Gwangju City Begins Analysis of Commercial Impact from Complex Shopping Mall Opening

Research Service Commencement Report Meeting at City Hall on the 28th
Discussion Meeting for Opinion Gathering and Exploring Win-Win Solutions

Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung is giving a greeting at the kickoff briefing for a research project evaluating the impact on the local commercial district due to the opening of a shopping mall on the 28th.
[Photo by Gwangju City]

Gwangju City has initiated an analysis of the impact on local commercial districts and the development of coexistence measures following the opening of complex shopping malls through a research project.

Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Kang Gi-jeong) held a 'Commercial District Impact Analysis Research Project Kick-off Meeting' on the 28th at the city hall's medium conference room, attended by representatives of local traditional market merchants, small business owners, and district officials, along with a discussion session to gather opinions and explore coexistence measures.

The commercial district impact assessment will analyze the status of small business owners and the characteristics of commercial districts within radii of 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km from planned sites such as 'The Hyundai Gwangju' (targeted for the end of 2027), 'Shinsegae Department Store Expansion' (scheduled for 2028), and 'Eodeungsan Tourist Complex' (targeted for 2030) by the first half of next year. It will also analyze the effects on small business sales and the number of employees due to these openings.

Based on the analysis results, Gwangju City plans to prepare customized coexistence measures for small business owners and a comprehensive plan to revitalize commercial districts.

Although the majority of citizens desire the opening of complex shopping malls, concerns from local small business owners have been raised. In response, an objective and professional research institution was selected through a nationwide public competition.

Mayor Kang Gi-jeong of Gwangju stated, “Based on the commercial district impact assessment, we will develop various coexistence measures and envision the development of Gwangju. As the retail consumption environment is rapidly changing, with an increasing tendency toward online purchases, we will form a coexistence development council to gather wisdom to support local small business owners and traditional markets.”