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A Grand Gathering of Traditional Markets in Busan “2025 Yeonghonam Traditional Market Expo” to be Held!

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon), in cooperation with Jeollanam-do, announced that it will host the “2025 Yeonghonam Traditional Market Expo” at Dasom Square in Busan Citizens Park for three days from October 31 to November 2.

This expo aims to highlight the unique charm and value of regional traditional markets, bringing together merchants and citizens from across the nation to celebrate the vitality and liveliness of these markets in a truly representative national event.

A total of 46 businesses from 39 traditional markets across 11 provinces and cities will participate, presenting a diverse range of attractions. More than 80 booths—including those for local specialty products—will be set up. Among the participating markets are Busan’s representative markets such as Dongnae Market and Gupo Market, as well as other renowned markets nationwide, including Gulbigol Yeonggwang Market and Seoul Gwangjang Market.

Exhibited items will include products from Busan’s traditional markets such as daily hanbok, salted seafood, and dried fish, alongside regional specialties such as Yeonggwang’s dried yellow corvina and mugwort rice cakes, Gimcheon’s brassware, Geumsan’s sliced red ginseng, Gwangcheon’s dried seaweed, Ganggyeong’s salted seafood, and Punggi’s ginseng—offering visitors the opportunity to experience local specialties from across Korea all in one place.

Visitors will be able to view and purchase a variety of regional goods while experiencing the atmosphere and charm of traditional markets from around the country.

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In addition, at the food market located next to Dasom Square, visitors can enjoy signature dishes from markets nationwide such as Gupo Market’s noodles and leek pancakes, Bujeon Market’s jokbal (pig’s feet) and barbecue, and Seoul Gwangjang Market’s mung bean pancakes, bringing the flavors and aromas of traditional markets from across Korea to the heart of Busan.

Various side events encouraging citizen participation will also be held throughout the venue to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Programs include “Challenge! I’m a Show Host Too”, where merchants introduce products themselves; “Household King Quiz Show”, a quiz program offering household goods as prizes; and “Singing Festival”, a lively stage performance—creating a participatory and energetic environment for both merchants and citizens.

The opening ceremony will take place at 3:00 p.m. on October 31, featuring a traditional gilnori parade by the Gupo Market folk troupe and a tightrope performance by the Jeollanam-do Market Traveling Troupe to officially launch the event.
During the ceremony, commendations and plaques of appreciation will be awarded to merchants from the Busan and Jeollanam-do regions who have dedicated themselves to revitalizing traditional markets. It will be a meaningful occasion to honor the passion and hard work of those who have long supported their markets.

A performance promoting the elimination of illegal circulation of Onnuri gift certificates will also deliver a message of integrity and trust in traditional markets and reaffirm the commitment to fostering a sound trading culture.

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On the final day, November 2, the “3rd Busan Metropolitan City Merchant’s Day” will be held in conjunction with the expo. Around 2,000 merchants will participate in this significant event, which will include an opening ceremony, merchant capacity-building education, and celebratory performances—promoting unity and pride among merchants.

The event will serve as an opportunity to appreciate merchants’ dedication throughout the year to market development and to pledge a new leap forward for traditional markets amid the rapidly changing retail environment.

This year’s event carries special significance as it is held jointly with the Yeonghonam Traditional Market Expo, creating a large-scale venue for exchange and harmony between merchants and citizens alike.

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “This expo will bring together traditional markets from across the country, including the Yeongnam and Honam regions, to foster communication between merchants and citizens. By expanding sales channels and increasing revenue for regional specialty products, it will help breathe new vitality into traditional markets. Busan Metropolitan City will continue to provide active support so that traditional markets can firmly establish themselves as a central pillar of the local economy.”