Store Illegally Occupying Warehouse
Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongnam Province, will carry out administrative enforcement for three days from the 15th to the 19th against stores that have been illegally occupying warehouses within the public market.
This administrative enforcement is a measure taken following a survey conducted from August to the end of September 2023 on five public markets in the county (Myosan, Gaya, Yaro, Chogye, and Samga markets), which confirmed illegal stores that were not actually operating but using the space as warehouses.
From November 13 to 16, 2023, the county held briefing sessions for public market merchants to explain the future action plans based on the survey results.
On November 21 of last year, an official letter was sent to inform about the action plan based on the survey results, granting a guidance period until December 31, 2023, when the market usage permits expire, allowing merchants to self-organize.
On December 26, 2023, a letter requesting the return of stores due to the expiration of the usage permit was sent, asking for the restoration and handover of the stores by January 10 of this year.
From the 15th to the 25th, prior notice of administrative enforcement warning was provided in accordance with Article 21 of the Administrative Procedures Act.
On the 29th, warning notices for administrative enforcement were delivered to 31 people (37 store locations).
Additionally, since 9 people (12 store locations) voluntarily cleared their stores, administrative enforcement warrants will be issued and enforcement will proceed against the final 22 people (25 store locations, Samga Market, Chogye Market) who are not complying with the demolition orders.
Due to the long-term use of stores within the public market as warehouses, along with population decline and the increase of (semi) large discount stores and internet malls, the market has continuously been identified as one of the factors hindering market revitalization and causing market stagnation.
A county official stated, “We believe we have taken the first step to revitalize the stagnant traditional market in Hapcheon-gun. We will do our best to transform the market into a regional cultural space and resting place rich with attractions, food, and entertainment, beyond just a place to buy and sell goods.”
Meanwhile, Hapcheon-gun plans to grant usage permits through public announcements to those who actually want to use the stores cleared through this administrative enforcement, and will gradually improve facilities and other aspects.
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