Gangbuk-gu to Receive Interior and Safety Minister's Commendation for Revitalizing Traditional Markets

Gangbuk Baekmaek Festival Draws 84,000 Visitors
Achievements in Market-Specific Facility Modernization

Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Jung Chang-soo), will be the only Seoul district to receive a government commendation, in recognition of its success in revitalizing commercial areas by linking market-specific facility upgrades with festivals.

The Baegya Festival held at Baengnyeon Market on the 9th. Provided by Gangbuk-gu.

Gangbuk-gu said on the 21st that it had been selected to receive a Minister of the Interior and Safety commendation in the local government support agency category at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ “2026 Awards for Contributions to the Revitalization of Traditional Markets and Shopping Districts.” The awards were established to recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations that have helped revitalize traditional markets and shopping districts.

The district has focused on improving facilities to suit the conditions of each market. This year, it installed evaporative cooling systems and ceiling fans at Baengnyeon Market to improve conditions for visitors during the summer. At Jangmiwon Alley Market, it is working to improve the traffic system to make walking safer and visits more convenient. At Suyu Traditional Market, it is investing approximately 4.16 billion won to build a customer service center with delivery support facilities, a space for merchants, and a rest and cultural area for residents, with completion targeted for 2028.

The district has also pursued business modernization, including the “Culture and Tourism Market Development Project” at Baengnyeon Market and Jangmiwon Alley Market. A leading example is the “Gangbuk Baekmaek Festival,” organized with the direct participation of merchants. A total of 84,000 people attended the festival’s fourth edition this year, held at Baengnyeon Market and around Uicheon Stream. Visitor numbers rose 187% from the previous year, while festival sales increased 218% to approximately 456.85 million won.

The district plans to modernize facilities in stages to meet the needs of each market and strengthen tailored support that highlights the character of each area, based on analysis of pedestrian traffic and consumer trends. It also aims to help merchants enhance their business capabilities so they can adapt to changing consumer environments.

District Mayor Jung Chang-soo said, “Being selected to receive this commendation is a meaningful achievement made possible by the merchants and others who have worked together to develop traditional markets. We will continue to build on the unique characteristics and strengths of each market, enhance their competitiveness, and create commercial areas that attract more people and encourage them to stay, bringing tangible vitality to the local economy.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.