"Free Meals for Life"... Hanwha's Historic Feat in 40 Years Ignites Daejeon's Economy

Hanwha's First-Place Surge Energizes Daejeon
Local Currency Usage Soars 12-Fold
Even a "Moon Hyunbin Free for Life" Banner Appears

The Hanwha Eagles, currently leading the KBO League and achieving the remarkable feat of recording two separate 10-game winning streaks in a single season?the second time in league history?are injecting unprecedented vitality into the stagnant economy of Daejeon's old downtown area. With a sharp increase in foot traffic and consumer spending around the home stadium, not only are local businesses recovering, but the use of local currency is also surging. In response to the fans' enthusiasm, one business owner even hung a banner promising player Moon Hyunbin, who played a key role in the team's victories, "free meals for life."

The Hanwha fever revives Daejeon's local economy... Even a 'Moon Hyunbin Free for Life' banner appears

In front of the Nongmin Sundae parking lot in Busa-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, a banner declares that all food costs will be free for life for Hanwha Eagles player Moon Hyunbin. Online community

Recently, a photo of a banner reading "All food will be free for Moon Hyunbin for life" was posted on an online community, drawing attention. This restaurant was certified as a favorite spot by Moon Hyunbin himself, who mentioned in the club's official YouTube content that he ate there every day before training during his rookie year.

The business owner reportedly put up the "free for life" banner as a token of gratitude after fans flocked to the restaurant. Song Yongshik, CEO of Nongmin Sundae, told Kyunghyang Shinmun, "Thanks to Moon Hyunbin, our sales have increased significantly. As the Hanwha Eagles are ranked first and gaining popularity nationwide, our daily sales fluctuate by over 2 million won depending on whether there is a home game or not. This amounts to about 20% of our total daily revenue." He added, "The area around the baseball stadium is an old downtown district where the economy has been very sluggish, but thanks to the Hanwha Eagles' popularity, the local economy is finally showing signs of life."

Player Moon Hyunbin is introducing a restaurant in Daejeon and saying, "When I was a rookie, I ate here every day before training." YouTube channel 'Eagles TV'

'When Hanwha plays, business thrives'... Local currency usage surges 12-fold

Restaurants and cafes in the Daeheung-dong area of Jung-gu, Daejeon, are proactively taking advantage of the home game boom. Some establishments are offering various promotions to attract baseball fans, such as ▲10% discounts for ticket holders on game days ▲10% off all menu items for customers wearing Eagles uniforms ▲free desserts worth 10,000 won for customers who reserve on home game days.

Local currency usage has also increased noticeably. The number of users of 'Junggu-tong,' a local currency issued by Jung-gu, Daejeon, nearly tripled from 16,309 on the 15th of last month to 42,327 on the 22nd. The total amount spent jumped twelvefold, from around 400 million won to 4.8 billion won. A Jung-gu official stated, "As foot traffic and spending in the business district near the stadium have increased, the use of Junggu-tong has also risen sharply, revitalizing the local economy. This month, in line with the government's consumer coupon policy, we have expanded the Junggu-tong consumption and circulation incentives from the previous 10% and 3% to 15% and 5%, respectively."

The formula 'Sports = Economic Engine' proven

Jung-gu, Daejeon, has long struggled with declining business districts and a shrinking population. However, the Hanwha Eagles' success is bringing about a real recovery in foot traffic and consumer spending in the area. Experts agree, "The Hanwha Eagles case demonstrates that sports success can serve not only as a source of excitement but also as a catalyst for overall recovery in consumption and tourism."

As of July 28, the Hanwha Eagles remain in first place in the KBO League with 57 wins, 3 draws, and 36 losses. On July 6, they claimed the top spot in the regular season's first half for the first time since 1992, when the team was known as Binggrae. Furthermore, Hanwha's achievement of two separate 10-game winning streaks this season marks the first time in 40 years?since the Samsung Lions in 1985?that such a record has been set in KBO League history.