Gangseo-gu Selected for Seoul's First Alley Economy Recovery Support Public Project

Gangseo-gu Office Food Alley Area Selected as Final Target Site with 800 Million Won Secured... Developed as Pedestrian Safety Theme, Creating Alley Specialized Brand and Character

Gangseo-gu Office Food Alley

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Gangseo-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Noh Hyun-song) announced on the 4th that it has been selected for the ‘Alley Economy Recovery Support Project’ contest hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

The ‘Alley Economy Recovery Support Project’ is a program that supports alley communities to independently resolve and overcome issues within commercial districts such as economic recession, weakened consumer sentiment, and vacant stores caused by business closures or suspensions.

Especially this year, to recover commercial districts amid the COVID-19 crisis and support projects tailored to each district’s circumstances, a total of 8 billion KRW including national and local funds will be provided to 10 commercial districts nationwide, with Gangseo-gu being the only district selected in Seoul.

Gangseo-gu’s representative food alley, Gangseo-gu Office Food Alley (around 46-gil Gonghang-daero, 56, 58, 60-gil Hwagok-ro, covering 75,477㎡), is a place where the need for recovery of the alley commercial district is very high due to the prolonged economic downturn.

Taking this selection as an opportunity, the district will first eliminate hazards on congested roads by repaving sidewalks and roadways and creating a pedestrian-centered safety-themed street, making it a pleasant and desirable street to visit.

Additionally, a specialized brand and character for the food alley will be developed to provide visitors with convenience and enjoyment through character signboards and a character zone featuring various attractions to draw attention, creating an appealing alley.

Furthermore, a ‘clean campaign’ promotional roll screen will be produced and distributed to promote hygiene and safety of businesses within the food alley to overcome COVID-19.

As a pilot project for SNS promotional marketing, promotional content with stories about the alley commercial district will be developed to encourage continuous visits by users.

Customized education for merchants and workers within the commercial district, as well as specialized food education and various food development programs, will be supported to enhance expertise and provide high-quality service to visitors.

The project for revitalizing the alley commercial district and improving the streets around Gangseo-gu Office Food Alley is scheduled to be completed by the end of December.

District Mayor Noh Hyun-song said, “We expect the food alley shopping district, which has been struggling due to COVID-19, to regain vitality,” and added, “We will work together with residents to ensure the successful implementation of this project.”