Suwon Agricultural & Aquatic Products Wholesale Market Completes Facility Modernization Project Phase 3

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon Agricultural & Aquatic Products Wholesale Market has completed Phase 3 of its facility modernization project after 4 years and 5 months and held its grand opening on the 4th.

The Suwon Agricultural & Aquatic Products Wholesale Market began auctions at the newly constructed vegetable market on the morning of that day and announced its grand opening.

To ensure normal operations of the wholesale market during construction, the city proceeded with the facility modernization project in three phases using a 'phased cyclical development method' (partially demolishing existing buildings and reconstructing them, with vendors sequentially moving into newly completed buildings).

The Phase 1 project, which began in November 2017 to construct two temporary markets for vegetable vendors, was completed in June 2018. Phase 2, which involved the new construction and relocation of the fruit and seafood markets, was completed in September 2021.

Phase 3, involving new construction and relocation of the vegetable market, was recently completed, with all merchants moving in on April 3. The installation of a new direct sales logistics building is underway, with the entire project expected to be completed by the end of June.

The radish and Chinese cabbage markets that were previously located in temporary buildings near the existing wholesale market have moved into Vegetable Market Building 1, while packaged vegetable markets have relocated to Vegetable Market Building 2.

Opened in February 1993, the Suwon Agricultural & Aquatic Products Wholesale Market has served as a distribution hub for agricultural and aquatic products in the southwestern region of Gyeonggi Province. However, since the mid-2000s, it has faced difficulties due to aging facilities and declining visitor numbers.

The market was selected in 2013 for a 'Facility Modernization Project Competition' overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and received government funding to begin the modernization project.

The Suwon Agricultural & Aquatic Products Wholesale Market will be developed with a site area of 561,600㎡, a total building floor area of 508,300㎡, and 6 buildings with 1 basement level and 3 above-ground floors.

The basement level will house parking and a low-temperature distribution system. The first floor will accommodate the fruit market, seafood market, Vegetable Markets 1 & 2, an onion auction market, and direct sales and specialty logistics buildings. The second floor will have administrative offices, and the third floor will feature visitor convenience facilities.