Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City is preparing a turning point for the leap of the Gwangju Songjeong Station Area Commercial Renaissance Project, which has entered its third year this year. The plan is to reorganize the project system so that merchants become the actual main agents and to promote various projects to revitalize the commercial district.
The Gwangju Songjeong Station Area Commercial Renaissance Project is a project that invests a total of 8 billion KRW by 2026 to support the recovery of competitiveness and revitalization of the Gwangju Songjeong Station area.
Five commercial districts, including Gwangsan-ro and 1913 Songjeong Station Market, were designated as commercial revitalization zones to attract visitors' attention by improving the back alley scenery and installing sky lighting, enhancing attractions that add to the enjoyment of staying, and promoting the creation of start-up zones using vacant stores and supporting youth entrepreneurship.
From June to October last year, the "Songjeong Festival," a new retro romantic event, was held every Saturday to breathe life into the commercial district. The lively Nanjang concert and flea market filled with unique products received enthusiastic responses with abundant sights and experiences.
Along with this, 15 projects are underway, including the "Gwangju Songjeong Namdo Taste Festival," enjoyed by merchants and local residents of the five commercial districts, the establishment of "Unique Stores" that can showcase the charm of each shop, and the creation of a "Media Art Street."
Gwangsan-gu believes that to enhance the effects of these projects and solidify their foundation, merchants who best understand the on-site situation and needs must take the lead, and thus has drastically reorganized the promotion system.
First, in operating the promotion team, which is the main axis of project execution, the roles and responsibilities of merchants have been strengthened. Merchants directly participated in the selection process of the new team leader to choose the most suitable candidate with their own hands.
Additionally, Gwangsan-gu plans to strengthen the roles and authority of merchants so that their opinions are reflected throughout all future project processes and they can take the lead, and will regularly hold meetings for communication and consultation.
Gwangsan-gu will intensify the projects for a new leap of the Gwangju Songjeong Station area together with the newly organized promotion team centered on merchants.
On the 27th, a festival called "The Real Fun of Living 1913 Songjeong Station Flea Market & Night Market" will be held at 1913 Songjeong Station Market, and on the 25th of next month, the "The Real Fun of Living Good Deal Concert" will be held around Gwangsan-ro. Merchants themselves planned the festivals and programs with themes suited to the characteristics of the commercial district.
At 1913 Songjeong Station Market, there will be magic shows, balloon art, and K-POP EDM events targeting young people and external tourists, while around Gwangsan-ro, there will be performances by local singers favored by the older generation, citizen singing contests, and night markets.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
