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Staff Reporters
The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is hoping to avert the closure of the "Little Manila" market that takes place every Sunday in Hyehwa-dong in central Seoul.
Residents and storeowners have complained of traffic, disorderliness and garbage problems in the market area, according to the Jongno District Office, leading to its decision to close the market.
Philippine Ambassador to Korea Luis Cruz believes these issues should first be worked out through discussions between the vendors and the residents around Hyehwa, not by immediate closure.
"Our point is both ends should meet. ... There can be discussions with vendors for alternative solutions and to address the issues the Jongno residents raised. Such issues like traffic and the garbage can be addressed. The vendors can make efforts to clean the area and create some order," he told The Korea Times in a phone interview.
For instance, Cruz suggested that vendors be provided with store carts that can make the market look cleaner and more organized. Currently, vendors at "Little Manila" usually place their products in boxes or on the sidewalks, causing congestion for pedestrians.
Cruz said embassy officials will also meet with Jongno District officials to clarify the matter and discuss alternatives solutions to the problems raised by the residents.
He also said the Filipino community leaders should talk to the vendors to work out a system to make the market more orderly. There are currently 16 vendors, selling Philippine delicacies, canned goods, noodles and magazines, clustered in the area leading to the Hyehwa Catholic Church.
Unlike the other vendors evicted from Jongno's streets, the Philippine market is only open for around six hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. once a week on Sundays.
It first emerged in 1997, as many Filipinos gathered in the area to attend mass at Hyehwa Catholic Church on Sundays. It has since become an unofficial gathering place for the Filipino community in Seoul and the nearby provinces.
Cruz emphasized that the market cannot be separated from the church, since it is a way of life for many Filipinos. "It's a place where Filipinos gather to meet other Filipinos. It's like social networking. It's also about Philippine culture. If people go to the Philippines, they'll see that outside the churches, there are markets and a lively fiesta atmosphere," Cruz added.
The ambassador also noted the fact that Korean tourism Web sites and guidebooks have included the Philippine market as a tourist attraction and as an example of Korea's growing multiculturalism.
"The government is pursuing programs for multiculturalism. I think this market is the Filipino community's contribution to multiculturalism in Seoul. The patrons at the market are not just Filipinos but also foreigners, Asians, Caucasians and other nationalities who go there to experience Philippine culture," Cruz said.
meeyoo@koreatimes.co.kr
cathy@koreatimes.co.kr
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