예산시장

eenomsiki

The phenomenon of rural depopulation, ongoing since the 90s, is intertwined with the emerging issue of low birth rates, forecasting significant changes for many aspects of our lives. As the population of military unit-sized areas halves and all metropolitan cities except Incheon see annual declines, regions outside the capital area, regardless of urban or rural status, face discussions of 'extinction'. In this era of tug-of-war between regional preservation and extinction, various alternatives have been proposed across social sectors, including urban regeneration, relocation of public institutions, corporate attraction, and birth incentives. Notably, an unusual challenge prepared by Baek Jong-won in Yesan County, famous for its apples and once a critical location in the mid-western region of South Chungcheong together with Dangjin, stands out. Yesan has not escaped the societal changes, from schools struggling with new student recruitment to streets lined with leasing signs, indicating a nearly 100,000 reduction in population. Yesan Permanent Market, once bustling, now sees a possible revival with the recent establishment of 'Baek Jong-won's Rice Soup Street', inviting more tourists despite its large scale and declining facilities seeming far from what we recognize as a market. Baek's ongoing YouTube series, an ambitious project to revitalize markets nationwide starting from Yesan Market, involves remodeling the market's entrance into a plaza for dining and resting, along with purchasing vacant stores to provide opportunities for local merchants. With various food outlets filling the once close-to-closure market and preparing to welcome guests fully, the project envisions continuous transformation to attract more tourists. Support from Daebon Korea for the interior decoration of existing stores not purchased and opportunities for many in the food industry indicate a promising future for Yesan Market's resurgence. Baek mentions in an interview that regions represent opportunities, with their low startup costs and competition, potentially offering a better business environment than the capital region. Reflecting on his previous programs, Baek has subtly spotlighted the potential of local areas. His roadmap includes renovating markets across the country, combining quality local produce, prepared dishes, and comprehensive marketing solutions, positioning Yesan Market as a key to regional development. This commendable project awaits national tourists. The meme 'It was there, it wasn't, and it will be again' resonates with the emptiness of Yesan Market but also hints at the reverse possibility of revival and bustling activity. The images capture the market before remodeling.