Gangdong-gu Moves to Upgrade 5 Traditional Markets Before Summer Heat Hits

Seoul's Gangdong-gu district is fast-tracking its 2026 Traditional Market Facility Modernization Project, securing 1.75 billion won ($1.26 million) to improve shopping conditions and boost convenience for market visitors.

The project was selected last November through a Seoul Metropolitan Government competitive grant program. Gangdong-gu had five markets chosen — Gobundari Traditional Market, Myeongil Traditional Market, Seongnae Traditional Market, Dunchon Station Traditional Market and Amsa General Market — the highest number of any district in Seoul.

Project costs are shared among the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Gangdong-gu and the individual markets. To accelerate the work, the district secured its share of funding through a supplementary budget in May and plans to complete improvements before heat waves and monsoon rains arrive.

Each market is slated for targeted upgrades. Dunchon Station Traditional Market will have its aging awnings removed and replaced with canopies designed to handle rain and snow. Amsa General Market will replace deteriorating panels in its arcade-style covered walkway to prevent leaks and electrical faults during the rainy season. Myeongil Traditional Market and Gobundari Traditional Market will each receive cooling-fog systems to reduce heat and improve air quality during summer. Seongnae Traditional Market will get a refurbished landmark sculpture and new LED display boards to freshen its exterior and strengthen its promotional presence.

In addition, a public parking lot project for Gildong Bokjori Market was selected last year through a Ministry of SMEs and Startups competition to improve parking conditions near traditional markets. A 27-space public lot will be built behind the Gildong 119 Safety Center. A land purchase agreement was signed in May, with demolition of the existing structure set to wrap up this year and construction expected to be completed in early next year.

Once the parking lot opens, it is expected to ease chronic parking shortages in the surrounding area, reduce inconvenience for market visitors and improve overall access — contributing to the revitalization of the local commercial district.