"Don't Just Shop, Stay and Enjoy!" Gwangju's 29 Markets Transform into Destinations

Selected for Ministry of SMEs and Startups Project... Support for 29 Traditional Markets and Shopping Districts
Secures 1.46 Billion Won in National Funding, Enhancing Culture, Management, and Safety
Gwangju City Boosts Vitality by Transforming Markets into Destinations

Gwangju Metropolitan City is accelerating its efforts to transform traditional markets from places where people simply shop to destinations where people linger and spend time.

On January 20, Gwangju City announced that 29 local traditional markets and shopping districts were selected in the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' "2026 Traditional Market Revitalization and Safety Management Package Support Project" contest, securing 1.46 billion won in national funding (out of a total project cost of 2.07 billion won).

Citizens are enjoying the night market and cultural events at the Yangdong Covered Shopping Arcade traditional market in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Through a public contest by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Gwangju City has selected 2 cultural tourism markets, 25 market management support locations, and 2 safety management package support locations to develop traditional markets into spaces combining culture, tourism, and safety. Provided by Gwangju City

The "Cultural Tourism Market" project is a two-year initiative that develops and operates specialized content by linking local history, culture, and tourism resources with traditional markets. Following the selection of Namgwangju Market last year, Mudeung Market and Yongbong Fashion Street have been newly chosen this year, bringing the total number of cultural tourism markets in Gwangju to three.

The "Market Management Support" project aims to enhance the professionalism and management capabilities of merchants by operating market managers and delivery managers, among other initiatives. This year, a total of 25 locations were selected, including six in Daein Market in Dong-gu, six in Yangdong Covered Shopping Arcade in Seo-gu, three in Baegun Square Alley-type Shopping District in Nam-gu, six in Unam Market in Buk-gu, three in Songjeong Daily Market in Gwangsan-gu, and the Merchants' Association.

The "Safety Management Package Support" project is designed to prevent fires and strengthen safety in traditional markets by supporting the improvement of aging electrical, fire, and gas facilities, as well as the installation of safety equipment. This support will be provided to two locations, including Yangdong Covered Shopping Arcade.

Baek Eunjeong, Director of Economic Policy, stated, "Traditional markets are more than just spaces for consumption; they are venues for cultural exchange that embody the unique characteristics and charm of the region. Through specialized projects such as the Cultural Tourism Market initiative, we will create traditional markets where citizens and tourists can enjoy and spend time together."

Additionally, Gwangju City will carry out the "Traditional Market Facility Modernization Project" this year to improve aging facilities at 12 traditional markets and will also implement a parking environment improvement project at one location. Furthermore, revitalization projects (Renaissance) will continue for the Songjeong Station and Chungjang commercial districts, including joint brand development, fostering young merchants, and hosting signature festivals, in order to strengthen the competitiveness of traditional markets and neighborhood shopping areas.