Three traditional markets — Junggok Jeil, Jayang Hangang and Yeongdonggyo — to receive 746.59 million won in upgrades covering fire alarm systems, aging wiring and fire extinguishers
Gwangjin-gu is rolling out a 746.59 million won ($564,000) fire safety package targeting three traditional markets in the district, the local government announced Wednesday.
The initiative, titled the "2026 Traditional Market Safety Management Package Support Project," aims to upgrade aging electrical and fire-suppression infrastructure and improve emergency response capabilities at the markets.
The three markets — Junggok Jeil Alley Market, Jayang Hangang Traditional Market and Yeongdonggyo Alley Market — were selected through a competitive application process run by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Work will cover four areas: fire alarm system installation, aging wiring repairs, and fire extinguisher procurement and installation.
Junggok Jeil Alley Market will receive 131.54 million won to install fire alarm systems across its 114 stalls. The systems will include heat and smoke detectors, receivers and relay units that automatically alert the fire department and merchants when a fire breaks out. Installation is scheduled for completion by December.
Wiring repairs will also be carried out at two markets. Junggok Jeil Alley Market's 114 stalls will receive 434.84 million won to replace deteriorated wiring, distribution panels, circuit breakers and outlets, while Jayang Hangang Traditional Market's 69 stalls will receive 177.18 million won for the same work, reducing the fire risk posed by aging electrical infrastructure.
The district will consult with the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation during the design phase to tailor the work to each site's conditions, and will conduct a post-completion inspection to verify safety. The repairs are targeted for completion by January.
Yeongdonggyo Alley Market will receive 3.03 million won to equip 33 stalls with Class K fire extinguishers, dispersal extinguishers and outlet-mounted extinguishers to strengthen early-response capabilities.
The district expects the project to reduce fire risks from aging electrical facilities and strengthen the overall safety management framework at traditional markets — from fire detection through to initial response.
Meanwhile, Gwangjin-gu has been pursuing broader facility improvements to create safer and more comfortable environments at its traditional markets. Earlier this year, the district completed a landscape lighting upgrade at Jayang Hangang Traditional Market and a remodeling of the merchants' association office and training room in Jayang 4-dong. Arcade canopy repairs at Jayang Traditional Market and the installation of retractable shade screens at Yeongdonggyo Alley Market are also under way. Junggok Jeil Alley Market had about 2.4 billion won invested last year to complete arcade canopy installations over its first and second sections, with work on the third section to follow in stages.
"Traditional markets are where merchants make their living and where residents go about their daily lives, so providing a safe environment is essential," Gwangjin-gu District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho said. "By improving aging facilities and expanding fire prevention infrastructure, we will build markets where merchants can run their businesses with peace of mind and residents can shop with ease."
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