Jung Da-hyun is a reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues in Korea, including foreign residents, education, environment and politics. Driven by a deep interest in people’s stories, she focuses on investigative and feature reporting through direct interviews and field coverage. She received the Amnesty International Korea Media Award for her “Deepfake Crisis at Schools” series. Reach her at dahyun08@koreatimes.co.kr. Always open to hearing your stories.
Dongdaemun plans to revamp city center area
People visit Cheongnyangni Market in Dongdaemun District, Seoul, ahead of the Lunar New Year, Jan. 8. Yonhap
By Jung Da-hyun
District plans to develop market complex, establish GTX lines
Dongdaemun District in eastern Seoul unveiled a redevelopment plan for Cheongnyangni-dong on Oct. 19, with the goal of transforming the area from an underdeveloped city center into a bustling hub for commerce, transportation and residential living.
The extensive plan comprises the development of a traditional market complex and the establishment of new railroads.
In a bid to rejuvenate the traditional market scene, Dongdaemun District intends to merge nine existing markets into a single, competitive traditional market complex.
This initiative is closely aligned with two other projects. Jegi-dong was selected as the target site for the new hanok – a Korean traditional house – village project and Cheongnyangni Market was designated as a site for an innovative design concept for traditional markets. Both projects were decided in September.
To unify the appearance of these markets, the district plans to apply a cohesive design to the roofs, outer walls and information boards throughout the market area.
Additionally, the district aims to create a rooftop market road by connecting different sections, creating a trendy, inviting atmosphere like Ssamzi-gil, a marketplace in Jongno District, Seoul. This approach is geared towards attracting young people to the market complex.
Further enhancing the convenience for visitors, it intends to name the markets with various colors by zone. For instance, the wholesale market will be named Red Market, the traditional market area will be named Blue Market and the section for agricultural and marine products will be named Pink Market.
This will enhance convenience for foreign visitors navigating the large market, according to the district office.
Lee Pil-hyeong, the head of the Dongdaemun District Office, described this concept as the "Rainbow Market."
“This idea was designed to create a vibrant and enjoyable space for young people and tourists to explore,” Lee said.
In addition to drawing a larger crowd, the district plans to construct a parking tower, addressing the limitations of the previous market, which was accessible only on foot due to a lack of parking spaces. This parking tower aims to make the market more accessible to a greater number of visitors.
Breaking ground for the Cheongnyangni traditional market complex is scheduled for next year, with a projected public opening date set for 2030.
The view of Cheongnyangni Station in Dongdaemun Distirct, Seoul / Yonhap
Cheongnyangni-dong is also gaining attention as a burgeoning transportation hub in northeastern Seoul. Two new railway lines are set to be established, with the Great Train eXpress (GTX) B and C.
As for the GTX B line, it will connect Incheon National University Station to Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province, passing through Cheongnyangni station. This line is slated for completion and operation by 2030.
The GTX C line, connecting Deokjeong-dong in Yangju City, Gyeonggi Province to Suwon City in Gyeonggi Province, also passing through Cheongnyangni station, will commence construction at the end of this year.
With an anticipated surge in the floating population due to the new railway routes connecting Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, the district is planning to create a transfer center to enhance transportation convenience for residents and visitors.