[비즈한국] On the afternoon of the 10th, it was rare to see any passersby at Airport Market in Banghwa-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Most of the storefronts along the road were empty, adorned with orange "No Entry" control lines and notices indicating they were vacant properties. Some shops still had papers attached displaying past dates and locations. Among the closed shops, a few businesses were still operating.
The interior of the market was even quieter than the roadside. In the alleys abandoned by foot traffic, weeds grew thick, and dust and cobwebs accumulated inside empty storefronts. Inside darkened shops, equipment once used for business remained exactly where it was. Rusted iron doors and the aged Airport Market signboard also stood out.
Formed around 1970, Airport Market is a traditional market that grew backed by Gimpo International Airport and nearby residential areas. Although it was once crowded enough to fill the market alleys with customers, the need for redevelopment was raised as facilities aged and commercial activity dwindled. Consequently, in 2011, the Seoul Metropolitan Government approved a redevelopment project plan for Airport Market to build apartment complexes, officetels, and retail facilities on the existing site.
However, the project failed to gain momentum thereafter. After the association was established in 2012 and the project implementation plan was authorized in 2016, issues regarding business viability and adjustments to the project plan ensued. After Daelim Industrial, which had participated in the project, pulled out in 2015, Hanwha E&C was selected as the contractor in 2018, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government approved an amendment to the project plan in 2020, adjusting the floor area ratio and number of floors.
It has been 13 years since the initial plan approval that the project actually entered the relocation phase. After receiving authorization for the management and disposal plan in June 2024, the association began store relocations at the end of November of the same year. The initial goal was to start construction in the second half of 2025 and complete it in the second half of 2028. However, full-scale demolition has yet to begin as some merchants have refused to vacate.
Merchants met on-site remained at the market for various reasons. While some were continuing to do business until the end due to long-time loyal customers, others expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation.
A person in their 80s, referred to as A, who has run a dishware shop for over 40 years, said, "I've been in business for a long time, so I have many regular customers. Since my regulars kept coming, I stayed until now."
Nearby restaurant owner B expressed disappointment with the level of compensation. "The only reason the people who remained haven't left is because of the compensation—would there be any other reason?" B said. "Who would be 100% satisfied? Everyone feels some level of regret."
However, they, too, are preparing to close their businesses or relocate. A stated that they plan to clear out the shop in a few days, and B also said they plan to finish up by the end of this month and move the shop in September.
A merchant who has run a restaurant along the roadside for about 10 years also recently reached an agreement with the association. "Even two or three months ago, I had a lot to say, but now it's all over," they said. "The settlement is finished, and I've chosen a place to go." They are currently operating in their original location until they move into their new shop.
On the other hand, there are shops that have yet to reach an agreement with the association. C, who has run a restaurant on the roadside of the market for over 40 years, said that it is difficult to continue business elsewhere under the currently proposed conditions. They explained that it is hard to find a store of a similar size nearby, and even if they were to relocate, the burden of finding a new store and redoing the interior work is significant.
C said, "It's hard to find a shop in this area the size of my current one. If I go elsewhere, I have to find a new shop and redo the interior." Regarding the criteria for calculating compensation, they added, "I don't know what standards were used to decide it."
Legal procedures regarding the eviction are also underway. C is awaiting a court decision this coming September. "I don't want to leave, but if the judge makes a ruling, what else can I do?" they said.
According to Bizhankook’s reporting, as of April, it was identified that around 10 businesses, including 7 commercial tenants and 3 association member shops, had not finished consultations with the association at Airport Market. However, as some merchants have since reached agreements or are preparing to close or relocate, the number of non-agreed shops is likely lower than it was then. Nevertheless, since there are still places like C's that have not reached an agreement, the actual start of construction is expected to depend on when the relocation and demolition process for the remaining shops is completed.
As of July 1, Gangseo-gu classifies the Airport Market redevelopment project as being in the "relocation and demolition stage." A Gangseo-gu official stated, "Relocation is currently underway," adding, "Once the relocation is complete, we will proceed with demolition and start construction immediately afterward."
Meanwhile, Bizhankook inquired with the Airport Market Redevelopment Association regarding the current progress of the project and the future schedule but was unable to receive a response.