The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo visited MUSINSA Standard Seongsu, a leading K-fashion retailer, on Wednesday, November 12, to examine the current status of K-fashion exports. He also held a roundtable with representatives from major retail and distribution companies, including MUSINSA, Delivered Korea, Coupang, CJ Olive Young, and Kurly, to discuss industry challenges and strategies for expanding exports of K-consumer goods. The visit and discussions were organized to explore ways to promote consumer goods exports through experienced retail platforms amid the global rise of K-culture and growing demand for K-consumer products.

MOTIR plans to strengthen support for fostering K-consumer goods industries as new growth engines for exports. First, the ministry will promote premium branding of K-consumer goods by enhancing marketing efforts linked to the Korean Wave. It plans to expand promotional opportunities through major events such as K-pop concerts and the Korea Brand & Entertainment Expo (KBEE) while allowing trend-setting retail platforms to take the lead in planning and executing marketing initiatives. Second, MOTIR will work to resolve export challenges related to logistics, certification, and intellectual property rights. In cooperation with KOTRA’s overseas trade offices, the ministry will provide tailored logistics infrastructure for consumer goods and expand consulting and information services on foreign certifications, such as halal standards. Lastly, the ministry will support the expansion of direct-to-consumer (D2C) exports through online platforms. It aims to help Korean retailers grow into global platforms by assisting with the establishment and promotion of global online malls, as well as supporting partnerships with local logistics providers, and facilitating customs clearance and certification procedures.

Trade Minister Yeo stated, “Our retail platforms serve as a key bridge connecting K-consumer goods with overseas consumers. As capable Korean retailers expand globally, more products from Korean SMEs are reaching customers worldwide. To further establish K-exports as a new growth engine, MOTIR will incorporate today’s discussions into the upcoming ‘Plan to Expand Exports of K-Consumer Goods Linked to the Korean Wave,’ which will be announced later this year.”