Jung-gu Commercial District Development Center Hosts Forum on Revitalizing Traditional Markets
Experts from Academia, Tourism, Gastronomy, and Commercial Sectors Engage in Discussion
Kim Gilsung, Mayor of Jung-gu, Seoul, who attended the forum on revitalizing traditional markets and neighborhood commercial districts, stated, "Traditional markets are the center of local culture and economy," adding, "We will implement various support measures to transform Jung-gu's traditional markets into festive spaces where residents and merchants come together, design innovation markets recognized worldwide, safe markets down to every alley corner, and renowned spots offering differentiated K-food delicacies."
Mayor Kim delivered the keynote speech at the 'New Stories of Our Market' forum held at the Sindang Nuri Center auditorium, saying, "We will make traditional markets representative attractions of Seoul where tourism, culture, and economy harmonize."
The forum was organized by the Seoul Jung-gu Traditional Market Commercial District Development Center, the nation's first specialized commercial district management organization led by merchants of Jung-gu traditional markets. Experts from academia, tourism, gastronomy, and commercial sectors, along with local merchants and residents, gathered.
At the event, Mayor Kim emphasized, "Jung-gu is providing various supports such as facility and management modernization, installation of safety facilities, and public contest projects to make traditional markets attractive destinations," adding, "Flexible thinking and cooperation among merchants are essential to create sustainable commercial districts." He also said, "We established the Seoul Jung-gu Commercial District Development Center, a specialized commercial district management organization to innovatively transform traditional markets in line with the rapidly changing distribution environment and government policies," urging, "Let us work together and cooperate to make traditional markets spaces where everyone can coexist."
Jung-gu has 49 traditional markets, accounting for 15% of all markets in Seoul and representing the largest scale among basic local governments nationwide.
Presentations were given by Oh Youngho, Senior Specialist at the Korean Food Promotion Institute; Hwang Jonghwan, Chairman of the Knowledge Sharing and Win-Win Network; Lee Minkwon, Director of the Korea Small Business Management Research Institute; and Tak Cheol, CEO of the Market Tourism Research Institute. The subsequent discussion was chaired by Professor Jang Seojin of Soongui Women's University.
During the session, opinions were presented on creating revitalized tourism-oriented traditional markets, directions for festivals and events in alley commercial districts aligned with changing consumer trends, ways to strengthen the competitiveness of traditional markets, and paradigm shifts in merchant education.
In discussions with another group of expert panelists, various views were exchanged on developing differentiated content reflecting the unique characteristics of each commercial district, such as living for a month in Jung-gu alleys, the importance of specialized educational institutions for merchants, and establishing governance for regional economic development.
Kim Jeongan, Director of the Seoul Jung-gu Traditional Market Commercial District Development Center, said, "Merchants must unite to transform the markets," and added, "Based on the discussions, we will deeply consider and promote policies to revitalize Jung-gu traditional markets."
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