BUSAN — Aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to break into the franchise market will gather at BEXCO next week as the city launches its flagship business exhibition.

The 2026 KFA Franchise Startup Fair Busan is scheduled to run for three days, from November 12 to 14, at Exhibition Center 1 (Hall 3B). Hosted to stimulate local commerce and lower initial barriers to entry for new business owners, the event brings together more than 100 brands spanning the food service, service, and wholesale/retail sectors.

Connecting Founders with Industry Leaders

Organizers have curated a comprehensive lineup designed to give participants a competitive edge. Attendees will be able to tour exhibition booths to evaluate franchise terms side-by-side and engage in direct consultations with corporate franchisors.

In a notable upgrade for this year's installment, the city has expanded its focus on international markets. A dedicated Global Zone will introduce foreign franchise concepts, while a tailored 1:1 Business Matching Session on November 12 will connect enterprises from the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (BSG) region with visiting international buyers to foster cross-border trade.

Expert Insights and Masterclasses

Complementing the exhibition floor is a robust schedule of seminars and masterclasses led by prominent industry figures:

Day 1 (Nov. 12): Changuppia CEO Lee Hong-gu will analyze upcoming market shifts in "2027 Promising Startup Trends and Franchise Success Formulas," followed by food service consultant Jung Yong-deok sharing proprietary culinary trade secrets.
Day 2 (Nov. 13): Chef Kwak Dong-hoon, widely recognized from the culinary television program Street Restaurant Fighter, will host a special session, alongside economic researcher Park Min-goo detailing commercial real estate strategies.
Day 3 (Nov. 14): Media creator Kim Hyun ("Inssaman") and Franchise Industry Research Institute expert Lee Jeong-hwa will provide guidance on evaluating franchisor reliability and managing customer retention.

Additionally, a specialized Global Expansion Strategy Briefing will take place on opening day, offering localized market intelligence and tactical advice for companies aiming to scale overseas.

Admission Information

The exhibition is open to the public. Visitors who complete online pre-registration through the official event website (www.kfashow.co.kr) by November 11 will receive complimentary admission.

"The franchise ecosystem is a powerful engine for job creation and regional economic vitality," remarked Busan Vice Mayor for Economic Affairs Oh Seok-keun. "We anticipate that this year's fair will empower new entrepreneurs to launch successful ventures while giving our homegrown brands a springboard into the international arena."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]