District readies consumption-boosting events to energize traditional markets and alleyway shops — safety inspections and staff participation drives aim to spread the local shopping spirit

Ichon Jonghap Market
Ichon Jonghap Market

Yongsan-gu, ahead of the chuseok holiday, unveiled a series of consumption-boosting events aimed at easing residents' grocery burdens amid high prices. The events also aim to inject fresh vigor into traditional markets and alleyway shopping districts.

The events will run sequentially according to each market's schedule, centered on Huam Market and Ichon Jonghap Market, the district's two traditional markets. During the chuseok shopping season, Yongsan-gu plans to run refund and discount events to help residents shop more economically. The district will also carry out staff participation drives to encourage greater use of the traditional markets. However, each event may end early if its budget runs out before the scheduled period concludes.

At Huam Market, an event running from Sept. 14 to 19 will refund shoppers with digital Onnuri gift certificates based on how much they spend.

Refund tiers are 5,000 won for purchases from 25,000 won ($19) to just under 50,000 won, and 10,000 won for purchases from 50,000 won to just under 75,000 won. Purchases from 75,000 won to just under 100,000 won earn a 15,000-won refund, while purchases of 100,000 won or more earn 20,000 won. Alongside this, price discount events and giveaways of eco-friendly bags will also be held, offering shoppers a range of additional benefits.

At Ichon Jonghap Market, an event running from Sept. 22 to 24 will refund shoppers who spend 70,000 won or more with a 10,000-won Onnuri gift certificate.

Separately, a five-day agricultural and livestock product refund event overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will also run at Ichon Jonghap Market from Sept. 16 to 20.

Shoppers who buy agricultural or livestock products during the event period can receive a 10,000-won Onnuri gift certificate refund for purchases of 34,000 won or more but under 67,000 won. Purchases of 67,000 won or more receive a 20,000-won refund.

Yongsan-gu also worked to ensure residents can shop safely at traditional markets during the chuseok holiday period. From Wednesday to Thursday, the district conducted safety inspections covering electricity, gas, construction and fire safety at seven traditional markets in the area. The inspections checked for potential hazards and confirmed response systems ahead of the holiday.

Also, to spread a culture of using local commercial districts, the district plans to run a "Staff Day at Traditional Markets and Alleyway Shopping Streets" campaign. The event will run from Sept. 15 to 17. It is expected to channel spending not only to traditional markets but also to alleyway shopping streets, providing a tangible boost to the local economy.

Yongsan-gu District Mayor Kim Kyung-dae said, "Ahead of chuseok, I hope many residents will visit Yongsan-gu's traditional markets and alleyway shops to shop economically while also enjoying the warm atmosphere of the holiday season." He added, "I hope this event brings vitality to the local commercial district and makes for a chuseok that benefits both merchants and residents."


seouldream01@heraldcorp.com