Sangsang Platform, located in Jung-gu, Incheon, is breathing new life into the commercial areas of the old downtown. The '1883 Sangsang Platform Night Market,' held for a total of five days on June 21-22 and 27-29, successfully attracted 120,000 visitors, according to Incheon City and Incheon Tourism Organization on July 4.
Sangsang Platform, named '1883' to signify the historical importance of the opening of Incheon Port, is a multi-cultural complex reborn from an old grain warehouse built in 1978 into a marine complex cultural tourism facility. Since its official opening in July 2024, it has served as a key hub for the 'Jemulpo Renaissance' project, connecting Incheon's sea with its original downtown. The night market is held at the Sangsang Platform's 1st and 8th Pier Open Square, becoming part of a regional revitalization project linked with the Wolmido Fireworks Show and Chinatown cultural performances.
Local merchants from nearby areas such as Sinpo International Market, Chinatown, and Wolmido largely participated in the night market, offering local delicacies like dakgangjeong (sweet and sour chicken) and craft beer, as well as handicrafts and eco-friendly products from local workshops. This provided visitors with an opportunity to experience Incheon's unique flavors and aesthetics all in one place. Furthermore, diverse music performances and drone shows, among other rich attractions and entertainment, enhanced visitor satisfaction.
During the night market period, there was a clear increase in sales for nearby commercial areas. The number of coupon uses on the smart tourism app 'Incheon e-Ji,' to which merchants in the Jung-gu area are affiliated, recorded an average of 5,535 uses per day during the night market period. This is more than a 92-fold increase compared to the average weekend usage (60 cases) in the same month when no event was held. This is analyzed as a result of visitors naturally extending their visits to surrounding commercial areas such as Sinpo Market, Chinatown, and Wolmido, thereby revitalizing the entire original downtown.
An official from the Incheon Tourism Organization emphasized that the Sangsang Platform Night Market is not just a one-time event but is establishing itself as a 'stay-type tourism resource' for the old downtown. They expressed expectations for its continued growth as a model for original downtown regeneration that harmonizes local commerce and tourism.
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