Jeonnam Province is pushing ahead with the revitalization of alley commercial districts. In order to revitalize alley commercial districts, Jeollanam-do Province is launching the ‘Jeonnam-type alley commercial district first step support project’ to foster unique places into specialized brands.
The first step in the Jeonnam-type alley commercial district project is to expand the designation of alley-type commercial districts. We discover unique commercial areas targeting alley-type shopping streets where merchant organizations are organized and support various marketing efforts, including the development of specialized brands.
This year, three locations, Gangjin-eup commercial district, Haenam Munnae-myeon commercial district, and Muan Cheonggye-myeon commercial district, will be selected and 100 million won will be provided to each location.
Gangjin-gun is promoting SNS centered on the commercial district and Onnuri gift certificate payback event, Haenam-gun is consulting on prospective entrepreneurs and specialized brands in the commercial district, consumption events linked to local events, Muan-gun is developing unique brands for merchant associations, and promoting events and festivals for Mokpo University students, a major consumer group. Do it.
In particular, the Cheonggye-myeon commercial district in Muan was selected as a target site for the Jeonnam-type alley commercial district first step support project, as well as the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ neighborhood commercial power plant project and local content key university project, and a local commercial district revitalization project linking the three projects, ‘Cheonggye-do will change in a month.’ is in progress.
This project is promoted jointly by Jeonnam Province, Muan-gun, Cheonggye-myeon Merchants Association, Mokpo University Local Creator Development Project Group, and Student Council. Eight detailed events began on the 17th. Local community salons ‘100 Times Table’ and ‘Bookstore That Never Was’ and ‘Sisters’ Photo Exhibition’, a commercial archiving project, will be held, and a merchant cooperation class ‘Owner’s Class’ will also be introduced.
In addition, local festivals such as ‘Alley Festival with Day Drinks’ and ‘No Design, No T-shirt’ will be held, and Mokpo University students’ pop-up store ‘My First Youngkkeul’ will also be opened. In particular, this project is focused on the period of the National Mokpo National University Student Council Daedongje, and is attracting attention as an experiment to connect the school and the commercial district.
Oh Soo-mi, head of the small and medium-sized venture business department of Jeonnam Province, said, “Through the first step support project for Jeonnam-type alley commercial districts, we will create an alley commercial district loved not only by local residents but also tourists, and serve as a foundation for the influx of living population.”
Meanwhile, Jeollanam-do and the Jeonnam Provincial Sports Association held an information session and familiarization tour in Jeollanam-do for two days until the 1st, inviting officials to attract field training for the first time in the country.
‘A great leap forward to the world! A total of 110 people, including Jeonnam Governor Myeong Chang-hwan, Jeonnam Provincial Council Economic, Tourism and Culture Committee Chairman Yoon Myeong-hee, Jeonnam Provincial Sports Association Secretary General Son Jeom-sik, and national training camp attendees, attended this briefing session under the slogan ‘Jeonnam Era of Happiness’.
The briefing session, which started at Hotel Hyundai Byrahan in Yeongam on October 31, introduced the current status and conditions for attracting field training in the Jeonnam region, which is represented by a mild climate, abundant tourist resources, and delicious southern food, as well as sports facilities and the incentive system to support field training. Customized explanations, such as the status of regional infrastructure and support systems for each city and county, which managers and coaches consider important, received great attention.
In addition, Jeonnam Province presented a plaque of appreciation to coach Ha Jae-min of the Gyeonggi Gapyeong Middle School cycling team, who visited Jeonnam for 10 consecutive years as a training ground, and to coach Lee Woo-taek of the Chungnam Province track and field team, who visited Jeonnam for 8 years, expressing gratitude for their contribution to revitalizing the Jeonnam local economy during the off-season. I conveyed my meaning.
On the 1st, a family tour was conducted in three regions: the eastern region (Suncheon), the central region (Hwasun), and the western region (Haenam).
