Makgeollitjip Halved Compared to 2017
"Merchants' Self-Regulation Efforts and Jeonju City's Attention Needed"
Businesses in the Makgeolli Alley, a representative tourism brand of Jeonju City, Jeollabuk-do, are closing down one after another. It is analyzed that this is due to a sharp decline in visitors caused by excessively high prices.
'Makgeolli Alley' Becomes Ineffective... Makgeolli Houses Halved
On the 5th, Han Seung-woo, a member of the Jeonju City Council, stated during the plenary session, "Samcheon-dong Makgeolli Alley, designated as a themed street, is losing its reputation due to a sharp decrease in the number of businesses."
Councilor Han added, "The Makgeolli houses currently in operation only have a certain number of customers on weekends, while weekdays are very quiet."
According to Councilor Han, in the 'Basic Plan Establishment Service for Strengthening and Revitalizing Samcheon-dong Makgeolli Cultural Content' surveyed and announced by Jeonju City in 2017, as of October 2017, there were 21 Makgeolli houses operating in Samcheon 2-dong Makgeolli Alley. However, the number of Makgeolli houses in Samcheon 2-dong Makgeolli Alley has now decreased to 13, nearly halving compared to the past.
In the nearby Samcheon 1-dong Makgeolli Alley, which once had up to 12 Makgeolli houses, the last remaining business closed last month, making the name 'Makgeolli Alley' meaningless.
"The Cause Is Excessive Price Increases... Jeonju City Should Also Show Active Interest"
These Makgeolli alleys were selected in 2010 for government creative regional projects and innovation models, leading to the creation of scenic streets and signboard improvement projects. As a result, not only citizens but also many tourists visited, greatly contributing to the revitalization of the local commercial district.
Councilor Han pointed out that the decline of Makgeolli Alley is due to "price increases caused by excessive commercialization as a tourist product." He explained, "Because of this, citizens are turning away, and even tourists only make one-time visits."
Councilor Han emphasized, "Although it is the birthplace of Makgeolli, Jeonju City has neglected revitalization efforts, such as not supporting Makgeolli festivals. While internal self-purification efforts by merchants should come first, the city must also take an active interest."
Meanwhile, attention is focused on whether the 'Jeonju Samcheon-dong Makgeolli Festival' will be included in the following year's '2024 Jeonju Festa' and expanded into the 'Jeonju Makgeolli Festival.'
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