The local economy in Sanae-myeon, Hwacheon County, has seen a revival thanks to a night market organized by residents, coinciding with a rural basic income initiative. On September 3, the 'Sanae-myeon Night Market' attracted over 1,500 visitors, including residents, military families, and guests.
According to Hwacheon County, the event, organized by the Sanae-myeon Residents' Council and the Hwacheon Small Business Association, ran from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The market featured food stalls, a flea market, and community participation programs, including a singing contest. Foreign workers from the area also attended the event.
Notably, the event showcased how the basic income initiative translated into actual consumer spending. Vendors accepting basic income card payments participated in the market, and visitors flocked to nearby restaurants and snack shops.
A vendor selling tteokbokki at the market remarked, "This is already my fourth batch of tteokbokki today. I haven't seen this kind of turnout in years; I hope it continues like this." A sign on the vendor's tent read, 'We accept basic income cards.'
This event is significant as it was created by residents and local small business owners. Community members promoted the event through online platforms and participated in its organization and management. Small business owners prepared food and welcomed visitors.
Sanae-myeon has been affected by a decline in military personnel and families following the disbandment of the 27th Division due to defense reforms. In this context, the night market, organized by residents and small businesses, drew 1,500 attendees and demonstrated the potential for basic income spending to stimulate the local economy.
As night markets across the country attract visitors to traditional markets and local businesses, Sanae-myeon stands out for combining a resident-led initiative with the consumer power of basic income.
However, it remains to be seen whether this success will lead to sustained economic revitalization. Future indicators of success will include regularization of the event, expansion of participating businesses, and changes in actual basic income spending and local sales.
Hwacheon County Mayor Kim Se-hoon, who visited the event, stated, "The Sanae-myeon Night Market is a successful project that shows new possibilities. We will thoroughly prepare to make Sanae-myeon a destination rather than a place people leave after the opening of the Gwangdeok Tunnel."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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