Jongno-gu Tongin Market Transforms into a Representative Seoul Attraction

Jongno-gu Transforms Tongin Market into a Seoul Landmark by Infusing Locality, History, and Artistry Instead of Uniform Traditional Market Design

Design Applied to Market Entrance, Sculptures, Restrooms, and Lighting by 2025... Basic Plan to Be Established Within the Year and Design Services to Be Promoted Next Year

Tongin Market in Jongno-gu (Mayor Jeong Munheon) has been finally selected in Seoul’s ‘Design Innovation Traditional Market Development Project’ competition and aims to transform into a representative market of Seoul by the second half of 2025.

This competition was inspired by the case of Spain’s ‘Santa Caterina Market,’ which was declining due to low sales but was modernized through cooperation between local government and merchants, turning it into a world-renowned tourist attraction.

The goal is to create a unique market with an original exterior that reflects locality, history, and distinctiveness, enhanced with artistic elements, rather than a uniform traditional market covered by an arcade in the middle of the passageway, making it a top tourist destination in Seoul where anyone wants to visit and stay longer.

Until now, most traditional market support projects have focused on safety and functional improvements such as renovating aging facilities and expanding convenience facilities including parking lots, arcades, and restrooms.

However, this project will apply design elements not only to the market entrance and sculptures but also to restrooms and lighting throughout the area, implementing a new approach that enhances unity and originality.

The area around Jongno-gu’s Tongin Market is rich in representative historical tourism resources such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Blue House, Seochon, and Bukchon, and the market itself boasts famous foods like oil tteokbokki and yeopjeon dosirak, which greatly contributed to its recognition of potential and final selection in the competition. Accordingly, a basic plan will be established within this year, design services will be promoted next year, and the project is scheduled to be completed by 2025. The scale and budget will be determined through this year’s basic plan establishment service.

The plan is to develop it into an attractive global traditional market where domestic and international tourists alike can enjoy the unique taste and style of Korea by applying a design that preserves its distinctive old-fashioned charm.

After project completion, follow-up measures will be implemented to support merchant capacity building and business revitalization, including signing a win-win agreement with building owners to freeze or reduce rent, ensuring continuous and stable business rights.

Mayor Jeong Munheon stated, “The selection in this competition has accelerated the promotion of revitalizing the Tongin Market, Seochon, and Bukchon commercial areas, which is one of the pledges of the 8th elected administration,” and added, “We will support Tongin Market to establish itself as a tourist attraction representing not only Seoul but also the Republic of Korea.”