The district is the only autonomous borough in Seoul to receive the honor at the 2026 traditional market and shopping district revitalization awards. Tailored facility upgrades and the Baengmaek Festival highlight its efforts.
Gangbuk-gu announced it has been selected as the sole autonomous borough in Seoul to receive a commendation from the Ministry of Interior and Safety at the 2026 Traditional Market and Shopping District Revitalization Awards, organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
The awards recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed to revitalizing traditional markets and shopping districts. Gangbuk-gu was honored in the local government support agency category.
The district has pursued facility modernization projects tailored to the characteristics and conditions of each market, while running commerce-revitalization programs that draw on local cultural and tourism resources to strengthen the competitiveness of traditional markets.
Among the highlights, the district this year installed evaporative cooling units and ceiling fans at Baengnyeon Market to improve the summer shopping environment. At Jangmiwon Alley Market, it is carrying out traffic system improvements to enhance pedestrian safety and convenience.
At Suyu Traditional Market, the district is building a customer support center at a cost of about 4.16 billion won ($3.12 million), with completion targeted for 2028. The facility will include a delivery support center, merchant support spaces, and rest and cultural areas for residents.
Alongside these physical upgrades, the district has pushed management modernization initiatives — including a cultural tourism market development program covering Baengnyeon Market and Jangmiwon Alley Market — to inject new energy into the local commercial district. A flagship example is the Gangbuk Baengmaek Festival, built through the active participation of merchants from traditional markets and alley commercial districts across the borough.
Centered on Baengnyeon Market and the Ui Stream area, the Baengmaek Festival has established itself as Gangbuk-gu's signature event, blending local commerce with cultural and tourism content. Now in its fourth year, the festival drew 84,000 visitors — a 187 percent increase over the previous year — and generated sales of about 456.85 million won, up 218 percent year on year.
The district plans to continue rolling out facility modernization projects in phases according to the needs of each market, while analyzing foot traffic and consumer patterns by commercial district to strengthen customized support that reflects local character.
It also intends to help merchants build management capabilities and adapt to a changing consumer environment, laying the groundwork for the sustained growth of traditional markets and alley commercial districts.
"This commendation is a meaningful achievement made possible by the merchants and all those who have worked together for the development of traditional markets," Gangbuk-gu District Mayor Jeong Chang-su said. "We will continue to draw on the unique strengths of each market to sharpen their competitiveness and create commercial districts that attract more visitors and keep them coming back, bringing real vitality to the local economy."
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