Kim Kyung-ho, Gwangjin-gu Mayor, Takes Steps to Revitalize Traditional Markets Ahead of Chuseok

[Seoul District News] Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, Starts Traditional Market Shopping Campaign with Visits to Yeongdonggyo Market, Norunsan Market, and Neungdong-ro Market on the 1st, Continuing Until the 11th with Distribution of Quarantine Supplies to Vendors and Temporary Suspension of Illegal Parking Enforcement Near Markets... Kim Gil-sung, Mayor of Jung-gu, Visits Traditional Markets Ahead of Chuseok to Promote Market Revitalization and Engage in Communication Administration

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin District Office, is actively working to revitalize traditional markets ahead of Chuseok.

Gwangjin District is conducting a traditional market shopping campaign with district office employees from September 1 to 11 to revitalize traditional markets, which are the foundation of the local economy.

On the 1st, Kim Kyung-ho visited Yeongdonggyo Market, Norunsan Market, and Neungdong-ro Market to meet directly with market merchants ahead of Chuseok. Mayor Kim listened attentively to the merchants’ hopes for the holiday as well as their difficulties due to the economic downturn, encouraging them and engaging in communication about livelihood issues.

Employees will also shop at Norunsan Market, Yeongdonggyo Market, Hwayang Jeil Market, Jayang Traditional Market, Neungdong-ro Market, Junggok Jeil Market, Myeongok Market, and Sinseong Alley Market until the 11th.

Employees voluntarily participate in the shopping event according to their circumstances, purchasing affordable and high-quality ritual goods, food, and daily necessities, thereby contributing to the revitalization of the local economy.

Additionally, until the 11th, seven traditional markets in the area ? Junggok Jeil Market, Jayang Traditional Market, Yeongdonggyo Market, Norunsan Market, Hwayang Jeil Market, Neungdong-ro Market, and Myeongok Alley Market ? are selling ritual goods at discounted prices and holding prize events for customers.

Furthermore, on the 2nd, Mayor Kim visited the Jayang Traditional Market’s Jayang Gangjang Hanmaeum Festival, meeting residents and promoting the excellence of traditional markets while participating in the event.

Prior to this, the district provided masks and self-diagnosis kits to market merchants to ensure a safe Chuseok.

Moreover, during the holiday period, the district plans to manage illegal parking around traditional markets mainly through prior notification and vehicle relocation to facilitate parking for market visitors and boost market sales.

Mayor Kim Kyung-ho of Gwangjin District said, “Visiting traditional markets to hear and communicate with people on the ground makes this holiday even more meaningful,” adding, “I hope everyone enjoys a joyful and healthy Chuseok by shopping affordably at our district’s traditional markets and participating in events with family and relatives they haven’t seen in a while.”

Kim Gil-sung, Mayor of Jung-gu, Seoul, is visiting traditional markets to encourage merchants and listen to their voices ahead of the Chuseok holiday.

Jung-gu has the largest number of markets among autonomous districts, with 49 markets including traditional markets and alley-type shopping districts. The district is exploring various ways to open sales channels for traditional markets facing crises due to prolonged COVID-19, rising prices, and increased online shopping. When traditional markets regain vitality and merchants find smiles, Jung-gu can also develop together.

The district is helping traditional markets move beyond existing sales methods, products, and environments to keep up with changing times. It operates the ‘Buyer Lounge,’ which sells Dongdaemun clothing through live broadcasts, and strengthens support for traditional market restaurants to enter online platforms, resulting in increased sales and high merchant satisfaction.

Additionally, projects to strengthen the self-sustainability of small business owners are underway. The Jangchungdan-gil commercial area, selected in April for the Seoul City local brand commercial district development contest, is currently undergoing a project to develop it into a regional brand. On September 2, the district signed a business agreement with Yaksu Market and Sindang Comprehensive Social Welfare Center to build a foundation for mutual growth through local resource linkage.

This traditional market visit will start with Jungbu Market on the 6th, followed by Inhyeon Market, Donghwa-dong alley-type shopping district, Baekhak Market on the 7th, and continue to Yaksu Market, Jungang Market, and Dasan-dong alley-type shopping district on the 8th.

Kim Gil-sung, Mayor of Jung-gu, said, “Visiting the markets brings a rich Chuseok atmosphere,” and added, “We will continue to strengthen support for revitalizing traditional markets and actively communicate by visiting the sites to hear the vivid public opinion.”