Kakao launches project to take Gangwon Province's local eateries nationwide

A three-generation traditional Korean confectionery in Gangneung. A handmade sausage shop in Goseong.

Customers who have never set foot in Gangwon Province may soon find it much easier to get their hands on the region's most beloved food products. Kakao has launched a project to help local eateries grow into nationally recognized brands, starting with Gangwon Province.

Kakao announced Tuesday that it has selected 12 Gangwon-based food and beverage businesses to participate in its "Dangol Gage Gangwon F&B" program, a small-business growth initiative. The company also held a "Dangol Gage Summit" on Monday at its Pangyo office.

Dangol Gage is part of Kakao's co-prosperity program "Project Dangol," which launched this year targeting small food and beverage businesses in the Gangwon region.

The program aims to strengthen brand competitiveness and expand both online and offline sales channels so local businesses can grow into nationally recognized brands.

The open recruitment period, which closed July 28, drew 312 applicants — a competition ratio of 26 to 1. Kakao evaluated candidates on documentation, regional identity, brand story and growth potential before selecting the final 12.

The summit brought together the owners of the 12 selected stores along with representatives from Kakao and Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. The event introduced upcoming support plans and Kakao's commerce services, including Talk Deal and Makers, and featured a networking program among the participating store owners.

Kakao will provide benefits worth up to 100 million won ($72,300) per store through December. Support will be tailored to each store's situation and growth challenges, covering product planning consulting, online commerce and AI education, listing on Kakao Talk Deal and Makers, and sales channel expansion through retail platforms.

The program also offers online and offline marketing opportunities, including a 3 million won Talk Channel message distribution subsidy, influencer collaboration content featuring chef Yun Nam-no, and participation in department store and festival pop-up stores.

Kim Seong-rae, who runs Seonmi Hangwa, a traditional Korean confectionery in Gangneung, said she hopes the program will help her take her products and brand to the next level and connect with customers across the country.

Im Ho-rim, who operates Yukrim Delicatessen, a handmade sausage shop in Goseong, said he looks forward to meeting new regulars from all over the country.

Yang Hyeon-seo, Kakao's co-prosperity project performance leader, said the company will help each store draw on its unique appeal and potential to build a broader base of loyal customers beyond its home region, in keeping with the program's slogan: "The owner your regulars discovered, now a brand for the world."

Kakao's co-prosperity program Project Dangol has been running since 2022 to support small businesses in their digital transformation and growth.