As you get off at Gumi Station, look up, and you can see Saemaul or New Village Jungang Market right across the street. Since it is right downtown in Gumi City, it has always been a popular market for city dwellers. Then, one day, a green symbol of happiness began to fill this bustling place.
Starting from the entrance of the market, store signs decorated with three-leaf clovers come into view. The three-leaf clovers became popular decorations after the merchants decided to use these symbols to promote the market. Through the meaning of the three-leaf clover, “happiness,” merchants hope that all market visitors will be happy.
Saemaul Jungang Market is an all-inclusive Korean traditional market, with Soondae, or Blood Sausage Street; Jokbal, or Pigs’ Feet Street; Hanbok, or Korean Traditional Clothing Street, and Food Alley. Store signs are displayed clearly by each door, as well as street names, so they can be seen easily. Also, stores with many patrons also hang signs bearing a caricature of the store’s owner, to emphasize the trust customers have in that vendor.
Furthermore, visitors can join a tour program, and be guided around the market. They can even take part in a number of Korean cultural activities: rice cake making, trying on Hanbok, or traditional clothes, and picking fruits or vegetables. These will be a chance for hands-on experience, so visitors can add more memories to their rich lives.