Baeknyeon and Suyu Markets in Gangbuk District Selected as Outstanding Specialized Cases... Driving Commercial District Transformation

Simultaneous Selection in Two Fields: Cultural Tourism and Digital Transformation

Baeknyeon Market and Suyu Traditional Market in Gangbuk District, Seoul (Mayor Lee Soonhee) were simultaneously selected as outstanding cases in two categories in the '2025 Specialized Market Development Project Best Practices Discovery' evaluation, organized by the Small Enterprise and Market Service.

The Baeknyeon Food 31 Contest is being held at the Baeknyeon Market. Provided by Gangbuk-gu.

This evaluation was designed to share and spread the achievements of the specialized market development project. Baeknyeon Market was recognized in the 'Cultural Tourism Market (Food)' category, while Suyu Traditional Market was acknowledged in the 'Digital Traditional Market (Online Sales Expansion)' category for their achievements.

Revitalizing the Community with the Retro Night Market 'Baeknyeon Night'

Selected this year for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' 'Cultural Tourism Market Development Project,' Baeknyeon Market has established itself as a leading local cultural tourism resource by introducing a variety of content, such as creating a specialized night market environment and implementing a children's grocery shopping program, since the launch of its project team in April.

In particular, the night market 'Baeknyeon Night,' promoted by the Baeknyeon Market Cultural Tourism Market Development Project Team, received an enthusiastic response by incorporating retro sensibilities into its operations. The project team introduced 3,000-won fixed-price tasting tickets and course appetizer tickets to reduce the burden on visitors, and encouraged additional spending and repeat visits within the market by distributing 'Subaeki Coins' to participants in market events.

Additionally, on October 19 last year, finalists from the local food challenge 'Baeknyeon Food 31,' held at Baeknyeon Market, participated as night market vendors, enhancing the quality of the content. The 'Baeknyeon Night' night market attracted approximately 28,800 visitors, generated sales of 119.11 million won, and achieved a satisfaction score of 6.33 out of 7 over just four days. It also achieved significant promotional impact, with 250,000 social media reach.

Lee Haeryong, President of the Baeknyeon Market Merchants Association, stated, "The district's continuous support has led to achievements in the first year of the project," and added, "We will further strengthen the project in its second year."

Becoming a Nationwide Market through Collaboration with Delivery Platforms

Entering its second year of the Digital Traditional Market Development Project, Suyu Traditional Market has significantly expanded its digital transformation achievements by focusing on activating short-distance delivery, establishing a nationwide courier system, and creating a sustainable operating model, all based on the delivery infrastructure built last year.

Suyu Traditional Market online grocery shopping service offline promotion booth, Lee Soonhee, Mayor of Gangbuk District (right), is participating in person. Provided by Gangbuk District Office.

The most notable achievement is the collaboration with 'Yogiyo,' a leading domestic delivery platform. By complementing the 'once-a-day delivery' limitation of the existing 'Naver Neighborhood Market Shopping' service and introducing an immediate delivery system for the first time among traditional markets, convenience for local residents has been greatly improved.

The market also actively expanded its online sales channels. By establishing a cooperative, it provided bundled product and combined delivery services, and expanded its distribution channels by joining four additional online platforms: Hyundai Easywell, Benepia, Lotte ON, and Onnuri Market. By building a nationwide courier system centered on the 'Suyu Traditional Market Food Mall,' the market strengthened its competitiveness.

In terms of operations, a partnership with Gangbuk Senior Club ensured a stable delivery workforce and created a win-win model by providing jobs for seniors. As a result of these efforts, the number of participating stores increased by 39% from 28 last year to 39 this year, and total sales reached approximately 270 million won across seven online platforms.

Lee Seongyeop, President of the Suyu Traditional Market Merchants Association, said, "We will continue to expand our online sales channels to ensure that Suyu Traditional Market can be accessed from anywhere in the country."

Lee Soonhee, Mayor of Gangbuk District, stated, "The fact that the specialized projects that leverage the strengths of each market were recognized as outstanding cases is the result of both the merchants' efforts and the expertise of the project teams. We will continue to systematically support related projects so that traditional markets can contribute to the local economy."