Revitalizing Old Markets

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Winds of change are blowing through Korea's traditional open-air markets, as younger merchants are moving in and opening their own stores. Today, we bring you some scenes from these markets with a lot of character and energy.

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First, let's meet some young merchants at a market in the Guro district of Seoul. This market has seen significant changes since the arrival of 12 young business owners.

[Soundbite] Chief Choi Hyun-ho(Taskforce for Assisting Young Merchants) : "Lots of stores closed down, as the manufacturing industry declined in Guro Market in the 1990s and the consumption environment as changed. In January 2014, first four teams of young merchants were brought in to change the market, laying the foundation for the current Guro Young Plaza."

A young business owner sells memories and nostalgia at a store full of sweets and toys from yeas gone by.

[Soundbite] Yoo Jeong-myoung(Traditional Market Shop Owner) : "I worked as a company employee for a long time. I wanted to achieve my dream and goal before it's too late. I opened this store with an idea to share old toys."

Across the street from this store is another special shop.

[Soundbite] Byun Eun-ji(Traditional Market Shop Owner) : "I opened this shop with an intention to introduce a new grocery store built from young people's perspectives."

The shop sells photo albums depicting some 300 grocery stores nationwide and stationery items. Customers have had a positive response to various goods sold at the store. Young merchants conduct business in another traditional market from Thursday to Sunday every week.

[Soundbite] Lee Hyun-soo(Executive, Mojaran Cooperative) : "Dongjin Market is a space for young people to sell artworks they produce. I expect the market to grow further."

A shop selling personalized woodcraft pens with laser-engraved names is packed with customers. Women are attracted to a store that sells dried flower crafts.

[Soundbite] Ahn Hye-kyung(Handicrafts Seller in Traditional Market) : "I like wandering around mountains and fields. I collected flowers discovered there. It was really fun. So I came up with the idea of creating pressed flower crafts."

Young people have put down their roots in the 60-year-old Inhyun Market This is a shop selling fried chicken called dak gangjeong, jointly run by two friends. Their hard work has begun to pay off, as the store has become famous and the number of regular customers is growing.

[Soundbite] Han Ji-yeon(Traditional Market Customer) : "Making a challenge requires a great deal of courage. It was amazing to see young merchants near me."

A little walk from the dak gangjeong shop leads to another popular diner run by young owner, Lee Kwan-ho. The owner does everything alone from cooking to serving customers.
The diner is especially meaningful for him, as it represents a dream come true and the first business he has ever owned.

[Soundbite] Lee Kwan-ho(Diner Owner in Traditional Market) : "I hope that my store will be remembered as the most favored store for someone."

Young people are finding new opportunities in traditional markets. They also bring with them a variety of positive effects. Their arrival has dramatically changed the atmosphere of these old spots.

[Soundbite] Choi Joon-kook(Traditional Market Merchant) : "The arrival of young people has brought energy and vitality to the market. It is said to be really difficult for young people to land jobs these days. It is good to see the young merchants starting their own businesses and working hard."

Traditional markets are regaining vitality, as young business owners are breathing new life and youthfulness into them.