Assemblyman Myeonggu Kang Welcomes Selection of Seonsan Bonghwang Market as "Cultural Tourism Market"

Selected for Ministry of SMEs and Startups Contest Project
Cultural and Tourism Programs for Traditional Market
Boosting Local Commercial Districts Anticipated
Aiming to Develop Gumi's Leading Stay-Type Traditional Market

Myeonggu Kang, Member of the National Assembly (Gumi City, Gyeongbuk), expressed his welcome on January 8 to the selection of Seonsan Bonghwang Market as a "Cultural Tourism Market" in the "2026 Traditional Market and Shopping District Revitalization Contest Project" organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

Kang Myunggu, Member of the National Assembly (Gumi City, Gyeongbuk) / Photo by Kim Ihwan

With this selection, Seonsan Bonghwang Market will receive up to 820 million won in funding over two years, from 2026 to 2027. The market will actively implement specialized programs and tourism-oriented content that leverage its unique historical and cultural assets.

In addition, a variety of cultural and tourism programs will be promoted, including Seonsan Bonghwang Gopchang Day, the development of branded menu items combined with "Success Story" themes, the maintenance of symbolic market sculptures, and the creation of experiential content. These initiatives are expected to enhance the market's sustainability and attract more family visitors and tourists.

Assemblyman Kang stated, "Seonsan Bonghwang Market is a precious space imbued with a long history and the lives of local residents," and added, "Being selected as a Cultural Tourism Market is more than just a facility improvement; it marks a turning point for the market to become a destination where people want to visit and stay."

He particularly emphasized, "Seonsan Bonghwang Market has long been known as the 'market where swallows come,' and if the hope and good fortune symbolized by swallows are well incorporated into the market's storytelling, it can establish a unique charm that sets it apart from other regions. We must actively utilize these unique assets to establish the market's own identity."

He concluded, "We will work closely with Gumi City, relevant organizations, and the merchants' association to ensure that this project becomes a sustainable model where merchants and local residents grow together, rather than a one-off event."

Meanwhile, Assemblyman Kang plans to continue his policy and legislative activities to revitalize the local market economy, focusing on strengthening the competitiveness of traditional markets, fostering young merchants, and discovering regionally specialized content.