Yongin City Launches Focused Development of 'Alley-type Shopping Districts'

Designation of 8 Commercial Districts to be Promoted by First Half of Next Year
Ordinance Also Amended Earlier to Ease Designation Criteria

Yongin City in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 9th that it will expand the designation of 'Alley-type Shopping Districts' and focus on their development to revitalize the stagnant local commercial areas.

'Alley-type Shopping Districts' refer to areas where stores operated by small business owners are densely concentrated above a certain level. Like traditional markets or shopping districts, they receive benefits such as registration for Onnuri gift certificates, commercial environment improvement, and participation in revitalization support projects.

To this end, the city conducted field surveys in 10 alley commercial areas, and plans to promote the designation of alley-type shopping districts by the first half of next year in 8 commercial areas where zoning and commercial area surveys have been completed, including Bojeong-dong in Giheung-gu, Pungdeokcheon 1-dong in Suji-gu, and Dunjeon-ri in Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu.

The city plans to strengthen on-site consulting and publicity in cooperation with local merchant associations to increase interest among stores within the designated areas. It is also reviewing incentive measures such as budget support for alley-type shopping district revitalization and the establishment of a one-stop support system.

Earlier in April, the city relaxed the designation criteria for 'Alley-type Shopping Districts' through an amendment to the 'Ordinance for the Promotion of Traditional Markets and Shopping Districts.' Previously, the criteria required at least 30 stores within a land area of 2,000㎡ or less. However, with the ordinance amendment, in commercial areas, designation is possible if there are at least 25 small business stores within 2,000㎡, and in commercial residential areas, at least 20 small business stores within the same area. The amended ordinance also removed the obligation to submit consent documents from landowners and building owners when applying for designation and excluded public facilities such as roads from the calculation of the designated area.

Meanwhile, according to the city's survey, the Eojeong Furniture Complex area in Jung-dong, Giheung-gu, saw Onnuri gift certificate sales soar to 7 billion KRW within about seven months after registering as an 'Alley-type Shopping District' in December last year, ranking third in Gyeonggi Province. The city intends to increase the designation of alley-type shopping districts as registration for Onnuri gift certificate merchants helps attract customers and boost sales.

Merchant associations wishing to apply for designation or registration of alley-type shopping districts can contact the Small Business Support Team of the Civil Economy Division in Yongin City. A city official said, "We will prepare various support measures to create alley commercial areas full of creativity and individuality and to revitalize local commercial districts."