Mutual Growth Commission launches safety upgrades at 7 traditional markets nationwide

A project to replace aging electrical infrastructure — a leading cause of fires at traditional markets — and introduce smart safety management systems using digital-twin technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) is being rolled out at seven traditional markets across the country.

The Mutual Growth Commission said Monday it is moving forward with its "2026 Traditional Market and Small Franchise Safety Environment Improvement Support Project," which tasks local governments with identifying safety needs in their own communities. The seven regional projects cover three fire-prevention initiatives, two smart safety management system installations, and two user-environment improvement efforts.

Electrical faults account for a disproportionately large share of fires at traditional markets. According to the National Fire Agency, 509 fires broke out at traditional markets nationwide over the 10 years from 2013 to 2022. Of those, 236 — or 46.4 percent — were caused by electrical factors, while 150 fires, or 29.5 percent, were attributed to carelessness.

The commission signed a mutual-growth agreement with Dongducheon on Monday to upgrade aging electrical facilities at 80 small shops in Dongducheon Jungang Market. The plan calls for replacing deteriorated wiring, distribution panels and circuit breakers to reduce the risk of fire.

On Wednesday, the commission will sign an agreement with the Daejeon Western Fire Headquarters to build a digital-twin-based smart safety and revitalization platform at Doma Keun Market in Daejeon. The market's interior will be rendered as three-dimensional spatial data, providing visitors with navigation information under normal conditions and serving as an evacuation guidance system in the event of a disaster.

A key feature of the project is that local governments identify specific needs on the ground while the commission supports implementation. Because aging facilities and fire vulnerabilities differ from market to market, the initiative focuses on addressing each community's distinct safety needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

"Traditional markets each have different facilities and environments, so the safety support they need also varies by region," said Kwak Jae-wook, the commission's operations director. "We will carry out the project so that the tasks identified directly by local governments in the field — from upgrading aging facilities to introducing smart safety management — translate into real change on the ground."