E2024-G192

1913 Songjeong Station Market: A Meeting of Slow Food and Retro Style

Narrative

The 1913 Songjeong Station Market represents a successful transformation of traditional commerce into a modern cultural destination. Named after the nearby Gwangju Songjeong Station, this market carries forward the legacy of the original Maeil Songjeong Station Market while embracing contemporary trends.

The market operates as part of Gwangju’s traditional market network, which includes the neighboring Songjeong Samsaek Market. This proximity to the railway station has historically made the area a natural gathering place for commerce and community interaction.

Central to the market’s identity is the slow food concept, which emphasizes quality ingredients, traditional preparation methods, and mindful consumption. This philosophy aligns with the market’s retro aesthetic, creating an atmosphere where visitors can experience both nostalgia and culinary authenticity.

Among the market’s notable establishments is Yeongmyeong Gukbap, a restaurant that serves traditional Korean soup, embodying the slow food principles that define the market’s character. The market also houses Yeokseo Bookstore, which adds a literary dimension to the commercial space.

The 1913 Songjeong Station Market demonstrates how traditional markets can evolve while maintaining their character, creating a bridge between past and present that serves both local residents and cultural tourists.