Both Applicants in the "Cultural Tourism Market" Category Selected
On January 15, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province announced that, through the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' 2026 Traditional Market and Shopping District Revitalization Support Project, seven cities and counties within the province and a total of 15 locations (including traditional markets and shopping districts) were selected, securing 660 million won in national funding.
A panoramic view of Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government.
In particular, in the "Cultural Tourism Market" category, which is the most competitive and offers the greatest benefits among the Ministry’s traditional market support programs, Gangwon Province once again demonstrated the competitiveness of its traditional markets. Following last year’s record of having the most markets (four) selected nationwide, both markets that applied this year were also chosen.
The Cultural Tourism Market Development Project is a two-year initiative that aims to enhance the brand value of traditional markets by combining their unique historical, cultural, and tourism resources with local characteristics. The project supports facility modernization, the development of tourism content, and the strengthening of marketing capabilities to help markets become self-sustaining.
Through this year’s selection process, Sabuk Market in Jeongseon and Imge Sa-Tongpal-Dal Market were chosen.
Sabuk Market in Jeongseon plans to develop specialized food offerings such as five types of meal kits for charcoal-grilled dishes, inspired by the local coal mining region’s food culture, and tailored to current consumption trends. The market will also establish infrastructure for the Starlight Night Market and develop specialized content to drive growth and attract outside tourists.
Imge Sa-Tongpal-Dal Market in Jeongseon aims to become a "local value-circulating, mutually beneficial market" that captures the flavors and romance of the Baekdu-daegan mountain range. The market will focus on specialized branding and product development centered on the region’s signature "Imge apples," and operate market revitalization programs connected to trekking and experiential tourism.
Additionally, 12 locations, including the Artificial Waterfall Shopping District in Chuncheon, which were selected for the Market Management Support Project, plan to build self-sustaining market organizations and operational environments through merchant association-led capacity building (merchant training, management consulting) and personnel support (market managers, delivery managers).
Furthermore, through the Regional Product Exhibition Support Project, the province will support the hosting of exhibitions to display and promote excellent products and specialties from local traditional markets and shopping districts, aiming to boost regional product promotion and sales.
Kim Manho, Director of Economic Affairs for Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, "Despite difficult economic conditions, the selection of 15 traditional markets in the province for the Ministry’s project is expected to revitalize the stagnant traditional market economy. We will make every effort to strengthen the competitiveness of traditional markets and increase sales through the development of cultural tourism markets linked to local characteristics, and work together with merchants to activate the markets through administration that resonates with local residents."
He added, "Just as the red horse of the Year of Byeong-o runs tirelessly, we will do our utmost this year to ensure that Gangwon Province’s traditional markets become vibrant spaces full of people and energy."
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