Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Supports Alley Market Revitalization Using Big Data and ICT

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, has embarked on revitalizing the local alleyway commercial districts, which have been stagnated due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, by utilizing big data-based Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Gwangsan-gu announced on the 2nd that it held an unveiling ceremony for a digital signage, a digital outdoor advertising board, at the Advanced LC Tower on the 30th of last month.

Previously, Gwangsan-gu was the only district in Gwangju selected for the ‘Big Data-Based Digital Outdoor Advertising Pilot Project’ led by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, securing a total project budget of 700 million KRW.

Based on this, through a public-private council, eight digital signages were installed in the commercial area around Cheomdan Jungang-ro.

Digital signage, a display that can be remotely controlled via a network, is a media platform that comprehensively delivers not only commercial advertisements but also public services and local information.

The digital signage installed in Cheomdan will play the role of public media by supporting local merchants and providing residents with real-time information and services they need.

Detailed introduction materials for about 300 commercial facilities in the Cheomdan district can be viewed. The materials, structured in a homepage format, will introduce store locations, signature menus and services, as well as various events.

Commercial advertisements will primarily broadcast videos owned by the stores, and subscriptions will be accepted based on a quota system. However, operations will be free of charge until the end of this year. In consultation with the merchants' association, video production for advertisements will also be provided free of charge.

A promotional video introducing the Cheomdan commercial district will also be produced. It will feature a reporter introducing the Cheomdan commercial area.

YouTube videos containing news about Gwangsan-gu, as well as information on nearby parking lots, traffic, festival status, tourism, and weekend pharmacy operations, will also be provided through the digital signage.

A job board for youth and middle-aged groups will be operated. Currently, information on employment and part-time job opportunities available in Gwangsan-gu can be checked at a glance.

Each month, a theme will be set to exhibit works by Gwangsan-gu’s cultural and artistic creators for a certain period, serving as a digital exhibition hall.

Events linked with stores will also be held. Through cooperation with stores, free coupons will be registered on the digital signage, allowing citizens to receive them via mobile and use them at the stores.

A free mobile phone charging service will also be provided. Users can place their phones in the charging box at the lower right corner of the signage and enter a password to use the service.

Performing such diverse functions, the digital signage will also serve as a photo zone on Cheomdan street. Photos of major tourist attractions in Gwangsan-gu will be displayed on the large screen, which can be used as a background for taking pictures.

A Gwangsan-gu official said, “We hope the digital signage will serve as a catalyst for revitalizing the alleyway commercial districts,” and added, “We will strive harder to realize Smart Gwangsan that enhances residents’ quality of life.”

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