An international taekwondo tournament has given a significant boost to the Myeong-dong shopping district and dakgalbi alley in Chuncheon, the city announced Monday.
During a campaign-style commercial revitalization event held Saturday and Sunday, athletes used dakgalbi discount coupons distributed by the city to sample the local specialty. The event also featured a "Kkokko Street" program, a purchase-verification roulette game and a flea market, drawing residents and tourists alike.
A tourism shuttle bus operating throughout the tournament brought athletes, their families, spectators and tourists from the venue to the Myeong-dong shopping district and the dakgalbi alley, injecting energy into the broader old downtown area.
Chuncheon said it hopes the programs linking the international sports event with local businesses will spread the tournament's economic benefits across the city while introducing visiting athletes and tourists to Chuncheon's food and attractions.
"Thanks to the international taekwondo tournament, many domestic and foreign visitors came to the Myeong-dong shopping district and enjoyed the flavors and culture of Chuncheon," a city official said.
Local merchants said the buzz reminded them of better days. "It feels just like the old times when Chuncheon was packed with college students on group trips and families, friends and partners coming to visit new conscripts," they said. "Chuncheon's Myeong-dong has been bustling again thanks to the taekwondo festival — it feels wonderful."
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