KOREA FOUNDATION
Features
-
Features 2023 AUTUMN
Young Shop Owners Revitalize Market More and more young people open their own stores or take over their family’s businesses in traditional markets. This new generation of shop owners is elevating the markets’ competitiveness by using online platforms and offering both time-honored and new goods that combine high quality and attractive design. The 1913 Songjeong Station Market in the southwestern city of Gwangju, boasts a 110-year history. It underwent a major facelift in the mid-2010s. The renovation, a joint project of the local government, Hyundai Card, and Philobiblon Associates, has succeeded in attracting young merchants. © Hyundai Card, Philobiblon Associates#Young Shop Owners
-
Features 2023 AUTUMN
Delicacies that Originated in Traditional Markets Many foods captivating Korean people’s taste buds have origins that can be traced to a specific traditional market. After gaining nationwide popularity, such local specialties take their place in mainstream Korean cuisine. Popular market treats. Twisted donuts, or kkwabaegi, are made by kneading dough into a long rope shape, then folding and twisting it before frying it. Sweet red bean donuts are made by shaping the dough into a ball, filling the center with red bean paste and frying it. © Shutterstock Market dishes tend to be cheaper and served in larger portions than at regular restaurants. The traditional market is a perfect place to have dinner and a drink to unwind after work. Photo by Matt Rogers on Unsplash#Traditional Markets
-
Features 2023 AUTUMN
Farmers Markets Sow Connections A new type of urban markets is gaining popularity across Korea. Some of the most notable ones are run by Marché@, a farmers market organization spearheading a new culture among producers, sellers, and consumers. The nonprofit’s projects include regular, seasonal, and pop-up markets, some of which are organized in collaboration with partners that align with its founding principles. Art in Marché 2023 took place in front of the Haeoreum Grand Theater in May. This event, organized by Marché@ in collaboration with the National Theater of Korea in Seoul, originated in 2021.#Marché@
-
Features 2023 AUTUMN
A Space Filled with Fun Experiences Traditional markets, which have long been overshadowed by department stores, superstores, and online shopping malls, are making a comeback. But rather than merely regaining their past prosperity, they are now being perceived as exciting places to explore by younger people, leading to a redefining of the markets’ identities. Visitors enjoy a happy moment drinking Jeju Beer at a pop-up store at Seoul’s Gwangjang Market. A total of 50,000 visitors flocked to the market over a three-week period, creating a bustling atmosphere. © Jeju Beer#Traditional markets
-
Features 2023 AUTUMN
Narratives and Utopias Revealed Artist Choi Eun-sook’s works often superimpose figures from the past onto traditional marketplaces of today. By transcending time and space and harnessing the characteristics of traditional East Asian painting, the artist creates a utopia all her own. I Was with Them. 2012. Mixed colors on paper. 130 x 388 cm.#Choi Eun-sook
-
Features 2023 AUTUMN
Korea’s Iconic Traditional Markets Traditional Korean markets began to multiply in the late 17th century as commerce blossomed. Initially part-time ventures, the markets became regular fixtures as the country modernized. Today, they range in size from modest alleyway markets to sprawling malls, but their character remains steadfast. Introduced here are Korea’s most well-known traditional markets. Jagalchi Market is Korea’s largest wholesale venue specializing in seafood. The market’s signature dish is hagfish (gomjangeo) marinated in spicy sauce and broiled on a grill. Its huge popularity has made the dish a fixture among pojangmacha (street food stalls) across Korea. © Korea Tourism Organization#Traditional Markets
