Gyeonggi Market & Business Promotion Agency President Min-chul Kim
10 local companies showcase products together
Agency joined fair with a “Let’s give it a try” mindset
Strong buyer interest in mosquito-repellent products
“We came here to meet buyers together with small businesses, most of which have 10 or fewer employees.”
The Gyeonggi Market & Business Promotion Agency (GMBA), headed by President Min-chul Kim, is working to help innovative products developed by small businesses in Gyeonggi Province reach broader markets. Its efforts include supporting young entrepreneurs, providing training and strengthening marketing and promotional programs.
Established in 2019, the agency participated in the K-Goods Fair in Las Vegas, representing Gyeonggi Province alongside 10 local businesses. The group showcased a variety of creative products, including fashion bags, mosquito repellents and fountain pens, while meeting with prospective buyers.
“Large and midsize companies often have a strong presence overseas, but sometimes it is the small venture companies that really stand out,” Kim said. “Our entire team has been surprised by the response, which has been much stronger than we expected from the very beginning of the fair.”
Among the participating businesses was K-One, led by CEO Hye-eun Lim, which attracted visitors with mosquito-repellent products including its “Pucca Nadri Sticker” patch.
“It is a product that has been on the market for 13 years and uses a harmless, gentle warming effect to help address mosquitoes and itching,” Lim said. “Even though this is the western United States, we were surprised to see such strong interest in insect protection.”
The company said several buyers expressed interest in becoming U.S. distributors, raising expectations that its sales network could soon expand in the American market.
Kim, a former member of South Korea’s 21st National Assembly representing Uijeongbu B for the Democratic Party, said the Las Vegas event also provided valuable lessons for future overseas marketing efforts.
“When we were discussing this event within the provincial government, I argued that we should simply give it a try,” Kim said. “Through the process, we learned that there is still a great deal that both our agency and participating companies need to prepare for going forward.”
Kim also delivered a message to the Korean American community.
“I am amazed when I see so many people who have overcome the challenges of immigrant life in a foreign country and established successful lives here,” he said. “If you discover outstanding products from Korea, I hope you will seek them out and support them.”
Products from Gyeonggi Province’s small businesses, including those featured at the fair, can be found through the Gyeonggi Market & Business Promotion Agency.
In addition to Gyeonggi Province, Seoul, North Chungcheong Province and North Gyeongsang Province also showcased products from small and midsize businesses and met with buyers at the K-Goods Fair.
