The city of Seoul, as part of its Zero Waste Seoul initiative tied to its resource circulation policies, is once again inviting participants for the “Seoul Zero Market.” The application period is from April 2 to 20, and in collaboration with the Seoul Design Foundation, a total of 250 businesses will be selected and supported.
There are two types of participants for the Seoul Zero Market. The first type includes companies developing zero-waste products and services. Each of the 30 selected companies will receive a subsidy of 6 million won to aid in the commercialization and sale of their products. The second type targets zero-waste stores, which practice sustainable distribution methods such as operating bulk and refill stations, using reusable containers, and employing eco-friendly packaging materials.
The subsidies vary between existing and new participating stores. Each of the 180 stores that participated between 2022 and 2024 will receive 1.9 million won, while 40 new stores participating this year will receive 2.5 million won each. Considering the high short-term closure rate of zero-waste stores, Seoul is keeping the opportunity to reapply open to strengthen competitiveness.
In addition to the subsidies, capability enhancement programs are run for participating businesses. Various networking opportunities are provided, including briefings, marketing lectures, and regional exchange meetings. Moreover, Zero Market brand signs and participant maps will be created and distributed alongside online and offline promotions.
Applications can be submitted via Seoul City’s website or the Seoul Design Foundation website. Companies, small businesses, universities, and organizations based in Seoul are eligible to apply and can apply for multiple fields simultaneously.
Jung Mi-sun, head of Seoul’s Resource Circulation Division, stated, “We will establish various support measures to help zero-waste stores become self-reliant and create a social foundation for reducing single-use waste.”
