Night Markets Breathe New Life into South Korean Cities

POHANG, JINJU, GUMI, DAEJU, GYEONGJU & WONJU, Sept. 2 (Korea Bizwire) –As the sun sets over the port city of Pohang, the central market in Sangwon-dong comes alive. The Yeongil Bay Friends Night Market, the only one of its kind in the city, has transformed this once-quiet neighborhood into a nocturnal hotspot since its inception in 2019.

This year, the market’s popularity has soared to new heights. Originally scheduled to run for eight weeks until August 25, organizers have extended operations until September 22 due to overwhelming demand.

The market’s opening day in July saw a staggering 50,000 visitors, with subsequent weekends drawing around 20,000 people each. To date, it has welcomed over 200,000 visitors this season.

“The night market’s success is built on affordable prices and diverse culinary offerings,” said Lim Dong-hyun, president of the Pohang Central Market Merchants Association. “It’s injecting new vitality into our local economy.”

Despite record-breaking heatwaves and tropical nights, night markets across South Korea are emerging as popular attractions. They offer a unique blend of street food, live performances, and interactive events, breathing new life into traditional markets and transforming them into evening destinations.

The Yeongil Bay Friends Night Market, open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, has invested in visitor comfort by installing tables, chairs, and tents throughout the area.

Local businesses have joined the effort, opening their restrooms to the public. The market’s success has had a ripple effect, with surrounding businesses reporting 10-30% increases in sales.

Pohang Mayor Lee Kang-deok praised the collaborative effort, saying, “The night market’s success is a testament to the active participation of both merchants and citizens. We plan to develop even more diverse programs in the future.”

The night market trend is not limited to Pohang. In Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, the Olbam Saturday Night Market, which opened on August 3, continues to draw crowds.

Operating every Saturday until late October in the Nongae Market area, it attracts around 2,000 visitors weekly. City officials expect even larger turnouts when the market aligns with major cultural events like the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival later this year.

The city of Gumi in North Gyeongsang Province launched its first night market this year, attracting 268,000 visitors over a two-month period. Encouraged by this success, the city plans to develop the market into a signature local event.

In Daegu, the night markets at Seomun Market and Chilseong Market have become must-visit destinations for tourists, earning spots on the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s list of “100 Night Attractions in Korea” last year.

Some cities are taking innovative approaches to differentiate their night markets. The city of Wonju in Gangwon Province has launched the Usan Stream Highball Street Night Market, capitalizing on the popularity of highballs (a mix of spirits and carbonated drinks) among younger generations. The market runs every Friday and Saturday from July 30 to November 2.

Gyeongju has opened the Bulgeum Yechan Night Market in its old town center, aiming to revitalize the area known as Geumridan-gil. The six-week event, running every Friday and Saturday until September 29, is expected to boost the local economy, benefiting from its proximity to the popular Hwangnidan-gil area.

Professor Lee Eung-jin of Daegu University’s Tourism Management Department emphasized the importance of differentiation for sustained success. “To maintain popularity as local attractions, night markets need unique concepts,” he said. “Attention to various amenities is also crucial for visitor satisfaction.”

Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)