Visitors browse booths at the 2026 First-Half 60th IFS Franchise Startup and Industry Expo, held in April. [Korea Franchise Industry Association]
Visitors browse booths at the 2026 First-Half 60th IFS Franchise Startup and Industry Expo, held in April. [Korea Franchise Industry Association]

The Korea Franchise Industry Association will hold the "2026 Second-Half 61st IFS Franchise Startup and Industry Expo" at COEX in Seoul's Samseong-dong from Thursday through Saturday.

The expo, the largest of its kind in South Korea, will feature more than 200 domestic and international companies across 530 booths. The event will run two concurrent exhibitions — a startup showcase introducing franchise brands, and an industry exhibition presenting equipment, retail and operational solutions for store management. A dedicated "solo startup pavilion" has also been added for prospective entrepreneurs concerned about initial investment costs and labor expenses.

An expert consulting zone will offer professional advice on topics ranging from launching a domestic business to entering the US market. Visitors can also receive guidance from related agencies including the Korea Fair Trade Mediation Agency and the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service. A business-matching program will facilitate consultations between participating companies, prospective founders and industry professionals.

The association has also arranged a docent tour for first-time visitors, led by Lee Hong-gu, director of the Korea Startup Trend Research Institute, who will guide attendees through the exhibition floor.


spa@heraldcorp.com