Gangnam-gu, Discovering and Supporting Unique Alleyway Commercial Districts

▲Gangnam-gu Official No.1 Specialized Street Designation and Development Project ▲Commercial District Revitalization Contest Project ▲Gangnam-gu Small Business Owners Donghaeng Market

Gangnam-gu (District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong) is promoting various public contest projects to discover unique alley commercial districts and revitalize the commercial areas.

The district is ▲ launching the first-ever Specialized Street No. 1 contest project this year ▲ recruiting three locations to participate in the Commercial Area Revitalization contest ▲ and also recruiting participants for the Small Business Companion Market, which supports online and offline sales channels.

Find Gangnam-gu’s Official No. 1 Specialized Street! Up to 50 million KRW Support

Last year, the district enacted the Ordinance on the Creation and Support of Specialized Streets in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and this year it is recruiting commercial areas to participate as Gangnam-gu’s official No. 1 Specialized Street.

Eligibility for the contest requires ▲ an organized merchant autonomous group ▲ and a commercial area where 10 or more stores of the same industry or 20 or more stores with the same theme are gathered ▲ with the consent of at least three-fifths of the merchants. If selected as a specialized street, 50 million KRW will be provided for joint marketing projects to revitalize the commercial area and environmental improvement projects such as signage and sculptures. However, participants must bear at least 20% of the cost as self-funding.

The application period is from April 15 to 26. Applicants can download the application form from the district website, fill it out, and submit it to the Regional Economy Division of the district office. Submitted documents will undergo internal review, and the final selection will be made by the end of May.

Support for Commercial Area Revitalization Planned by Merchants... 15 million KRW Each for 3 Locations This Year

The district continues the “Commercial Area Revitalization Contest Project” that supports projects planned by merchants to highlight and promote their commercial areas. Last year, support was provided for three commercial areas including the production and promotion of the Garosu-gil map, the Ilwon-dong Taste Street Food Culture Festival, and the issuance and promotion of coupons in Jagok-dong.

This year, three locations will be selected and supported with up to 15 million KRW each for joint marketing-related projects such as events, flea markets, local content development, and promotional activities. (At least 20% self-funding required.) The project period is until the end of November this year. Applications will be accepted from April 22 to May 3. Applicants can download the application form from the district website, fill it out, and submit it to the Regional Economy Division.

Companion Market Helping 120 Small Business Teams Develop Sales Channels through On-site Market and Live Commerce

The district is recruiting 120 small business teams to participate in the Companion Market, which supports promotion and sales channels for local small businesses, until April 30. Eligible small businesses are those located in the area selling handmade products, accessories, desserts, small items, food (meal kits), and more.

The Companion Market will hold a total of six sessions starting with a special event at the COEX East Gate Lobby from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 23-24. In addition to on-site sales, live commerce will be conducted with the business owners and show hosts, providing opportunities for real-time online sales and promotion. For more details about the contest projects, please refer to the district office website or contact the Regional Economy Division.

Jo Seong-myeong, Mayor of Gangnam-gu, stated, “We will spare no support at the district level so that merchants can take the lead in developing and strengthening the competitiveness of local commercial areas,” and added, “We will build a model to revitalize alley commercial districts and discover unique local content that attracts tourists from around the world.”