new sales channels.
A survey on AI awareness and adoption among Seoul's small business owners, conducted by the Korea Federation of SMEs' Seoul regional headquarters, found that only one in 10 small businesses is actually using AI in its operations — a sign that on-the-ground adoption remains low. The survey also found that "practice-centered training" was the most commonly cited form of support needed to begin using AI.
In response, the district has developed a hands-on curriculum centered on generative AI, one of the hottest topics in today's marketing landscape. The program runs from Oct. 27 to Nov. 10, with sessions held every Tuesday and Thursday for a total of five sessions.
The curriculum covers digital transformation fundamentals and online sales channel analysis, online shopping mall setup and sales environment configuration, AI-assisted product image creation, product listing on online shopping platforms, and drafting a cue sheet for AI-assisted live-stream sales broadcasts.
Support extends beyond the classroom to actual sales-channel development. The five top-performing graduates will receive a chance to broadcast live on Naver Shopping Live, with a professional host, producer, camera director and filming crew provided — and up to one hour of airtime. Graduates who wish to display their products will also have the chance to exhibit and sell on consignment at the "Sodam Mall" pop-up store, opening an offline sales channel as well.
Any small business owner who operates or resides in Yeongdeungpo-gu is eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted from Sept. 28 through Oct. 16 via the district's official website or by scanning the QR code on promotional materials. For further details, contact the Yeongdeungpo-gu Employment and Economy Division.
Yeongdeungpo-gu District Mayor Jo Yu-jin said AI is "a powerful tool that will open new doors of opportunity for small business owners in a rapidly changing digital environment," adding that the district will work to strengthen the digital competitiveness of Yeongdeungpo's small businesses so that AI training translates into real sales growth.
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