Seoul’s 60-Year-Old Shin Jungang Market to Undergo Major Transformation... Reborn as an Open Market with an Open Roof

'Design Innovation Traditional Market Project' Launched
Traditional Timber Structures and Rest Areas to Be Installed

More than 60 years since its establishment, Shin Jungang Market in Jung-gu, Seoul is set to transform into a market infused with unique design elements. With an expected increase in both domestic and international tourists, the market is anticipated to regain vitality and emerge as the new center of so-called 'Hip Dang-dong' (Hip + Sindang-dong).

According to Seoul City on October 27, the 'Design Innovation Traditional Market Project' targeting Shin Jungang Market will be fully launched.

Aerial view of the Shin Jungang Market Design Innovation Project. Seoul City

After announcing a design and architecture competition in February, the city selected the proposal by Yoap Architects and TCA Architectural Research Institute as the winner through expert reviews conducted from April to June. A kickoff briefing for the design service was held in mid-September, and at the end of September, a briefing session for merchants was organized to gather feedback from stakeholders. The project will run until the end of next year, with a total budget of 1.5 billion won.

Shin Jungang Market, which opened in 1962, is 275 meters long and covers an area of 4,095 square meters. Originally established as a wholesale market, its structure was designed mainly for commercial activities, making it inconvenient for visitors to use. In addition, merchants have faced issues such as leaks along the arcade roof during heavy rain due to aging facilities.

The winning design and architecture proposal, titled 'Roof Wave,' will be applied to Shin Jungang Market. The concept signifies a new wave in the alleys of Sindang-dong, extending to the market roof and revitalizing the entire area. According to the design plan, the old arcade of Shin Jungang Market will be replaced with a timber structure, leaving only the pillars and enhancing natural lighting. Additionally, 'open roofs' resembling doorways will be installed at the entrances of 16 alleys, allowing citizens to naturally flow into the market.

The nine underground connecting entrances will be retained, but stepped structures will be created so that visitors can sit and rest. Furthermore, all currently exposed and tangled power lines will be hidden inside these steps for a cleaner appearance. At the main entrance, a symbolic signboard that reflects traditional architecture and represents the market will be installed.

Seoul City aims to create a Korean version of the 'Santa Caterina' Market through the Design Innovation Traditional Market Project. The Santa Caterina Market in Barcelona, Spain, was once on the verge of closure but became a world-renowned tourist attraction through design innovation.