Seoul City Offers Up to 30% Discounts at 108 Traditional Markets Ahead of Seollal

‘Seol Holiday Special Event’ Held at Traditional Markets in 24 Autonomous Districts

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 13th that it will hold a "Lunar New Year Special Event" at 108 traditional markets across the city from tomorrow until the 24th. The event will offer up to 30% discounts on Lunar New Year ritual items and agricultural, fishery, and livestock products, and will also provide gifts for purchases exceeding a certain amount.

The participating traditional markets and shopping districts in Seoul include Gwangjang Market (Jongno-gu), Sinpyeonghwa Fashion Town (Jung-gu), Yongmun Market (Yongsan-gu), Ttukdo Market (Seongdong-gu), Gyeongdong Market (Dongdaemun-gu), Banghak-dong Dokkaebi Market (Dobong-gu), Gocheok Neighborhood Market (Guro-gu), Yeongsin Shopping Center (Yeongdeungpo-gu), Machun Central Market (Songpa-gu), among a total of 108 locations.

During the event period, citizens can purchase Lunar New Year ritual items and agricultural, fishery, and livestock products at discounted prices ranging from 5% to 30%. Additionally, each market will hold events where customers who spend over a certain amount will receive Onnuri gift certificates and daily necessities as gifts.

At markets such as Hwagok Central Market, Namseong Four Seasons Market, and Seongdae Traditional Market, gifts like rice cakes and fruits will be distributed to vulnerable groups and the elderly in the community to share warmth during the holiday season.

At Cheonho-dong Rodeo Street Shopping District, Hwagok Central Market, and Dogok Market, traditional games such as Yutnori, Jegichagi, and Tuho throwing will be held, allowing family visitors to shop affordably and enjoy traditional play.

Inwang Market and Hongdae Walking Street Shopping District will run events where visitors who post promotional content about the markets on social networking services (SNS) will receive coffee coupons and other gifts, aiming to attract younger customers.

Additionally, from tomorrow until the 21st, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will hold an event at Mapo Agricultural and Fishery Market, Sinyeong Market, and Noryangjin Fishery Wholesale Market, where 30% of the purchase amount (up to 20,000 KRW) on seafood purchases will be refunded in Onnuri gift certificates.

Furthermore, to ensure safe event operations, support personnel will be organized and deployed during expected peak times in cooperation with district offices and market merchant associations. Emergency contact networks will be established with local fire stations and police stations to respond promptly in case of any incidents.

Meanwhile, to alleviate inconveniences for citizens visiting traditional markets, Seoul will expand the number of markets eligible for free parking and stopping from 35 to 92 during the 11 days from the 14th to the 24th. The list of markets eligible for free parking can be found on the Seoul Metropolitan Government website under 'News'.

Kang Incheol, Head of Seoul’s Commercial District Revitalization Division, said, “We hope this warm holiday season will allow citizens struggling with rising grocery prices to purchase high-quality products at affordable prices at nearby traditional markets while also supporting the merchants.”