Gangwon Province has announced its full-fledged launch of 'Weekend Night Markets' at traditional markets across the region as a measure to revitalize local economies and boost overnight tourism.
On May 6th, Gangwon Province stated that it will operate '2025 Weekend Night Markets' at 13 locations across 11 cities and counties until November 1st to revitalize local traditional markets and attract overnight tourists. This initiative aims to revive the regional economy and promote nighttime tourism. Having confirmed the potential through a pilot operation last year, Gangwon Province plans to invigorate the local economy this year by adding richer content and experiential elements.
The operation of the night markets focuses on providing visitors with unique experiences by integrating food and cultural content that highlight the distinct characteristics of each region.
The first night market to open was the 'Hupyeong Eoullim Night Market' in Chuncheon, which has been operating every Friday and Saturday since April 4th. It has received positive feedback from visitors with its traditional long-established restaurant foods such as pancakes, acorn jelly, and sweet pancakes, as well as new food zones like Kkokko Pocha (chicken stall) and young chicken.
The Usancheon Alley-type Shopping District in Wonju, which opened on April 25th, plans to revitalize its night market by linking it with local festivals this year, building on the success of last year's Highball Festival. These include a Chicken and Beer Festival (August), a Dancing Carnival (September), and a Dumpling Festival (October).
Hongcheon Central Market is scheduled to open on June 13th and will feature a family-friendly entertainment space and game zone (RC cars and retro arcade games) on its rooftop. It also plans to host monthly moonlight movie screenings and karaoke events.
The Yeongwol Seobu Market, Pyeongchang Traditional Market, and Jinbu Traditional Market (Pyeongchang) are currently working towards opening their night markets between July and August. Gangwon Province is providing comprehensive administrative support, including concept setting, specialized menu development, and road occupancy permits.
The Yeongwol Seobu Market will operate as a themed night market, combining local foods such as buckwheat crepes, sweet and sour chicken, and spicy chicken feet with nighttime cultural and artistic performances. The Pyeongchang Traditional Market will focus on the theme of the Winter Olympics and snow, featuring local dishes like allolengi noodles and buckwheat tacos, along with connections to representative tourist attractions such as the Healing Forest and the Hyoseok Cultural Festival.
Gangwon Province is also enhancing the competitiveness of existing night markets through facility improvements, menu consulting, and upgrades to market lighting and design. Last year, the weekend night markets in Gangwon Province attracted approximately 15,000 visitors and generated around 280 million won in sales.
Jeong Gwang-yeol, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Gangwon Province, stated, "We hope that the weekend night markets will establish themselves as nighttime tourist attractions and help revitalize local commercial districts. The province will continue to provide consistent administrative and financial support."
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