Traditional markets refer to “places that are created naturally or by social or economic need, and where the transaction of goods or services is mainly carried out in the traditional way based on mutual trust.” It is distributed nationwide from regular markets held by people, such as the 3-day and 5-day markets, to permanent markets with a unionized structure of small merchants. People visit traditional markets not only to buy what they need, but also for the affection of merchants, the bustling atmosphere, and the food they eat on the street. As it has been in place for a long time, people can experience the home-grown specialties and culture at each local traditional market. These traditional markets are also changing with the times to serve customers. Therefore, this CBT reporter was able to visit the Yukgeori Traditional Market, the representative traditional market in Cheongju, to see the changes in the market, and to hear the stories of the market through interviews with the merchants.

  The Yukgeori Market is a representative traditional market in Cheongju, and has become a center of commercial activities in the past as the market is located in Seokgyo-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju. People visited the Yukgeori Market to prepare for events such as weddings, funerals, and feasts, where various products are sold. Although the diversification of items has decreased as times and cultures have changed, the market is still crowded with people. Currently, the Yukgeori Market is divided into nine merchant associations. It consists of 1,226 stores, with up to 3,000 merchants welcoming more than 10,000 customers a day to the market. Its annual sales are so active that it exceeds 300 billion KRW. Also, various events are held in the market, including the Spring Sale in April and Dawn Market. The Dawn Market is held from 4 a.m. in March under the Musimcheon Flower Bridge, and not only merchants but also farmers bring their own agricultural products from the countryside and sell them directly. Even though the dawn market opens, people crowd together to buy fresh crops. It is said to be one of the top five traditional market events in the country, and the market sells a variety of foods and goods such as rice cakes, pancakes, clothes, vegetables, and fruits.

  In modern times, when large supermarkets and mobile shopping have developed, the Yukgeori General Market has also developed to provide convenience to consumers. In 2003, the Market was the first in the country to use market gift certificates, and for customers who buy a lot, there is a service that provides carts in the market parking lot so that they can push carts inside the market and shop, just like in large supermarkets. The Onnuri gift certificate, a market gift certificate, was created to revitalize the market, and the government also supports the use of it. Companies are trying to revitalize traditional markets by handing out Onnuri gift certificates to employees and encouraging them to spend it at the market. Recently, Yukgeori Market offered 5% discount to customers who used Onnuri gift certificates on Lunar New Yearʼs Day, which helped revitalize the market this year. “On Market,” a traditional market grocery service linked to Cheongju Pay, provides consumers with a delivery and shopping culture service at the market. Although On Market is still in its infancy, with only a few items to purchase and a small number of registered markets and shops, it was predicted that the scale of sales will increase as the number of registered markets and shops expand by Cheongju. Such a delivery service is also available at the Cheongju Northern Market, which provides a delivery assistant service to carry customersʼ purchases to the market neighborhood. In addition, there have been changes in terms of facilities. The old market was not air-conditioned because it was connected to the outdoors, but the Yukguri Market has a system of cooling fog, which makes it comfortable to shop at the market in summer. In addition to these changes, the market has developed to meet modern times.

  According to Yoo Hyun-mo, president of the Yukgori Market Merchantsʼ Association, the merchantsʼ association has done a lot to develop the market. It was the first market in the country to install an arcade in the market, called a rain barrier, and it has since spread across the country. Other initiatives include the introduction of Onnuri gift certificates that can be used at traditional markets and shops, and the implementation of biweekly operations at large supermarkets. There were also many events organized by the market itself, such as providing rice cake soup to citizens on Lunar New Yearʼs Day and other festive events such as the Daeboreum, the day of the first full moon of the year event. The marketʼs youth association made kimchi and distributed it to the less fortunate and vulnerable. In order to unite the merchants in the market, not only the Yukgori Market, but all 17 markets in Cheongju City gathered to hold a field day to unite the markets.

  Food is an indispensable part of traditional markets. Nowadays, market tours and market dates, where visitors can eat a variety of foods while looking around the market, are steadily increasing in popularity. Many people visit the market to buy groceries, but there are also many people who visit the market to eat delicious food and feel the unique characteristics of the traditional market. The Yukgari Market also has many things, such as tteokbokki, chicken gangjeong, trotters, rice cakes, and other foods, as well as a fashion street and a bowl goods street.

  The reporter visited the market and should pass by the “Famous Little Trotter” because it is located near the entrace. This shop sells trotters by size and also sells chicken gangjeong. The restaurant was also introduced in a famous TV program. The reporter purchased chicken gangjeong while looking around the market. The price ranges from 5,000 KRW to 10,000 KRW, which is much cheaper than eating at department stores or restaurants. The chicken gangjeong standing on the spot was sweet and delicious. Trotters are mini pigsʼ feet, and the amount of it is enough for one or two people, which is perfect for those who just want to eat trotters lightly. They were chewy and delicious. Students can also enjoy delicious food at the market, and the prices are reasonable, so they can easily tour the market. The market also sells side dishes, which can be a great option for students who live alone.

  If visitors are looking for a hearty meal at the market, the reporter recommends stopping in Saegadeok, which has been around for a long time as a local restaurant. It is famous for its Stir-fried giblets and Sundae soup. Saegadeok is so popular that they are preparing to pack and deliver the food, and there is usually a long queue. The price was good, starting at 20,000 KRW for Stir-fried Small Intestines and 8,000 KRW for a Sundae soup.When readers eat it, it should be delicious even if they do not add Dadegi seasoning, but it was. If people eat in the market, they can eat delicious food at inexpensive prices and make good memories.

  Although many people visit the market, there is still a lack of programs and activities for young people to enjoy. In response, Yoo, the merchant president said “In the past, kindergartens and elementary schools used to take field trips to the market, but we felt that there was a lack of programs to attract them. Currently, we are preparing to create a place for buskers for cultural activities and to open a night market for young people to enjoy food. We also invite food banks so that young merchant may be able to sell food, and we are planning to re-create a food culture such as a cart bar where people can chew the fat and reminisce. Second, we want to create a youth mall so that young people can integrate into the market.” He added, “We are also planning to collaborate with high schools and universities in Cheongju so that students from food-related majors can take a field trip to the marketʼs restaurants to cook food, check the hygiene conditions, and create a win-win situation.” In conclusion, he said, “The market must undergo generational change if it does not want to be left behind. I think the market should be prepared to accept young people, and I hope that students from CBNU will be interested and participate in events such as night markets.”

  For readers who do not have memories of traditional markets, it will be an experience to build memories  through a market tour that is pleasing to the eyes and mouth. In this age of convenience, it is good to have access to large supermarkets and online shopping, but accessing to local traditional markets is good to maintain local culture and economy. CBT hopes that many people will see the charm of traditional markets, which has been silently located in the rapidly changing modern society.

jhhj0508@chungbuk.ac.kr