Taehoon Lim of Daegu Jung-gu Council: "Dongseong-ro Store Vacancy Rate at 22%, No Noticeable Change After One Year as Special Tourist Zone"

On September 2, Taehoon Lim, a councilor of Daegu Jung-gu Council, emphasized during a five-minute free speech at the 307th regular session of the Jung-gu Council that, as Jung-gu marks one year since its designation as a special tourist zone, it is necessary to strengthen transportation accessibility, utilize foreigner infrastructure, and develop core content in order to achieve tangible results.

Councilor Lim pointed out, "Although a year has passed since the area was designated as a special tourist zone, residents, small business owners, and those in the tourism industry say they have not noticed any significant changes." He added, "As of the second quarter of this year, the vacancy rate of stores in Dongseong-ro stands at 22 percent, more than double that of 2018, and the area has yet to regain its vibrancy."

Taehoon Lim, Daegu Jung-gu Councilor

Lim proposed several detailed measures to revitalize tourism, including operating a circular shuttle bus connecting major transportation hubs and key tourist attractions in Jung-gu, organizing foreign promotion and experience groups as well as delegations focused on cities with direct flights to Daegu Airport, and utilizing international students in cooperation with local universities. He also revealed that a research group of council members has been formed to secure representative content for Jung-gu.

In particular, Lim mentioned that on August 31, together with Deputy Chairwoman Hyorin Kim and Councilor Jaechul Ahn-who are also members of the same council research group (Jung-gu Representative Festival Design Planning Team)-he visited the 'Groove in Gwanak' festival in Gwanak-gu, Seoul. He explained, "Seasonal theme strategies, QR code-based participatory content, linking with local commercial districts, shuttle bus operations, and using AI competition promotions are all excellent strategies that Jung-gu should consider."

Lim stated, "Through the council research group, we will plan and brand a festival that represents Jung-gu, aiming to increase small business sales, revitalize the local alley economy, and ultimately expand the district's identity and resident population as a turning point." He added, "I hope the executive branch will cooperate by reflecting these initiatives in the budget and providing administrative support so that the council’s research outcomes can be realized. I expect these proposals to serve as a catalyst for Jung-gu's future."