Gwangju Metropolitan City to Host Social Solidarity Economy Expo at Kim Daejung Convention Center from the 11th to the 13th

【Financial News Jeonnam-Gwangju = Reporter Hwang Tae-jong】Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City (Gwangju Metropolitan City) will host the '2026 Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Social Solidarity Economy Expo' at the outdoor plaza of Kim Daejung Convention Center from the 11th to the 13th.
 The event is intended to share the achievements and value of the social solidarity economy in the Jeonnam-Gwangju region with citizens while providing social solidarity economy enterprises with opportunities to expand their sales channels and build networks.
 Hosted by Gwangju Metropolitan City, the expo will be jointly organized by the Gwangju Social Economy Association, Gwangju Social Economy Support Center, and Social Solidarity Economy Expo Organizing Committee. It will be held under the theme, 'One Heart, Double the Value: Social Economy Together in Jeonnam-Gwangju.' 
 The expo will feature a total of 80 booths, including sales and experience booths operated by about 60 social solidarity economy enterprises from the Jeonnam-Gwangju region, promotional booths for related organizations, a promotional booth for social enterprise startup teams, and event booths. A separate policy promotion booth will introduce the status and major policies of the Jeonnam-Gwangju social solidarity economy, while also holding a keyword vote in support of the 'Framework Act on Social Solidarity Economy.'
 In particular, a 'Chuseok Gift Fair' will be held ahead of the Chuseok holiday, bringing products from social solidarity economy enterprises together in one place. A special Chuseok promotion will also take place simultaneously on the online shopping mall Gachisase Mall, where products can be purchased at discounted prices. Consultations on priority purchasing by public institutions, a solidarity event for social solidarity economy organizations in Jeonnam-Gwangju, and a startup consultation booth will also be available.
 A variety of citizen-participation programs will also be offered, including a social solidarity economy true-or-false quiz, event games, a free-throw tournament, a random play dance, stage performances, and a 20-person jegichagi game.
 Nam Byeong-hyo, chair of the Social Solidarity Economy Expo Organizing Committee, said, "This expo is a meaningful occasion that signals a new leap forward for the social solidarity economy as Gwangju and Jeonnam join forces. As Chuseok approaches, we hope you will purchase high-quality local products, enjoy a variety of experiences, and take part in value-based consumption."
 Meanwhile, the expo's opening ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. on the 11th on a special stage at the outdoor plaza of Kim Daejung Convention Center. It will include a pre-ceremony performance, an opening declaration, welcoming remarks, congratulatory speeches, awards for individuals who have contributed to the social economy, and an opening performance.
 An academic forum will also be held from the 11th to the 12th under the direction of Gwangju Social Economy Support Center. The forum will address strategies and cases for developing the social solidarity economy locally, as well as the role and direction of local governments following the enactment of the Framework Act on Social Solidarity Economy. On the 13th, a forum organized by the Graduate Student Association of the Department of Social Economy, Chosun University, will follow.

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