Completed Local Festivals at 12 Locations Including Alley Markets and Traditional Markets... Created Opportunities for Commercial Revitalization and Community Harmony
Over 30,000 Visitors, Significant Economic Impact with Increased Sales by Market
"During these difficult times, it was nice to be able to enjoy the festival held in my neighborhood without any burden. I also got to know many good shops that I usually overlooked, so it was a double delight."
Gwanak-gu (District Mayor Park Junhee) successfully concluded the ‘Alley Commercial District and Traditional Market Festival’ held across 21 neighborhoods, spreading the charm of the local commercial districts.
The district held various local festivals to revitalize the depressed local commercial areas and to create a space for coexistence and harmony between merchants and residents.
The festivals held at four alley commercial districts?Sillim-dong Starlight Street, Seorim Dabok-gil, Sinsa Mat-gil, and Nakseongdae Byeol-gil?as well as eight traditional markets and alley-type shopping districts including Sinsa Market and Bongridan-gil, brought vitality to the daily lives of both merchants and residents.
This year, about 30,000 residents visited the local commercial district festivals, bringing significant ripple effects to the local economy. In fact, sales at Sillim-dong Starlight Street increased by about 50% compared to before the festival, and general restaurant sales on Seorim Dabok-gil rose by 32%. During the festival period, average sales at the eight traditional markets and alley-type shopping districts also increased by up to 20%.
This is the result of combined efforts by local merchants and the district office. Merchants showcased the region’s representative foods through ‘pop-up restaurants,’ allowing residents and visitors to easily enjoy a variety of popular eateries.
The district provided diverse experiential programs and cultural performances tailored to the characteristics of each commercial district, offering a variety of attractions and entertainment that both residents and merchants could enjoy.
Meanwhile, this year the district newly designated ‘Nokdu Alley-type Shopping District’ as the 11th alley-type shopping district. With the most alley-type shopping districts among Seoul’s autonomous districts, Gwanak-gu plans to strengthen the competitiveness of small business owners and revitalize local commercial districts through substantial local festivals.
District Mayor Park Junhee said, “The local economy and commercial district revitalization are closely connected, making the role of local festivals even more important. We will develop these festivals not just as events for eating and entertainment, but as ‘win-win festivals’ where livelihoods regain vitality and local commercial districts can thrive.”
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