Jeong Wono to Foster 20 ‘Second Seongsu-dong’ Districts in Seoul... Assigns Commercial District Growth Manager to Every Market

One-on-One Support for Digital Transformation

Emergency Microloans Up to 10 Million Won and Low-Interest Refinancing Loans

Jeong Wono, the Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, pledged to assign a “Commercial District Growth Specialist Manager” to each market. He also announced a plan to foster 20 “Second Seongsu-dong” commercial zones throughout Seoul by establishing a dedicated management system for each commercial district.

On May 14, Jeong announced the Seoul-style branded commercial district development project as a pledge for small business owners through social networking services (SNS). He promised that, through the “Commercial District Growth Specialist Manager,” on-site support would be provided for commercial district analysis, store operation improvement, promotion, and online sales channel expansion. He plans to build a comprehensive management system that is responsible for each market—from the formulation of implementation plans, to linking support programs, customer support, and post-management—by connecting with existing support projects and the support systems of each autonomous district.

Jeong Wono, the Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, is holding a press conference with Democratic district mayor candidates at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 13th. On this day, Jeong proposed a pledge to exempt property tax for single-homeowners with no income. May 13, 2026 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

With the goal of fostering 20 “Second Seongsu-dong” areas, Jeong intends to analyze floating populations, sales trends, rent levels, and business type changes for each commercial district, establishing tailored growth strategies. He aims to create branded commercial zones that citizens will revisit by connecting regional festivals, joint marketing, local brands, and online promotions.

In this process, support will also be provided for small business owners’ AI and digital transformation. Jeong plans to run mobile digital managers to help traditional markets and neighborhood stores secure online sales channels, and to offer one-on-one support for entering online sales platforms, implementing reservation and ordering systems, managing customer reviews, promoting stores, and utilizing AI.

The pledges for small business owners also include providing emergency microloans of up to 10 million won for those in crisis. Support measures will also cover low-interest refinancing loans to reduce the burden of high-interest debt, interest subsidies, debt adjustment counseling, and business management diagnostics.

Additionally, to support startups and business transitions, Jeong plans to gradually establish Startup Circulation Centers, helping entrepreneurs purchase equipment, materials, and fixtures at lower prices. The centers will also provide tax, labor, and lease finance consultations, as well as connect with second-chance financing to further ease financial burdens.

Jeong stated, “From traditional markets to local commercial districts, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will work together on the ground,” adding, “Building on the experience of Seongsu-dong, I will discover new possibilities across Seoul and turn them into branded commercial zones that citizens will want to return to.”

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