Itaewon Station Sees More Foot Traffic Than Last Year... Full Efforts to Revive Commercial Area

Minister Lee Young of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, 6th Official Visit to Itaewon
Subway Boarding and Alighting Numbers Higher Than Last Year
Government and Private Sector Join Forces to Revitalize Commercial Areas

The Itaewon commercial district, which had been stagnant since the 'Halloween tragedy,' is finally showing signs of revival. The number of passengers boarding and alighting at Itaewon Station has surpassed last year's average levels. Except for the accident site, surrounding areas are bustling with people. The government is putting all its efforts into 'reviving Itaewon,' organizing events to restore the commercial district in collaboration with large corporations and retail commerce. Lee Young, Minister of SMEs and Startups, has officially visited Itaewon six times this year.

Flea market held on the 14th at the World Food Street near the site of the Halloween tragedy (Photo by Oh Yugyo)

On the 14th, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups held the ‘Hey Itaewon Wish Ball’ event on the streets near Itaewon Station. The Wish Ball contained messages of support from citizens cheering for Itaewon's revival. It was one of the side events of the ‘2023 Together Festival for Great Success.’ Ten large illuminated balloons were released into the sky. A receipt event linked to the festival was also held. Among those who used Itaewon stores or participated in the receipt lottery through the World Food Street flea market, 40 people were lucky to win prizes such as cosmetic sets (Hera), watches or jewelry (J. Estina). They also received snacks (Chungjungone Sweet Potato Chu and Chestnut Chu).

Several companies participated in this event. Woowa Brothers, operator of ‘Baedal Minjok,’ LG Household & Health Care, Kakao, KT, Coupang Fulfillment Service, and Danal supported the Wish Ball event. Daesang, Amorepacific, LG Household & Health Care, and Gongyoung Home Shopping sponsored the receipt event prizes. Additionally, Olive Young (discount coupons), Toss (pedometer), and Baedal Minjok (takeout discount coupons) helped promote the stores.

The Itaewon commercial district’s foot traffic had dropped to about half after the ‘Halloween tragedy.’ This was evident even in subway passenger numbers. In the first quarter, the average daily number of passengers boarding and alighting at Itaewon Station was 17,675, about 10% less than last year’s daily average of 19,370. However, the atmosphere changed significantly last month. An average of 24,000 people used Itaewon Station daily. Up to the 10th of this month, the daily average was 23,400. Both April and May saw more users compared to the same periods last year.

Of course, subway passenger numbers do not represent the entire foot traffic, nor does foot traffic directly translate to commercial recovery. However, on the day of the visit, Itaewon was crowded with people around the landmark ‘Hamilton Hotel’ intersection. Yet, the area near the accident site had not fully recovered. One building had a 'For Lease' sticker attached. The World Food Street, where places like ‘Glam’ are located, is still not as lively as before. There are quite a few opinions saying, “Honestly, I don’t want to go that way (towards the accident site).”

The building right next to the alley where the accident occurred. It is vacant. (Photo by Oh Yugyo)

The government is making efforts to ‘revive Itaewon.’ Minister Lee Young, who returned from a business trip to Japan, also visited the site that day. This was his sixth official visit to Itaewon, showing his sincere commitment to its revival. Starting with the establishment of a one-stop support center for small business owners and self-employed workers in January, he has led the ‘Hey Itaewon’ project in collaboration with the private sector. The project included art exhibitions and street performances (busking), and a documentary about the daily lives of Itaewon merchants was produced and broadcast.

Minister Lee said, “Seeing the receipts collected in the entry box today, the supportive messages written on the Wish Balls, and the companies participating here, I feel the power of the entire nation coming together for Itaewon,” adding, “I ask for a little more attention and support so that Itaewon can take a new leap forward.”

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