By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee 

The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) announced the Namdaemun Market Innovation Project to transform Namdaemun Market into a Global Heritage Traditional Market. The market boasts 600 years of history and is Korea’s largest traditional marketplace with about 20,000 wholesale and retail shops.

At the center of Namdaemun Market, an arcade inspired by the eaves of a hanok will highlight its history and identity. A multi-level pedestrian path overlooking Sungnyemun Gate will guide visitors through the area. The path between Namsan Mountain and Namdaemun Market will be redeveloped into a Namsan promenade, with a street garden and a vibrant “Fun Street” that invites people to walk, rest, and take in the surroundings.

Through the Namdaemun Market Innovation Project, the city aims to transform the traditional market from a simple trading space into an urban cultural heritage and tourism asset. The project will also create a convenient and safe environment for citizens, developing the market into a complex space that embraces culture, tourism, and everyday life.

Meanwhile, Seoul held a completion ceremony for the first outcome of the innovation project—the arcade—at 10:30 AM on Monday, November 17. Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended the ceremony along with the head of Jung-gu Office, the Seoul Metropolitan Governance Merchant Association, and around 160 residents, marking the beginning of Namdaemun Market’s next chapter.

The city announced the Namdaemun Market Innovation Project on Monday, November 17, revealing six key areas of innovation including the Design Arcade, a walkway overlooking the Sungnyemun Gate, a Namsan Mountain trail, a skywalk, new convenience spaces with an open entry plaza, and a “Fun Street” featuring sensory and experiential elements to enhance the walking environment and visitor convenience.

The city emphasized that the project aims to preserve the historical value of the traditional market and its local commercial character while developing a customized innovation model suited to its privately owned structure. The vision is to create a traditional market so vibrant and appealing that people will still want to visit a century from now.