Governor Kim Dongyeon Vows All-Out Efforts for Local Economic Recovery Through Expanded Big Sale and DMZ Tourism Promotion

by Lee jonggu

Published 03 Oct.2025 15:43(KST)

Governor Kim Dongyeon Visits Munsan Free Market in Paju on First Day of Chuseok Holiday
Holds Luncheon Meeting with Merchants; Secures Additional 2 Billion Won for Second-Half Gyeonggi Big Sale
Pledges to Expand Support for Big Sale and Actively Promote Peace Tourism Linked to the Market
Gyeonggi Province Steps Up Support for Traditional Markets and Small Businesses, Mobilizing Efforts to Revitalize the Local Economy

On October 3, Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, visited Munsan Free Market in Paju on the first day of the Chuseok holiday, where he pledged to expand support for the Gyeonggi Big Sale and strengthen the promotion of peace tourism between Munsan Free Market and the DMZ area.

Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province (right), is smiling brightly while talking with merchants at Munsan Free Market in Paju on the first day of the Chuseok holiday on the 3rd. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

This visit was organized to help stabilize consumer prices for residents ahead of the national holiday and to support small business owners and traditional market merchants who are struggling due to the economic downturn.

Governor Kim held a luncheon meeting with local merchants, where he listened firsthand to the challenges faced on the ground, such as the economic recession and weakened consumer sentiment.

The merchants requested an increase in support for each traditional market district during the Gyeonggi Big Sale event, as well as enhanced promotion of peace tourism linking Munsan Free Market and the DMZ area.

In response, Governor Kim said, "Through the September supplementary budget, Gyeonggi Province has secured an additional 2 billion won, and we plan to conduct the Gyeonggi Big Sale in the second half of the year with a total budget of 5.2 billion won. We will implement multifaceted and comprehensive promotional efforts so that many residents visit traditional markets during the event period."

He added, "We will expand the promotion of peace tourism between Munsan Free Market and the DMZ area through the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, and plan to place promotional materials at the DMZ OPEN sports event, Camp Greaves, and the Dorasan Peace Park Information Center."

Gyeonggi Province plans to hold the second half of the Gyeonggi Big Sale for nine days from November 22 to 30. More than 370 locations, including traditional markets and alleyway shopping districts, will participate.

The Munsan Free Market-DMZ area peace tourism initiative operates a free shuttle bus connecting Munsan Free Market with tourist sites such as the Third Tunnel and Dorasan Observatory for customers who purchase more than 15,000 won worth of goods at the market.

After the meeting, Governor Kim toured market stalls, personally purchasing Chuseok essentials such as sesame oil, songpyeon, and fruit, while observing the atmosphere on site.

Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province (right), is taking a commemorative photo with Kim Kyungil, Mayor of Paju City, on the first day of the Chuseok holiday on the 3rd at Munsan Free Market in Paju. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

Present at the site were Yoon Byunggeon, President of the Munsan Free Market Merchants Association, National Assemblyman Park Jung, Paju Mayor Kim Kyungil, provincial assembly members Lee Hankook, Ahn Myunggyu, and Lee Yonguk, city council members, Kim Mincheol, President of the Gyeonggi Market Commercial District Promotion Agency, and other association officials.

Munsan Free Market, established in the 1960s, is a traditional market with a long history, operating both as a permanent market and a five-day market, and has served as a key pillar supporting the daily lives and commercial activity of the local community.