Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon visited Sinjungang Market in Hwanghak-dong, Jung-gu to check the progress of the "Design Innovation Traditional Market Development Project."

On the 8th, Seoul City announced that Mayor Oh listened to a comprehensive explanation of the project at the Sinjungang Market Merchants' Association office along with the Director of the Civil Affairs and Labor Bureau and the architect in charge of the design, urging smooth progress.

The Sinjungang Market Design Innovation Traditional Market Development Project is the first design innovation traditional market project initiated by Seoul City, aiming to strengthen competitiveness and inject new vitality through customized designs that reflect the locality and history of the traditional market.

In this project, an 'open roof' in the form of entrances will be installed at each of the 16 alleys within the market to naturally attract people from outside, enhancing pedestrian flow and accessibility. Additionally, a stepped structure where visitors and merchants can stay together will be created to transform the space into a stay-oriented area.

Furthermore, the existing old arcade will be reinforced structurally and improved with wooden structures using timber, and lighting will be enhanced to create a warm and open market image. The design features actively reflect the unique characteristics and spatial structure of Sinjungang Market.

Currently, the design service is underway, with completion scheduled for July this year, construction starting in September, and completion targeted for June next year.

Mayor Oh said, "We will strive to revitalize Sinjungang Market into a commercial district that goes beyond design innovation, incorporating elements of food, culture, and tourism evenly connected to nearby Hipdang-dong, the Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Alley, Dongdaemun DDP's K-culture, and Gwanghui-dong Central Asia Street." He added, "Through this, we will develop it into a second Gwangjang Market that is popular not only among Seoul citizens but also domestic and international tourists."