Kim Min-ju (Junior, Department of English Language and Literature)

The project of building a new mega shopping mall in Gwangju has become visible after each major retailer submitted its plan. Unlike most metropolitan cities in Korea, only Gwangju does not have a large shopping complex. If the new venue is constructed, the floating population in the city may increase, and then the city’s economy will be vitalized. The citizens of Gwangju will be able to use a variety of facilities and services at the complex, which is a cultural space as an urban entertainment center. The shopping complex attraction is necessary, as it will have a positive impact on the city by boosting local economy and improving the citizens’ lives.

There is, however, a controversy over establishing the shopping mall. It could be one of the solutions for regional development, but many small business owners are expected to face serious challenges and not get any benefit from its construction. The small markets could be damaged because people will visit the cultural and commercial complex space instead of small markets. It will be a serious problem for small business owners in the city. So, coexistence measures with small merchants and the shopping mall are needed.

How can the urban entertainment center coexist with small business owners? One of the best ways is to help the local merchants to be exposed to more diverse content on media outlets, which can nowadays influence people and their consumption behavior. Hot places, including restaurants or cafes that many people visit, can usually go viral on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Therefore, Gwangju City must prepare effective promotional measures for small business owners to help them to coexist with the urban entertainment center.

By Bae Mun-seong,  Reporter