Hampyeong-gun Discusses Traditional Market Development Plans... Holds First 'Policy Meeting'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Hampyeong-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Lee Sang-ik) announced on the 22nd that it held the first policy meeting of the year on the 21st at the small conference room of the county office to discuss ways to develop the traditional market.

The meeting, presided over by Governor Lee Sang-ik, was attended by key county officials including Deputy Governor Go Dongsuk and heads of various departments.

Previously, the county decided to hold policy meetings regularly from this month to establish comprehensive plans for current tasks.

At this first meeting of the year, they discussed the operation direction and revitalization plans for Hampyeong Cheonji Traditional Market (formerly Hampyeong 5-day Market), which is scheduled to open in mid-next month.

Last July, the county invested a total of 5.8 billion KRW to promote the modernization project of Hampyeong Traditional Market facilities.

The plan is to improve the aging existing 5-day market (established in 1903) into modern stores within an arcade structure and utilize it as a regional economic hub.

Through this meeting, the county decided to gradually convert the existing 5-day market into a daily market.

Among the total 41 planned stores, more than half, 21 stores, will be operated on a trial basis as permanent shops.

Proposals for utilizing the newly created central plaza of the market included the ongoing public art project, flea markets, and various performances and events linked with local cultural and artistic groups.

Market tourism tours and discount event days (once a month) for local specialties such as Korean beef were also positively discussed.

Additionally, the county plans to carefully review various market revitalization measures proposed at the meeting, such as ▲ installation of gobos (lighting to display letters or pictures) ▲ creation of food trucks (food village) ▲ shared cart rentals ▲ photo zones (Pink Curly walking trail) ▲ installation of world culture experience booths utilizing multicultural families, and decide on the final projects to be implemented.

Governor Lee Sang-ik said, “We will do our best to support Hampyeong Cheonji Traditional Market, which is newly opening, to become a premium market representing the region where culture and tradition coexist,” and added, “We will continue to promote communication and cooperation between departments through policy meetings and seek efficient development plans for regional issues.”

Meanwhile, Hampyeong Cheonji Traditional Market is scheduled to officially open on the 17th of next month on a site of 9,251㎡ with a store area of 1,282㎡, located on the site of the existing 5-day market.