As Crowds Flock to the "Scarf Uncle," Jung-gu Bolsters Safety Measures at Namdaemun Market

Request to Add Namdaemun Market to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's Crowd Management System

Seoul's Jung-gu District (District Mayor Kim Gilseong) has begun managing crowds at Namdaemun Market, where visitors have been flocking to the shop of the "Scarf Uncle," who became famous on social media for his witty banter. The district plans to deploy safety personnel during peak hours and establish a round-the-clock monitoring system using the government's crowd management system.

Visitors crowd in front of Hanyangsa at Namdaemun Market, with safety personnel stationed nearby. Provided by Jung-gu.

According to Jung-gu on November 9, Namdaemun Market has recently gained popularity as an experiential traditional market among foreign tourists and Millennials & Gen Z. Crowds of customers and onlookers alike have been gathering at Hanyangsa, the shop run by a merchant known as the "Scarf Uncle." On October 31, the shop even temporarily closed because of the crowds.

The district is preparing for emergencies by maintaining communication channels with Namdaemun Market Co., Ltd. and the police. It has stepped up monitoring and patrols in areas where crowds gather and continues to clear items obstructing pedestrian traffic. During peak hours, it deploys employees and other safety personnel on site. On November 6, district officials met with the owner of Hanyangsa to hear their concerns and discuss safety measures.

The district is also working to establish a round-the-clock management system. It plans to ask the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to add the Namdaemun Market area to the management zones covered by its "Crowd Management System." The district aims to have the area included in the system starting next year, following a demand survey at the end of this year. It expects that inclusion will allow it to monitor crowd density continuously, identify warning signs early, and respond accordingly.

District Mayor Kim Gilseong said, "It is welcome to see Namdaemun Market bustling and loved by so many people. We will stay in close communication with those on site and pay even closer attention to ensure that merchants can work with peace of mind and visitors can enjoy the market safely and comfortably."

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