Lee Jeong-hoon, Gangdong-gu Mayor, and All Staff Promote Sisterhood Partnership to Revitalize Traditional Markets

Gangdong-gu Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon Encourages All Employees to Boost Local Consumption Through Kind Consumption Campaign...Designates Monthly Traditional Market Day, Purchases Goods from Traditional Markets, and Continues Quarantine Measures

Last February, Lee Jeong-hoon, the mayor of Gangdong-gu, was listening to the difficulties of market merchants while talking with them at Dunchon Station Traditional Market.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) is promoting sisterhood agreements with traditional markets to revitalize traditional markets struggling due to the prolonged economic downturn and the impact of COVID-19, and to support stable commercial activities of merchants.

This sisterhood agreement was initiated amid concerns that local commercial districts are suffering significant damage as visitors to traditional markets have decreased due to reduced outings and consumer sentiment caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as avoidance of multi-use facilities.

In fact, according to Statistics Korea's first-quarter household trend survey, consumer spending in South Korea plummeted by 6%, marking the largest decline since statistics began in 2003, and is considered unprecedented even compared to economic crises.

In response, all Gangdong-gu employees have taken the lead in starting a local consumption promotion campaign, gaining enthusiastic support from residents.

The traditional markets in Gangdong-gu include Amsa General Market, Dunchon Station Traditional Market, Myeongil Traditional Market, Gildong Bokjori Market, Seongnae Traditional Market, and Gobundari Traditional Market, with a total of about 690 stores, expected to breathe hope into the stagnant commercial districts.

Starting this month, all departments of Gangdong-gu Office and the local community centers will designate at least one day per month as "Traditional Market Day" through sisterhood agreements with traditional markets in the district and participate accordingly.

Additionally, when purchasing items for events prepared by each department (dong), the sisterhood traditional markets will be utilized, and lunch meetings and gatherings will also actively use traditional markets and surrounding commercial districts to help revitalize the local economy.

The sisterhood agreements are divided into 30 institutions, including 12 upper-level organizations of each department (bureau, division, office) and 18 community centers, each paired one-to-one with one of the six markets. Plans are underway to expand participation to other public institutions in the region.

Furthermore, support activities such as major cleaning, safety inspections, and quarantine efforts within the markets will be conducted simultaneously, aiming to create traditional markets where residents can visit with peace of mind.

Lee Jeong-hoon, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, stated, "This sisterhood agreement between the district office and traditional markets signifies public officials joining in the difficulties of local small business owners to promote local consumption, and we plan to actively request cooperation so that all public institutions in the region can participate in such activities in the future."

To revitalize the local economy, Gangdong-gu has increased the closure days of the district office cafeteria from twice a month to 4-5 times a month, and the Gangdong Love Gift Certificates issued to increase sales of small business owners were completely sold out as of April 10, with additional issuance being prepared.

Above all, as concerns about the resurgence of COVID-19 in the community, such as infections originating from Itaewon clubs, highlight the possibility of prolonged economic stagnation, policies will be formulated to find a balance by prioritizing "quarantine" so that residents can safely engage in economic and social activities.