"Half of Market Stalls Used as Storage"... Operations of Songjeong and Via Markets in Gwangju Under Scrutiny

Kim Myungsook of Gwangsan District Council: "Insufficient Surveys and Ordinance Enforcement"
Vacant Stalls Left Unattended, Low Affiliation Rates... Calls for Countermeasures

"Half of the market stalls have closed, and there are no fire prevention measures in place."

Concerns over the operation of traditional markets and alleyway-style shopping districts in Gwangsan District, Gwangju, were raised on the floor of the district council's plenary session. Myungsook Kim, a Gwangsan District Council member (Progressive Party, representing Viadong, Singadong, and Sinchangdong), at the 3rd plenary session of the 297th regular meeting held the previous day, called for responsible administration from the executive branch and demanded the establishment of effective countermeasures.

Myungsook Kim, Gwangsan District Council member, is asking questions about district administration at the 3rd plenary session of the 297th Gwangsan District Council regular meeting.

Council member Kim first addressed the issue of poor management at major traditional markets such as Songjeong Five-Day Market and Via Five-Day Market. She pointed out that only two surveys have been conducted over the past five years, and that both report submissions and follow-up actions have been insufficient. In particular, she criticized the fact that more than half of the market stalls are either not in operation or are being used as storage, stating, "There have been no measures such as suspension of use or revocation of permits in accordance with current ordinances."

The user renewal system was also brought into question. Kim stated, "The renewal rate stands at 93% without any separate review, and there have been almost no new users in the past four years," urging the establishment of practical review criteria to reduce vacancies and improve the system to revitalize operations.

Fire safety issues were also highlighted. She said, "Although making fire insurance mandatory after the Via Five-Day Market fire is a step forward, refusing the merchants' association's request for a detailed safety inspection after the Songjeong Five-Day Market fire in February this year, citing it as a 'waste of budget,' amounted to abandoning preemptive response." She further emphasized, "Most of the support budget is focused on facility maintenance, which does not lead to market revitalization or enhanced competitiveness," stressing the need for the establishment of mid- to long-term strategies.

Regarding alleyway-style shopping districts, Kim pointed out the low rate of Onnuri Gift Certificate affiliation and poor participation in national grant projects. She said, "Although the number of designated districts is increasing, effective support is lacking," and added, "There is not even a response strategy in place for the facility modernization project, which will see national funding converted to local funding starting in 2027." She called for a thorough survey of current conditions and the development of sustainable mid- to long-term plans.