Cheongnyangni Market, from "Hongdae for Seniors" to "Market Mall Cheongnyang"... Launching Its Transformation into a Global Landmark

Lee Pilhyung, Mayor of Dongdaemun District, Announces Vision for a "Global Number One Market"
Three Core Strategies: Comfort, Safety, and Connectivity

Dongdaemun District in Seoul has officially announced 'Market Mall Cheongnyang,' an innovative plan to transform Cheongnyangni Market into a global tourism-oriented traditional market.

On the 27th, Lee Pilhyung, mayor of Dongdaemun District, held an on-site press tour at the nine markets in front of Cheongnyangni Station and at the Seoul Korean Medicine Promotion Center. He introduced development plans for the traditional markets around Cheongnyangni Station, which has been designated as a Spatial Innovation Zone by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as well as strategies to revitalize the markets with global competitiveness.

Lee Pilhyung, mayor of Dongdaemun District Office (center), said on the 27th, "We will connect Cheongnyangni Station Plaza and the nine Cheongnyangni markets to leap forward as the 'Global Number One Traditional Market'." Provided by Dongdaemun District Office.

Mayor Lee stated, "Market Mall Cheongnyang is a brand that means 'the Cheongnyangni Market of tomorrow,'" and added, "We will elevate this area beyond a simple local commercial district to become the 'Global Number One Traditional Market.'"

The traditional markets around Cheongnyangni Station include Seoul Yangnyeongsi Market, the largest of its kind in the country, along with Gyeongdong Market, Dongseo Market, Cheongnyangni Fruit and Vegetable Market, Cheongnyangni General Market, Gyeongdong Gwangseong Shopping Center, Cheongnyangni Traditional Market, Cheongnyang General Wholesale Market, and Cheongnyangni Agricultural and Marine Products Market, making a total of nine markets clustered together. There are 2,295 stores in total, covering an area of 290,000 square meters. The daily floating population is estimated at 30,000 on weekdays and 100,000 on weekends.

Mayor Lee explained, "Cheongnyangni Market is the largest and most diverse market in the world, unmatched in scale anywhere else, but the facilities have become outdated, and there have been issues with fire safety, environmental conditions, and transportation (parking)." He continued, "We will instill the three core values of comfort, safety, and connectivity into this place, once called the 'Hongdae for seniors,' and make it truly irreplaceable."

To create a pleasant environment, Dongdaemun District has implemented the 'Street Vendor Real-Name System' for the first time among Seoul's autonomous districts, and designated 'Special Road Law Enforcement Officers' for the first time among local governments nationwide, enabling the reorganization of 254 out of 578 street vendor sites, or 44%. The area around Cheongnyangni Station, selected as a leading candidate for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Spatial Innovation Zone project, is planning the undergrounding of the Gyeongwon Line and the establishment of an administrative and cultural complex town.

As part of the redevelopment of Cheongnyangni Station Plaza, a symbolic structure will be erected to establish a new identity for the district. The plaza will be renamed 'Sejong Plaza' in connection with the King Sejong Memorial Hall, and the city brand 'Dongdaemun, the Gateway to the Morning' will be implemented.

The nine Cheongnyangni markets will be restructured under the theme '9bow Market.' Additional features such as a cultural plaza, skywalk (rooftop walkway), and media art promenade will be created. A global gourmet street and a street with the ambiance of traditional Korean houses will be established, along with the renovation of a Hanok village.

Cheongnyangni General Market, which was selected for the 'Seoul City 2nd Phase Design Innovation Traditional Market Project,' is pursuing plans to become a tourist attraction by incorporating innovative design, in addition to facility modernization projects.

Lee Pilhyung, mayor of Dongdaemun District Office, is explaining the plan to create 'Market Mall Cheongnyang' to reporters at the Seoul Korean Medicine Promotion Center on the 27th. Provided by Dongdaemun District Office.

Wangsan-ro, the main road connecting university districts such as Kyung Hee University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, and University of Seoul to Cheongnyangni Station and Market Mall Cheongnyang, will be developed as the 'Street of Light.' A 'Tunnel of Light' will be created in the plaza to make the city beautiful and safe at night.

In the future, Cheongnyangni Station will become the largest transfer hub in the Seoul metropolitan area, with 12 rail lines converging there, including the GTX-B and C lines and the Myeonmok Line. The number of daily users is estimated at 300,000. The plan is to create a 'triangle circulation structure' by guiding passengers arriving at Cheongnyangni Station through the Wangsan-ro Street of Light into Market Mall Cheongnyang and organically connecting the university districts and the Seoul Korean Medicine Promotion Center. The district aims to maximize synergy effects by linking K-Wellness tourism.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.