Gangjin County Selected for 'Neighborhood Business Development Center' Project... Secures 30 Million Won

Laying the Foundation for Seomun-gil Alley Commercial District's Leap Toward Autonomy

Gangjin County in Jeollanam-do (Governor Kang Jinwon) has been finally selected for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' "2025 Neighborhood Commercial District Development Center Network Support Project" after overcoming a 6:1 competition rate, securing 30 million KRW in national funding.

According to the county on the 16th, the Neighborhood Commercial District Development Center Network Support Project requires the formation of alley-type shopping districts and supports the establishment of networks necessary for commercial district development, with the entire 30 million KRW funded by the central government.

Exterior view of Gangjin County Office

The Neighborhood Commercial District Development Center, which began with the active commitment of merchants on Seomun-gil in Gangjin-eup, has been realized through the direct efforts of Gangjin County and the Gangjin County Small Business Association, who worked together to establish concrete strategies and implement business plans.

Despite favorable conditions such as nearby apartment complexes, the Seomun-gil area has never conducted commercial district revitalization projects due to the absence of a merchants' association, unlike other distinctive surrounding commercial districts. It is also located separately from the currently ongoing autonomous commercial district, making its competitiveness relatively low.

Seomun-gil is adjacent to the annual Hydrangea Festival venue and is near major facilities such as Gangjin Medical Center, the county office, the bus terminal, and Gangjin Art Hall. Once the Mampeonhan Center, located about 250 meters away, is completed, the value of Seomun-gil is expected to rise.

The Gangjin County Small Business Association expects that this project will help organize and network the alley-type shopping district, laying the foundation for commercial district development and supporting its growth into an autonomous commercial district.

Governor Kang Jinwon said, "The active commitment of merchants, the formation of a merchants' association, and efforts to designate an alley-type shopping district are positive signals for revitalizing the local economy," and encouraged participation by adding, "The county will do its best to support the voluntary organization of merchants for commercial district development, and I hope this case will help make Gangjin a better place for small business owners."