From Nambu Golmok Market to Kkachisan Market, the events feature food, hands-on activities and Onuri gift card cashback — each market showcases a signature program, with merchants hoping for a boost in sales.
Seoul's Gangseo-gu is launching a series of traditional market festivals this autumn to draw in residents and tourists alike.
Throughout October, the district will run its 2026 Night and Food Culture Revitalization Support Project across six traditional markets, with each venue offering a program tailored to its own character.
The initiative aims to attract younger visitors and tourists as new customers through themed festivals that highlight each market's identity, while strengthening the markets' self-sufficiency and boosting merchant sales.
Nambu Golmok Market kicks off the series. On Saturday and Sunday, the market will host "Bongjaesan Moonlit Table," featuring food booths, food trucks and three types of traditional games for visitors to try.
On Oct. 16, two festivals run simultaneously: Hwagok Bondong Market's "Come, Enjoy — the Market's Treat" and Songhwa Mural Market's "Songhwa Autumn Night Festival." Hwagok Bondong Market will offer a residents' singing contest and stage performances, while Songhwa Mural Market — known for its distinctive murals — will welcome visitors with caricature experiences inspired by its signature artwork.
On Oct. 23 and 24, Bangsin Traditional Market will hold the "Bangsin Four Seasons Festival," featuring cultural performances, food booths and a residents' singing contest.
The festivities continue into the final week of October. On Oct. 29 and 30, Hwagok Jungang Market's "Byeotgol Community Sharing Festival" will include a merchant donation event and a children's eco-craft experience. Then, on Oct. 30 and 31, Kkachisan Market will host its signature night event, the "Kkamak Festival," offering a stamp tour and a variety of performances.
Throughout the events, each market will also run an Onuri Digital Gift Card cashback promotion, returning vouchers to visitors based on the amount they spend, to encourage thrifty shopping.
Gangseo-gu District Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon said the festivals go beyond passive spectator events, incorporating hands-on programs that make use of underutilized spaces within the markets. "We hope this will bring joyful memories to residents and translate into real sales growth for small business owners, becoming an opportunity to breathe new energy into the local economy," he said.
Full details on each market's event schedule and Onuri gift card cashback conditions are available on the Gangseo-gu Office website under Notices and News. Inquiries can be directed to the district office's Local Economy Division.
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