Cheongsong Dalki Mineral Spring and Andong Pungsan Market Hit by Wildfire to Be Revitalized with 3 Billion Won Investment
by Gu Daeseon
Pubilshed 12 Aug.2025 09:10(KST)
Selected for Ministry of SMEs and Startups Project
"Will Become a New Landmark"
On August 12, North Gyeongsang Province announced that Cheongsong Dalki Mineral Spring and Andong Pungsan Market were selected as final recipients in the additional round of the 'Local Commercial District Revitalization Support' project, organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, securing 1.3 billion won in national funding.
The additional round of the Local Commercial District Revitalization Support project targets ten areas that were declared special disaster zones after December 2024 (Muan County in South Jeolla Province, Idong-myeon in Pocheon City in Gyeonggi Province, Sancheong County in South Gyeongsang Province, Ulju County in Ulsan, Uiseong County in North Gyeongsang Province, Hadong County in South Gyeongsang Province, Andong City in North Gyeongsang Province, Cheongsong County, Yeongyang County, and Yeongdeok County). The project aims to facilitate the rapid recovery and sustainable growth of local commercial districts by supporting privately planned commercial district development strategies through cooperation between central government agencies and local governments.
Cheongsong Dalki Mineral Spring, which was selected in this round, suffered severe damage from a large-scale wildfire in March, resulting in the complete or partial destruction of 32 commercial establishments and the paralysis of the district's core functions, which devastated the local residents' livelihoods.
A total of 1.85 billion won, including 800 million won in national funding, will be invested in this area to develop food and beverage products and experiential content utilizing Dalki mineral water, a local resource. In addition, a smart mineral spring and a multi-purpose hub space using idle facilities will be established to create a stay-type commercial district that attracts and retains consumer-oriented residents and visitors.
In particular, leading companies from the North Gyeongsang region have also agreed to participate in the revitalization of the Dalki Mineral Spring commercial district, which suffered extensive damage from the wildfire.
Hankyul Technics, a groundwater specialist company based in Yeongcheon, will install a smart mineral spring facility with enhanced hygiene and convenience. Stay Soopsoop, a local creator company in Gyeongju, will establish accommodation spaces that capture the nature and atmosphere of Cheongsong. Farmers Food Lab, based in Andong, will support the development of a joint brand for Dalki Mineral Spring and the production of prototypes.
Andong Pungsan Market, which saw a sharp decline in visits and consumption by local residents after wildfires affected Pungcheon-myeon, Namhu-myeon, and Iljik-myeon in Andong, will receive a total investment of 1.15 billion won, including 500 million won in national funding, through this project. The plan is to create a local brand utilizing Andong’s three major specialties?Andong Soju, Korean beef, and yam?develop food products, and establish a culinary tourism commercial district by creating various local content and linking with regional tourist attractions.
In addition, to help Pungsan Market recover from the downturn caused by the large wildfire, the Andong Soju Association will organize experiential events, produce tasting products, and operate free tasting sessions.
Lee Jaehun, Director of Economic and Trade Affairs for North Gyeongsang Province, stated, "We will not stop at restoring local commercial districts damaged by large wildfires, but will recreate these districts by utilizing local resources and transform them into new tourist attractions. We will spare no administrative and financial support so that residents and merchants can smile again."
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