Founded in Haebangchon in 1953, Sinheung Market is stepping onto the world stage with a global flea market, a Yutnori World Cup and more.
Yongsan-gu in Seoul will host the "2026 Sinheung Market Global Local Festival" from Thursday through Saturday at and around Sinheung Market, bringing together merchants, residents and visitors from home and abroad.
The festival was conceived to showcase the market's long history and distinctive character to domestic and international audiences, and to create a space where visitors and merchants can connect through a range of cultural programs.
Sinheung Market traces its roots to 1953, when it began as a neighborhood market selling daily necessities in the Haebangchon area. Though it fell into decline for a time, urban renewal efforts and the determination of its merchants transformed it into a space with its own personality. In recent years, its quirky alleyways and eclectic mix of shops have drawn growing attention from visitors both at home and abroad.
The festival will offer a variety of programs that blend the market's unique character with cultures from around the world.
A global flea market will feature an array of products and one-of-a-kind items from Korea and beyond. A Yutnori World Cup will bring together participants of different nationalities and languages to enjoy the traditional Korean board game, turning it into an occasion for cross-cultural exchange.
Alongside this, the program includes performances and lectures designed to energize visitors, as well as talk-concert events where guests can share stories on a range of themes. A photo exhibition documenting Sinheung Market's past, present and future will also be on display, offering a look at the history and transformation of the market in one place.
"Sinheung Market, which began in Haebangchon in 1953 and has long been woven into the daily lives of local residents, is now becoming a destination that draws people across generations and borders," Yongsan-gu District Mayor Kim Kyung-dae said. "I hope this festival will spread the word about the market's history and appeal, and give merchants, residents and visitors from near and far a chance to mingle and discover new possibilities for the market."
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