KT&G Signs MOU with Busanjin-gu Office to Revitalize Seomyeon 1st Street Local Economy

Cooperation Including Environmental Improvement at Sangsangmadang Intersection and Operation of Win-Win Programs for Small Business Owners

Sim Young-ah, Head of KT&G Social Contribution Office (left), and Seo Eun-sook, Mayor of Busanjin District Office, are posing for a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement.

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] KT&G announced on the 21st that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Busanjin-gu Office on the 18th to revitalize the old downtown area of Seomyeon.

This agreement was made with the purpose of promoting smart tourism and enhancing the brand value of the footwear industry special zone, centered around Seomyeon 1st Street (Sangsangmadang Intersection), where KT&G Sangsangmadang Busan is located. Going forward, KT&G will present various cultural programs at Sangsangmadang, and Busanjin-gu Office will cooperate in administrative support and promotion.

First, KT&G Sangsangmadang will hold a 'Flea Market' with local merchants on the 26th to support small business owners. The flea market, held under the name 'Imagining Market,' will feature a total of 35 teams and offer free experience classes such as 'Making Shampoo Bars.' Busanjin-gu Office will create a car-free street at the Sangsangmadang Intersection on the last Saturday of every month to support various events.

Improvements to the street environment centered around the Sangsangmadang Intersection will also be carried out. By connecting local artists and institutions, they plan to add vibrancy by painting culture-themed artwork on the pavement blocks. Additionally, the two organizations will jointly plan and cooperate on programs that leverage the characteristics of Seomyeon's footwear industry special zone and promote win-win cooperation with small business owners.

Shim Young-ah, Head of KT&G's Social Contribution Office, said, “We are honored that Sangsangmadang Busan can participate in revitalizing the economy of the Seomyeon 1st Street area in Busan,” and added, “Through cooperation with Busanjin-gu Office, we will do our best to support Seomyeon 1st Street to become a representative cultural and tourism attraction in Busan and contribute to the coexistence of the local community.”

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