Imsil County Completes 'Matitgil Food Alley' at Traditional Market

5 Billion Won Invested: Six Restaurants, Parking Lot, and Restroom Facilities
"A Specialized Market Where Visitors Want to Stay... Boosting the Local Economy"

Imsil County in North Jeolla Province completed the 'Matitgil Food Alley' at Imsil Traditional Market on the 19th.

The county announced on the 22nd that it held a completion ceremony for the 'Matitgil Food Alley', attended by County Governor Shim Min, Vice Chairman Yang Jooyoung and other members of the county council, Provincial Assemblyman Park Jeongkyu, heads of local community organizations, members of the Imsil Market Merchants Association, and about 50 local residents.

Imsil County completed the 'Matitgil Food Alley' at Imsil Traditional Market on the 19th. Photo by Imsil County

The newly completed food alley was built with a total project cost of 5 billion won, including national and provincial funds. Located in the Idori area of Imsil-eup, it is a single-story building with a total floor area of 796 square meters, housing six restaurants, a public restroom, and a rooftop parking lot with 15 spaces.

With the increase in tourists visiting Imsil County attractions such as the Cheese Theme Park and Okjeong Lake, as well as changes in consumption patterns due to the sunset leave policy for soldiers of the 35th Division, the need for a variety of food options has emerged. After being selected for the Traditional Market Facility Modernization Project in 2021, the project was launched, construction began in November 2023, and was completed in June this year.

The six restaurants feature Imsil's signature products, including yogurt-aged charcoal-grilled pork (Yodwaeji) using cheese (dairy products) and pork; Imsil Cheese Bungeoppang (Bungeoseom Bungeoppang), a fish-shaped pastry inspired by Bungeoseom Island in Unam-myeon; Cheese Smoked Barbecue (Semonemo), which can be easily heated and enjoyed; Black Goat Soup (Imsil Black Goat Soup Original House); Korean Beef with Dried Radish Greens Soup (Deokjane); and Imsil Cheese Dumplings (Imsil Restaurant).

Currently, five restaurants (Yodwaeji, Bungeoseom Bungeoppang, Semonemo, Imsil Black Goat Soup Original House, and Deokjane) have been operating since July. By offering their signature dishes, they are attracting visitors and revitalizing Imsil Market. The remaining restaurant (Imsil Restaurant) is expected to begin normal operations after completing interior renovations following the completion ceremony.

The county expects that the establishment of this food alley will promote mutual growth with Imsil Market and nearby shopping districts, and contribute to revitalizing the local economy.

County Governor Shim Min stated, "We are now able to provide unique and competitive food options and convenient facilities for market visitors," and added, "We will continue to develop the market into a place that attracts many people and becomes a specialized market where visitors want to stay."