Seobu Market is a mid-sized commercial-style market established in 1977, located in Yonggang-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon State. In 1982, the old and deteriorated market building was demolished and redeveloped into a mixed-use complex where apartments and the market coexist. However, despite the concrete structure of the building, the internal facilities were not modernized, and business performance remained sluggish. To revitalize the traditional market, environmental improvement projects were carried out between 2004 and 2005.

The site covers an area of 3,707㎡, with one basement level and two above-ground floors. Construction included electrical, telecommunications, fire protection, gas, mechanical, and architectural work, and revitalization efforts continue under the leadership of the Seobu Market Merchants Association. The building is a reinforced concrete structure with one basement level and two floors above ground. The basement houses a wholesale computer market, while the first floor features clothing stores, oil shops, kitchenware stores, and food shops. The second floor accommodates offices for various clubs and organizations, forming a small local commercial district similar to other markets. The third and fourth floors are residential apartments occupied by merchants.

Seobu Market in Gangneung, which has become a site for mural painting, is a permanent market established in 1977. Its long history is reflected in the traces of time visible throughout the market. Although it is not crowded, it is a quiet neighborhood centered around a small municipal library located within the market area. While many visitors to Gangneung often think of Seongnam Market or Jungang Market as the city’s traditional markets, there is another traditional market located close to downtown—Seobu Market.

Seobu Market is a traditional market where tradition and modernity coexist, and it even features an electronics shopping area in the basement. The interior resembles an underground shopping arcade, yet compared to its spacious layout, there are relatively few shops. It gives the impression that specialization with unique characteristics is needed for the market to stand out. Unlike Jungang Market, Seobu Market does not receive heavy foot traffic, which leaves something to be desired. It is hoped that Seobu Market will also be revitalized into a lively traditional market bustling with visitors.

On December 13, 2014, a mural painting project organized by “Youth Naru” took place in Seobu Market. This mural was part of the “Remember Sewol Ferry” project, involving participants ranging from elementary school students to working adults. As a result, several areas of the market have been transformed into vibrant streets. It is hoped that more murals reflecting the unique character of traditional markets will be added throughout the walls, helping revive the market under the slogan of a “traditional market + mural village” filled with Gangneung’s nostalgic charm.

In addition to being a traditional market, Seobu Market also houses one of the 14 small libraries operated by the municipal library system—the “Cultural Small Library.” A unique feature of this library is its “Coffee Specialty Reading Room,” where visitors can learn about coffee and access related information. This makes it a distinctive library that reflects Gangneung’s identity as a city of coffee.

Before entering Seobu Market, visitors will notice that nearby shop signs have been standardized into a unified font as part of Gangneung’s preparations for the 2018 Winter Olympics, creating a more orderly and visually pleasing street. It is hoped that the area surrounding Seobu Market will continue to develop into a unique, tree-lined street that preserves Gangneung’s traditional atmosphere.

If you wish to see murals, you can visit Seobu Market in Gangneung at any time. The “Remember Sewol Ferry” mural project participants ranged from high school students to office workers, most of whom learned about the project through social media and voluntarily joined. As time passed, the Sewol Ferry tragedy was gradually fading from memory. Participants wanted to remember the victims and convey the message of remembrance through their actions. Some joined with the hope of keeping the memory alive longer. Despite freezing temperatures, they carefully completed each mural piece by piece, warming their hands as they worked.

Much time has passed since the Sewol Ferry disaster on April 16. Seasons have changed, and people have returned to their daily lives. The media no longer discusses the tragedy, and it feels as though that day has somehow faded away. Nevertheless, the youth of Gangneung felt the need to speak about it again—to remind those who were tired of hearing about it that there are still people who have not returned, and that many injustices and disappointments following the disaster remain unresolved. They wanted to emphasize the importance of remembering.

Four murals created by 14 young people convey the message, “Hope through memory alone.” It is sincerely hoped that these artworks will capture the attention of passersby, prompting them to recall and reflect upon the events of that April. As you walk through the alleys of Seobu Market, you can encounter these meaningful murals at any time.