Top 10 “K-Tourism Markets” to Become Engines for Activating Domestic Economy and Boosting Regional Vitality
Date May 04, 2023
- Developing traditional markets as representative tourism bucket lists of Korea through tailored support, such as developing linked tourism courses, appointing market-specific PR ambassadors, and implementing age-specific marketing strategies
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister PARK Bo Gyoon, MCST) has selected the top 10 “K-Tourism Markets” in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization (CEO KIM Jang Sil, KTO) to promote local tourism and showcase the charm of Korea’s traditional markets. Considering the unique appeal of each market, its connection with nearby tourist attractions, and its contribution to the local economy, 10 markets across the country have been chosen, including the Seoul Folk Flea Market, Sinpo International Market (Incheon), Yangdong Market (Gwangju), and Andong Gu Market.
Linking local attractions to traditional markets as representative local travel bucket lists of Korea
The MCST is working to enhance the tourism appeal of traditional markets and nurture the “K-Tourism Market” as a representative Korean tourism product by discovering the entertainment, food, and sights of traditional markets and developing linked tourism courses with nearby tourist attractions. To transform traditional markets into popular tourism products among the MZ generation, the MCST plans to discuss with them and explore ways to revitalize traditional markets.
The ministry is also focusing on local and international marketing. It conducts tailored marketing strategies by analyzing preferred programs and media among the MZ generation, the middle-aged, and the silver generations. Market-specific public relations (PR) ambassadors are appointed to maintain the public's continued interest, and traditional market relay events are organized monthly. In addition, to make the “K-Tourism Market” a beloved destination among Koreans and a travel bucket list for international tourists, the MCST is holding marketing activities such as participating in overseas exhibitions and producing TV programs.
“The selection of the ‘K-Tourism Market’ will be a catalyst for traditional markets, which are full of local hospitality and harmony, to become a travel bucket list for international tourists beyond Korea,” PARK Jong Taek, director of the Tourism Policy Bureau at the MCST, said. “Through the ‘K-Tourism Market’ project, we plan to gather the cooperation of local governments and private sectors to make traditional markets the representative tourist destinations of each region and lead the local economy.”
|
Attachment |
Status of K-Tourism Market Top 10 Selections |
|
Market Name |
Detailed Description |
|
Seoul Folk Flea Market |
The market is divided into seven rainbow-colored concepts, including orange-dong (used clothing) and green-dong (antiques), so visitors can explore every nook and cranny according to the color. Visitors can also enjoy retro vibes by borrowing ’70s and ’80s school uniforms in the “Cheongchun 1st Street” theme zone and sitting in a café. They can then continue their journey to nearby tourist attractions such as Cheonggyecheon Stream, Dongdaemun Gate, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), and Dongmyo Shrine. |
|
Daegu Seomun Market |
While enjoying flat dumplings, cup makchang, and egg kimbap, visitors can also enjoy various sights, such as busking, large-scale media facades, media art, and more. Nearby, they can explore Daegu’s representative tourist attractions, such as the E-World theme park, the bustling downtown area of Dongseong-ro, Kim Kwangseok-gil Street, and the Modern Culture Alley. |
|
Incheon Sinpo International Market |
Visitors can enjoy famous dishes such as dumplings, dakgangjeong (sweet and spicy fried chicken), gonggalppang (bread filled with sweet red bean paste), and tarts. In addition, there are plenty of things to see, including the 19th-century modernization of Korea at the Incheon Gaehangjang (Open Port Area) Street, Chinatown, and Wolmi Theme Park. Visitors can also enjoy a smart tourism experience through the “Incheoneasy” app. |
|
Gwangju Yangdong Market |
There are themed events, such as the Tong-Maek (chicken and beer) Festival, Geon-Maek (dried fish and beer) Festival, and “River Market” Night Market, as well as activities, such as cooking and craft classes. Nearby tourist attractions include the Asia Culture Center, which always has cultural and artistic performances and exhibitions; the “MZ hot place” Dongmyeong-dong Café Street; and Yangnim History & Culture Village, where visitors can feel a quaint and bright atmosphere. |
|
Suwon Nammun Market |
Visitors can enjoy street food such as walnut cookies and dalgona candy while browsing through the alleys in the market, where jewelry vendors and bead artisans set up shop. They can then watch youth performances of singing, dancing, and exhibitions at the outdoor stage for young people and the Rodeo Art Hall. Nearby, visitors can also create their own pottery and fabric crafts in the craft street before walking through areas of traditional and modern Korean culture at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, Paldalmun Gate, and Joseon Dynasty Confucian School. |
|
Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (Sokcho Central Market) |
Located by the sea, visitors can witness locally caught seafood and enjoy a panoramic view of the sea from the Sokcho Eye, a large Ferris wheel. They can also take a nonmotorized boat ride and experience the life and footsteps of the elderly in Abai Village, where refugees used to live. |
|
Danyang Gugyeong Traditional Market |
In Danyang, plenty of dishes use garlic, a specialty product of the region, such as garlic dumplings and black garlic chicken with rice cake. Nearby, there is the Danuri Aquarium, the largest freshwater fish ecological museum in Korea, and the Mancheonha Skywalk, which was selected as one of the stars of Korean tourism in 2019. |
|
Suncheon Utjang Market |
Many delicious gukbap restaurants can be found here as the Namdo Food Festival is held every May and the Gukbap Festival is celebrated annually on September 8. It is also near Suncheonman Bay National Garden and Suncheon Bay Wetland, where visitors can bask in nature with their family and friends. |
|
Andong Gu Market |
Here, visitors will find food streets specializing in dishes such as steamed chicken, spicy rice cake, and grilled beef, as well as attractions such as the “Mask Day Festival,” featuring traditional masks. Visitors can also experience the culture of Confucian scholars at Hahoe Folk Village and Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy nearby, making it an excellent culinary and cultural trip destination. |
|
Jinju Nongae Market |
During the day, you can enjoy snacks such as kkwabaegi (twisted doughnuts), ggulbbang (honey cakes), and sikhye (sweet rice punch), and at night, you can taste various anju (food to eat with alcohol), such as Jinju Maekju, fried chicken, and jogae suljjim (steamed clams in alcohol). Additionally, there are tourist attractions nearby, such as Jinjuseong Fortress, Namgang River, Yudeung Theme Park, and Jinyangho Lake. |