Suwon Gumaetan Market Selected for Gyeonggi Province-Type Traditional Market Specialization Project

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hoon] Four traditional markets in Gyeonggi Province, including Suwon's Gumaetan Market, Yeoncheon's Jungok Traditional Market, and Pyeongtaek's Songtan Traditional Market, have been selected for the '2021 Gyeonggi Province-Type Traditional Market Specialization Project.'

This project is being promoted by the Gyeonggi Province government under the 7th popularly elected administration to strengthen the livelihood foundation of traditional market merchants and self-employed workers, revitalize old downtown commercial areas, and activate alley economies. This year, the province conducted public recruitment for 'Gyeonggi Province-Type Commercial District Promotion Zones,' 'Win-Win Development-Type Gyeonggi Shared Market,' and 'Gyeonggi Province Excellent Market Development,' among others.

Although originally scheduled for next year's implementation, due to difficulties faced by traditional markets from the COVID-19 situation this year, the application period was moved up to August as an emergency economic measure for traditional markets.

A selection review committee with experts from various fields was convened to comprehensively review specialization strategies, effects, and capabilities, ultimately selecting four traditional markets that received high evaluations as final target sites.

First, the 'Gyeonggi Province-Type Commercial District Promotion Zone' is a project that designates traditional markets and surrounding commercial areas as commercial district promotion zones to implement various support measures and inject vitality into old downtown areas. Two sites were selected: 'Hanam Sinjang Traditional Market' and 'Yeoncheon Jungok Traditional Market.'

For each designated zone, up to 4 billion won over four years will be provided for facility improvements, marketing, cultural and artistic space creation, and other commercial area revitalization budgets.

Additionally, a 'Commercial District Promotion Center' will be established to take charge of various projects enabling the relevant commercial area to survive independently and secure differentiated competitiveness, and a 'Commercial District Promotion Council,' a private-led commercial district self-governance body involving merchants and experts, will be operated.

Second, the 'Win-Win Development-Type Gyeonggi Shared Market' is a project to create 'shared commercial spaces' where various local stakeholders participate as sellers in locations connected to traditional markets, alley commercial areas, and five-day markets. 'Pyeongtaek Songtan Traditional Market' was selected with a maximum budget of 200 million won.

Through the shared market task force and managers, residents, cooperatives, farmers, food trucks, and others will work together to develop new products and programs capable of creating new customers, fostering a community where merchants and residents blend well, and revitalizing commercial areas.

Third, 'Gyeonggi Province Excellent Market Development' is a sector aimed at discovering and connecting local specialized elements such as tourist courses to create representative brand markets centered on regions, such as Korean Wave hub-type specialized markets.

'Suwon Gumaetan Market' was selected to receive 1 billion won in project funds for customized comprehensive support including equipment maintenance, space utilization of vacant stores, publicity and marketing.

Cho Jang-seok, head of the Small Business Division, said, "Gyeonggi Province is discovering and implementing various measures, including limited-edition regional currency, as emergency economic prescriptions for the alley economy facing difficulties from COVID-19," adding, "We will pursue substantive project implementation to strengthen merchants' self-reliance and revitalize the local economy."