15 districts apply; 5 sites to be chosen by mid-September

Jongno-gu, Dongdaemun-gu and Jung-gu among applicants

Selected sites to receive up to 2 billion won in support

Cheongnyangni Comprehensive Market in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, draws crowds ahead of the Chuseok holiday. [Yonhap]
Cheongnyangni Comprehensive Market in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, draws crowds ahead of the Chuseok holiday. [Yonhap]

Seoul's "Dalbich Yajang" outdoor night market program — a centerpiece of the city government's nighttime economy initiative under the current elected administration — is expected to open in October. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to select five sites this year, and more than half of the city's 25 autonomous districts — 15 in total — have submitted applications. Candidates include not just bar-lined alleyways but traditional markets and other diverse venue types.

Seoul has closed applications for the program and is now conducting a verification process to select the final sites. Five of the 15 applicant districts — one-third of the total — will be chosen this year. "We plan to complete the selection process by mid-September at the latest so that Dalbich Yajang can launch in October," a Seoul city official said.

Dalbich Yajang was announced Aug. 20 as part of the city's "24-Hour Vibrant Economy City Seoul" plan. Starting with five locations this year, the program aims to expand to all 25 districts by 2028. To support that goal, the city plans to provide up to 2 billion won ($1.47 million) per site. The city has also recently drawn up guidelines on road-use permits and outdoor business operations.

Selection criteria will weigh three factors: growth potential to draw large crowds while reflecting each district's distinct character, infrastructure such as restrooms, and whether applicants have established a cooperative body with nearby residents. The city has also said it intends to ensure Dalbich Yajang sites are not limited to bar districts, with traditional markets, long-established restaurant streets and souvenir shops all eligible.

Jongno-gu applied with Songhae-gil — the stretch along Supyo-ro 105 to Supyo-ro 126 and its surrounding area — which is home to about 130 shops. "Songhae-gil retains the atmosphere of long-standing traditional establishments and carries symbolic value as a street named after the late entertainer Song Hae," a Jongno-gu official said. "We aim to build a nighttime commercial belt linking it with the Jongno Mutual-Growth Street in Ikseon-dong's Galmaegi Alley, turning the area around Jongno 3-ga Station into a safe and hygienic hub for Seoul's nighttime economy."

Dongdaemun-gu nominated the Cheongnyangni traditional market district. "Cheongnyangni is home to many traditional markets and already draws a large number of tourists," a district official said. "We expect that designation as a Dalbich Yajang site and development into a more attractive space will bring even more visitors." The district added that it has formed a cooperative body with local merchants to discuss development plans.

Jung-gu applied with Sinjeong Central Market in Sindang-dong. "Revitalizing the local economy was a campaign pledge of the current district mayor," a Jung-gu official said. "If the local commercial district is revived through Dalbich Yajang, it will also benefit nearby residents."

Ten districts did not apply this time. An official from one of those districts said merchants in the area had been consulted but ultimately decided not to apply in this round. "We plan to address the shortcomings and apply at a later date," the official said.

Once the city selects five Dalbich Yajang sites around mid-September, each chosen district will begin building out its site in earnest. Districts will assess infrastructure — including restrooms, pedestrian access and road conditions — and work out how to activate cooperation systems with local merchants. The city will provide funding and monitor the sites to ensure smooth operation.

"We will do our utmost to support Dalbich Yajang so it can take root and help complete the vision of a vibrant Seoul," a city official said. "We will work hard to run the five sites well this year and expand the program to all 25 districts by 2028."


ikson@heraldcorp.com