Energizing Old Markets

[Anchor Lead]

Traditional markets were on the decline, pushed out by large supermarket franchises. But by introducing new elements like cultural performances and special events into the shopping experience, they are coming back. Also, an growing number of young vendors are opening up stores in traditional markets to bring in some new life.

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The sonorous voice of a pansori singer echoes through this night market packed with shoppers. This performance is held every weekend in the middle of this traditional market. Various hand-crafted items and market food generate an ambience unique to this place. Culture has been incorporated into a traditional market in the old part of the city to give rise to a new tourist attraction.

[Soundbite] Jeon Go-pil(Director of Special Event, Daein Art Night Market) : "I'm trying to turn this market into a venue for artists and merchants to continuously meet and interact."

This market features an eye-catching sign and subdued lighting. The market tells the stories of the merchants who have done business in one place for 40 years. There is even a store for beginner merchants and a shop selling items with interesting designs. Ever since the market was re-opened earlier this year under the theme of "a market with a century of history," the number of shoppers coming to this market increased by 20 times.

[Soundbite] Market Visitor : "Young people usually don't come to traditional markets, but this one has been renovated in a unique style."

Dozens of stalls are stationed along a stream next to a traditional market. Shoppers stop by to take a closer look at handmade cards, plush dolls, ceramic pieces, and other charming knicknacks. This market is Gaeuljang held every weekend by young vendors.

[Soundbite] Kim Eun-ju(Young Merchant) : "Shoppers seem to have gotten younger. There were very few young shoppers in traditional markets."

As more and more young shoppers are drawn to these uncommon items, weekend customers, which used to number around 10,000, have now more than doubled.

[Soundbite] Baek Jae-seon(Traditional Market Merchant) : "I can actually see more people visiting the market."

This market also enjoys word-of-mouth advertising, thanks to the items like phone cases and accessories hand-crafted by these young vendors.

[Soundbite] Lee Hwa-yeong(Young Merchant) : "We sell these items at affordable prices. Then more people will come to this market."

Traditional markets in a prolonged slump found a new way to break out of the bad times by infusing culture and narrative to the marketplaces. Young vendors are also rejuvenating the formerly languishing traditional markets with their new, unusual ventures.