Kakao Seeks Kakao Business Success Stories, Offering Benefits Worth 500 Million Won to 100 Businesses

[Financial News] Kakao is seeking 100 businesses that have achieved results such as sales growth and improved marketing efficiency by using the Kakao Business platform. This year, the awards will expand to 10 categories and provide benefits worth a total of 500 million won.
Kakao announced on the 17th that it will hold the 2026 Kakao Business Best Awards, a contest for growth stories from Kakao Business users.
Now in its fifth year, the Kakao Business Best Awards is an online contest that identifies success stories from partners that have grown by using the Kakao Business platform. Any business that has experienced growth or expanded its potential through the platform this year may participate, regardless of its size or industry.
Entries may feature the use of Kakao Business services, including Kakao Ads, KakaoTalk Channel, Kakao Shopping, KakaoTalk Booking and store management, as well as business tools such as Kakao Developers.
This year, the number of award categories has been expanded to 10. Previously, categories were divided into business owners and marketers based on partner type. Starting this year, the judging categories have been subdivided according to service-use strategies and expertise in specific areas, including Local Impact, Performance Leader and Rising Seller.
The contest will also identify cases that achieved results in individual areas, such as effectively using a specific business tool, expanding customer touchpoints, improving marketing efficiency or increasing sales, even without using multiple services comprehensively.
Kakao will select 100 businesses across the 10 categories and present grand and excellence awards. Three of the outstanding entries will receive the top prize. Winners will receive benefits worth a total of 500 million won, including advertising credits and KakaoTalk Gift vouchers, with the benefits varying by award. Some winners will also receive exposure through Talk Deal and Kakao Shopping Live, one-on-one consulting for Talk Store, and opportunities to participate as speakers at Kakao Business seminars.
Applications will be accepted through the Kakao Business Seminar website until October 14. After judging, the winners will be announced on November 4, and the awards ceremony will be held on December 14.
Joon Hwang, Head of Kakao Business Domain, said, "We will continue providing practical support as a platform that helps our partners grow their businesses."
[email protected] Choi Hye-rim Reporter