Han Seong-sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups, announced on April 11th that the opening ceremony marking the start of the 2026 Donghaeng Festival (also known as the Companion Festival) was held at the Jeonju Indoor Gymnasium, with Jeonju citizens and tourists in attendance. Running until May 10, the nationwide Donghaeng Festival is now underway to boost local commercial districts. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and various industry leaders attended the opening ceremony to show their support. Alongside the opening ceremony, a special sales exhibition took place from April 11 to 12 at Chonbuk National University’s Alrim-ui-geori and the nearby University Street.