Major innovation plan unveiled for Namdaemun Market

The Seoul metropolitan government unveiled an ambitious plan Monday to rejuvenate Namdaemun Market, the country’s oldest and largest traditional marketplace, aiming to blend modernization with the site’s historic character. The project aims to blend six centuries of heritage with contemporary urban energy, transforming Namdaemun not just into a commercial hub but also a vibrant cultural and tourist destination for the next century, city officials said. Home to nearly 20,000 wholesalers and retailers, Namdaemun Market dates back to 1414, when it was founded as a small marketplace during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Over the centuries, it has grown into a central fixture of Seoul’s commercial and cultural life. “Despite being one of Korea’s most famous markets, Namdaemun Market has recently faced a crisis of declining competitiveness due largely to rapidly changing distribution and consumption trends, as well as a lack of modern facilities and public space — making it clear that innovative solutions are needed,” a city official said. “Many of world-famous traditional maWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times