Choi Kyou-jin: "Traditional Markets with Appearance Only Are Meaningless"

Choi Kyou-jin, a New Frontier Party preliminary candidate for mayor of Suwon, stressed on the 31st regarding his initiative for revitalizing traditional markets, "traditional markets with appearance only are meaningless" and emphasized that "substantial support measures must be devised."

Currently, 22 traditional markets are operating in Suwon. The preliminary candidate toured these traditional markets but said it was difficult to find the bargaining sounds and vitality between merchants and consumers that symbolize traditional markets.

The preliminary candidate diagnosed that while consumer preference for large-scale discount marts is not improving, administrative practices focused on appearances also play a role in this result.

Accordingly, the preliminary candidate argued that a forward-looking shift in administrative consciousness is necessary to preserve the original purpose of what has been named traditional markets and to restore commercial vitality and increase usage.

The preliminary candidate pointed out that while one of the issues facing traditional markets is "car-free zones," the administration is taking a passive approach.

The preliminary candidate then stated that he will promote a "Vibrant Traditional Market Project" in which merchants associations take the lead and the city and expert groups participate, by specializing our traditional markets with a themed approach so they can be promoted as cultural tourism resources beyond becoming nationally recognized attractions.