Gokseong-gun, Train Platform Market Undergoing Renovations Ahead of March Opening

Upgraded to a Regular Market with the Fun of Living, Watching, and Playing

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Gokseong Gichadang Ttukbang Market, established as Jeonnam's representative flea market, is returning with spring.

According to Gokseong-gun on the 13th, ahead of the market's first opening this year on the 7th of next month, the Ttukbang Market is recruiting sellers until the 20th and is steadily preparing new content and differentiated strategies for visitors who have been waiting for the opening throughout the winter.

This year's slogan declares it as an "Eco-friendly Eco Market." Reusable shopping bags featuring the Ttukbang Market BI will be gifted to minimize the use of plastic bags. Additionally, the use of Simcheong gift certificates with Zero Pay will be expanded to all sellers to spread the message of reducing the number of trees cut down for currency production.

To strengthen its function as a market, efforts will be made to diversify and upgrade product quality. New participating sellers will receive seedling certification along with one-on-one consulting to help develop higher-quality products.

Moreover, various incentives will be given to sellers based on their participation frequency to attract and retain power sellers. To enhance the uniqueness of the local market, local sellers will be discovered in connection with regional universities and high schools, and food sales will be expanded. In particular, the shared market, which has been attempted with local farms since last year, will be expanded to showcase seasonal agricultural products unique to Gokseong, infused with the energy of the Seomjin River basin.

Entertainment options will also become more diverse. Seasonal events will be held to create a cultural market where the local community and visitors can participate together. The year-round event schedule is packed with participation in local festivals, after-school and village school operations, talent donation performances, and programs linked to local events.

The market's spatial capacity will also be upgraded. Story-enhanced guidance facilities will be created to improve accessibility from Gichamaeul, which is a 5-minute walk away, to Ttukbang Market and Gokseong-eup area.

Connectivity with the children's job experience center will be increased, and a Ttukbang shared playground will be established. Additionally, the plan is to expand it into a stay-type cultural play space by enhancing attractions such as the Ttukbang Market rest area, photo zones, and convenience facilities.

Since its opening in May 2016, Ttukbang Market has now entered its fifth year. So far, it has held 65 markets and welcomed 170,000 visitors. A total of 3,970 seller teams have participated, achieving sales of approximately 670 million KRW.

It has been recognized for transforming idle riverside land into a cultural space, receiving public attention through selections such as the Happy Culture Creation Project with Public Design, the Korea Public Design Award, Local Government Policy Award, Happy Job Support Award, and Excellence in Cultural Welfare in the Productivity Awards.

Representative Im Wonja said, "We are always thinking together with Gokseong-gun about changes to Ttukbang Market."

He added, "We will make it a regular market that people want to visit again because the products are good and fun, not just a market you stop by once," urging many people to visit.

Meanwhile, the first opening day of Ttukbang Market scheduled for the 7th of next month may change due to the novel coronavirus infection. If changed, it will be announced through the Ttukbang Market website and others. Seller participation applications can be made to the cooperative and Gokseong-gun from the 10th to the 20th of every month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.