Korea Tourism Organization to Develop 11 Traditional Markets into 'K-Tourism Markets'

Markets are always full of energy. For travelers exploring a new destination, they are considered one of the must-visit places.
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) announced on the 4th that it has designated a group of "K-Tourism Markets" and will begin full-scale support to turn traditional markets into global attractions visited by people from around the world.
A total of 11 markets across 10 regions made the list. They include Gyeongdong Market and Mangwon Market in Seoul; Haeundae Market in Busan Metropolitan City; Seomun Market in Daegu; Sinpo International Market in Incheon Metropolitan City; Suwon Nammun Market in Gyeonggi Province; Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market in Gangwon State; Danyang Gugyeong Traditional Market in North Chungcheong Province; Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market in North Jeolla Province; Andong Old Market in North Gyeongsang Province; and Jeju Dongmun Traditional Market in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.
These markets will develop branding strategies that highlight their unique characteristics and step up marketing aimed at overseas tourists. They will expand local food experiences and nighttime content, and also create stay-type tourism products. Plans also call for improving fixed-price systems and payment infrastructure, and expanding multilingual information services to make visits more convenient for foreign tourists.
KTO also plans to use strong cooperation among local governments and merchants' associations to roll out this global tourism-oriented traditional market model nationwide. It aims to improve convenience with services tailored to foreign visitors, such as customized packaging and baggage storage, while expanding experiential programs like local food, festivals, and night tourism content to boost local spending.
Kang Yu-yeong, Head of the Regional Tourism Development Team at KTO, said, "Traditional markets are a core tourism asset where visitors can experience K-food and K-culture in the most vivid way," adding, "We will strengthen the unique appeal of each market and actively develop them into must-visit courses that represent Korea."
jsm64@fnnews.com Jung Soon-min Reporter