Dongjak District Sees Sharp Rise in Sales and Foot Traffic Around Sadang-Isu Stations Through Commercial District Revitalization Project

Driving Local Economic Revitalization

Dongjak District in Seoul announced on June 11 that the "Dongjak Commercial District Revitalization Project," now in its fifth year, has achieved remarkable results.

This project, which has a total budget of 10 billion won over five years from December 2020 to December 2025, aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the commercial area around Sadang and Isu Stations (183,332 square meters) and revitalize the local economy. The project is managed by the professional organization "Dongjak Commercial District Revitalization Task Force."

Park Ilha, Mayor of Dongjak District (third from the right), is taking a commemorative photo with comedian Yoo Minsang after filming Dongjak Street at the Saidonghaeng Festa in Sadang 1-dong food alley, Seoul, in September 2023. Provided by Dongjak District.

According to the district, a survey on the project's effectiveness showed that as of September 2024, "merchant satisfaction" had risen from 78.6% in March 2021, at the start of the project, to 82.3%. During the same period, the average monthly sales increased approximately 2.6 times, from 12.2 million won to 31.2 million won, while foot traffic surged about 2.2 times, from 1.51 million to around 3.27 million people. Brand awareness also showed a clear upward trend, reaching 77.1%.

Major achievements over the past four years in the area of "environmental improvement" include the installation of large gates at key entrances such as the Sadang 1-dong food street, the creation of nighttime landscape lighting around Isumiro, the installation of outdoor DID information displays for the commercial district, and the introduction of kiosk and table order systems.

In terms of "sales growth," the district developed the "42" (Sadang·Isu, Saidonghaeng) brand to symbolize the connection between Sadang and Isu, launched 42 Beer, and held the 42 Sale Festa, all of which promoted the brand and boosted sales. For "capacity building," the district supported environmental improvements for 36 stores and operated the "42 Shared Studio" video production space to help merchants expand into online markets.

For the final year of the project, the district plans to focus its efforts on strengthening merchant capabilities through "promotional content production and education," holding various "consumer promotion events," and installing new lighting gates.

Park Ilha, Mayor of Dongjak District, said, "Various attempts and efforts over the past four years have led to meaningful results, such as increased sales and greater foot traffic. We will continue to thoroughly complete the project during the remaining period so that it provides tangible benefits to the local commercial district."