The eastern region visited Palma Sports Complex, Palma Indoor Gymnasium, and baseball stadium, while the central region visited Yongdae Stadium, public stadium, and Hanium Sports Center. In the western region, they toured the facilities after hearing explanations about the sports facilities that other city/province managers and coaches wanted to know, including looking at the Woosul Public Stadium and Woosul Gymnasium.
Vice Governor Myung Chang-hwan said in his commemorative speech, “Jeonnam Province is doing its best to maintain its reputation as the best location for field training,” and added, “We will do our best to help you achieve your dreams by developing your skills and abilities through field training in Jeollanam-do.”
As of 2024, Jeonnam Province is operating 308 sports facilities capable of field training. We actively support various international competitions, such as national sports competitions and the Korea Open Badminton Championships.
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Jeonnam Province
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Oh Soo-mi, Head of the Small and Medium-sized Venture Business Department of Jeonnam Province
Editor: Welcome, Oh Soo-mi! It’s great to have you here with us today. Jeonnam Province is embarking on an exciting initiative to revitalize alley commercial districts, which sounds quite fascinating. Can you explain what inspired this project?
Oh Soo-mi: Thank you for having me! The inspiration behind the ‘Jeonnam-type alley commercial district first step support project’ comes from the need to breathe new life into our local economies. We’ve recognized that alley commercial districts hold unique potential, often showcasing local culture and commerce that can be further developed into specialized brands. This initiative aims not only to support local merchants but also to enhance the overall appeal of these areas to both residents and tourists.
Editor: That’s a commendable goal! You mentioned the first step is to expand the designation of alley-type commercial districts. How do you plan to identify and support these unique commercial areas?
Oh Soo-mi: We’re taking a targeted approach by focusing on alley-type shopping streets where merchant organizations already have a presence. We’ll identify areas that show promise and support them through various marketing efforts and brand development initiatives. In this first year, for example, we’ll be providing 100 million won to three selected locations: Gangjin-eup, Haenam Munnae-myeon, and Muan Cheonggye-myeon.
Editor: That’s a significant investment! Can you highlight some of the initiatives anticipated for these districts?
Oh Soo-mi: Absolutely! Each district has tailored plans to enhance their commercial viability. For instance, Gangjin is promoting social media efforts and conducting gift certificate payback events to drive local consumption. Haenam is focusing on consulting with upcoming entrepreneurs and creating specialized brands. Muan is particularly interesting as it’s connecting with Mokpo University students through events and festivals aimed at engaging a major consumer demographic.
Editor: Collaboration seems key in this project. How are various stakeholders involved in bringing this initiative to life?
Oh Soo-mi: Collaboration is indeed vital! We’re working closely with local merchant associations, Mokpo University, and the Muan-gun government. By integrating multiple initiatives—like the neighborhood commercial power plant project and local content projects—we’re creating a comprehensive framework for revitalization. Events such as community salons, a merchant cooperation class, and pop-up stores will also foster creativity and connectivity within the community.
Editor: It sounds like a robust plan to stimulate both community involvement and economic growth. How do you envision the impact of this project on Jeonnam Province?
Oh Soo-mi: Our vision is to create alley commercial districts that are not just beloved by local residents but also attract tourists. We believe that as these districts thrive, they will serve as a foundation for population influx and economic development. It’s about uniting culture, commerce, and community to create sustainable growth.
Editor: That’s an inspiring vision! Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of the Jeonnam commercial landscape?
Oh Soo-mi: I hope to see these alleys transformed into vibrant community hubs, full of unique offerings that reflect our culture. I’d love to see tourists and locals engaging in these spaces, experiencing the authentic flavor of Jeonnam Province while supporting our local entrepreneurs. Ultimately, we want Jeonnam to be recognized as a vibrant destination that champions small businesses and local creativity.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Oh Soo-mi. It seems like Jeonnam Province is on the correct path towards a bright and revitalized future for its commercial districts!
Oh Soo-mi: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these initiatives, and I look forward to seeing the positive changes first-hand in the coming months.