Park Han-sol reports on Korea's financial regulators, along with fintech and insurance. She previously wrote about the art world, from biennales and exhibitions to fairs and auctions, with a focus on Seoul and the figures shaping the scene. Before joining The Korea Times, she spent a year at ABC News' Seoul bureau, contributing to coverage of major Asia-Pacific events.
Korea Public Procurement Expo to support SMEs' overseas ventures
A poster for the Korea Public Procurement Expo 2026 / Courtesy of Public Procurement Service
By Park Han-sol
The 2026 edition of the Korea Public Procurement Expo (KOPPEX) returns this week to KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, offering a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups and innovative firms to expand into public markets and explore overseas opportunities.
Running from Wednesday through Friday under the theme “K-Procurement Changing the World! Innovation On, Go Global, Into the Future,” this year’s event will bring together around 700 companies across 1,100 booths — the largest scale in the expo’s history.
Hosted by the Public Procurement Service (PPS), last year’s expo generated export contracts worth $12.76 million.
The 2026 iteration features a revamped layout and operations aimed at improving both visitor flow and business matching, according to the agency.
A newly introduced AI Special Pavilion will spotlight artificial intelligence (AI)-driven products and services, showcasing around 40 innovations, including intelligent patrol robots and AI-powered braille printers.
Another addition is a program highlighting the annual procurement plans of major public agencies. The organizers have also invited officials from frontline purchasing departments, with a goal to connect participating companies directly with decision-makers and translate exhibition interest into actual sales.
Key attractions — including the PR Hall, Special Exhibition Hall and procurement training zones — have been strategically distributed throughout the venue to create a smoother visitor experience.
The revamped KOPPEX Awards, which recognize companies with strong growth potential, are set to select winners through preliminary evaluations by industry experts, replacing the previous on-site voting system.
The six prize recipients are CODIT, iPIXEL, Saving Story, Marketon, Nano Electronics and Aetech.
“The KOPPEX is both a stage to showcase the competitiveness of Korea’s public procurement system and a meeting ground for public institutions and businesses,” said Baek Seung-bo, PPS administrator. “We hope this year’s expo will serve as a springboard for innovative SMEs and startups to continue growing and expand into global markets.”