Seongan-gil and Yuk-geori Market have been in decay by the worsening of the economy. Seongan-gil, which is located in Sangdang, Cheongju, is a shopping street. Now, there are about 3,900 shops in Seongan-gil and Yuk-geori Market. Approximately 5,700 people are working there.
The number of sales and customers as well as shops which are located in Seongan-gil and Yuk-geori Market, are declining. According to data from the Agency for Traditional Market Administration, 77.4% of the merchants who are working in Seongan-gil said their sales were decreasing.
The owner of Style Girls, which is a clothes shop in Seongan-gil, said, “I started my own business about 2 years ago. The sales have been decreasing compared to the beginning. My business is harder than before.”
To overcome this situation, Cheongju will apply for a support policy, which can revitalize Seongan-gil and Yuk-geori Market, from the Small and Medium Business Administration(SMBA).
Lee Pyung-joo, who is the chairman of the Seongan-gil Merchants’ Association, said, “According to the law about support of the traditional markets and shops, Cheongju received funds from the government and the local government. From this year, SMBA will choose more than two market places and revitalize them. Cheongju has almost finished the preparation to apply for that. We are certain that they will be selected.”
Cheongju suggested some concrete strategies to revitalize Seongan-gil. A fashion area will be created on the opposite side of the Chungbuk Provincial Government Building. Also, some cafeterias and restaurants will be built near the Cheongju post office.
The city also suggested some plans to improve and expand Seongan-gil. First of all, arched signs and statues will be installed at the Seongan-gil’s north and south gates, and an LED sign will be created over the road. Futhermore, Cheongju will make a Customer Support Center for the citizens.