Korea's First Traditional Markets Transformed into European-Style Urban Landmarks

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gapdong] Gyeonggi Province announced on the 26th that it has selected 4 locations, including the Suwon Namun Market area commercial district, as the results of the "Traditional Market Innovation Model Project" competition, which remodels traditional market sectors with European-style architectural design to develop them as urban landmarks.

The "Traditional Market Innovation Model Project," a key initiative of the 8th popular election period, provides up to 20 billion won over three years per commercial district to support remodeling and consulting to strengthen market competitiveness.

The four selected sites are: △Suwon Namun Market area commercial district △Gungpyeong-hang Haeoreum Seafood Market in Hwaseong City △Handae-ap Station Shopping Street in Ansan City △Happiness-ro Alley-type Shopping Street in Uijeongbu City.

In particular, the province conducted case studies of European markets to incorporate European sensibility into these commercial districts, including the Market Hall and Albert Cuyp Market in the Netherlands, the Marché des Enfants Rouges, Marche de Passy, and Marche Saint Quentin in France, and the Mercado Santa Caterina and Mercat de la Boqueria in Spain. The province plans to benchmark these examples and apply them appropriately to Gyeonggi Province's commercial district circumstances.

This project will be promoted with public institutions in each region directly undertaking the project rather than private entities, enabling more professional and sustainable management models while simultaneously securing expertise and transparency.

In the competition held in April, a total of 9 commercial districts from 8 cities and counties participated in evaluation as sites for innovation model development, and the selection review was conducted through multifaceted evaluation including △current market conditions △development feasibility (location) △business plans △expected effects △and implementation capabilities.

Kim Haengseok, head of the Small Business Promotion Division, stated, "This project is the first in Korea to establish an innovation model by introducing advanced European examples to enhance the competitiveness of Gyeonggi Province's traditional markets," adding, "Through this, Gyeonggi Province will lead the way to establish traditional markets and shopping streets as landmarks representing Korea."