Namdong-gu in Incheon is launching a large-scale modernization of traditional market facilities to revitalize these markets.
According to the district office on September 9, six projects have been selected for Incheon City's "2026 Traditional Market Facility Modernization Public Contest." The total project budget amounts to approximately 2.2 billion won, accounting for 40% of the entire budget for Incheon, and representing an increase of about 1.3 billion won compared to last year.
The main projects include the installation of a new rain shelter (arcade) at Mansu Market (930 million won), a complete replacement of the arcade at Incheon Moraenae Traditional Market (760 million won), and the construction of a new customer service center at Jangseungbaegi Traditional Market (320 million won). These projects are scheduled to begin in February next year.
Mansu Market, which opened in 1984, is an alley-type traditional market that has served as a central hub for the local commercial district and as a community gathering place. However, due to aging facilities and the recent economic downturn, the number of visitors has sharply declined. The district plans to gradually implement the rain shelter installation project so that Mansu Market can reestablish itself as Namdong-gu's representative traditional market.
This year, the district completed modernization work for nine traditional markets, including installing a retractable roof at Soraepogu Traditional Fish Market. In September, a new customer service center will open at Guwol Wholesale Traditional Market.
Park Jonghyo, the mayor of Namdong-gu, stated, "We will continue to thoroughly implement the traditional market revitalization projects, which are key initiatives of the 8th popularly elected administration, next year as well," adding, "We will strive to ensure that traditional markets serve as the backbone of the local economy and grow into central hubs of local culture."
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