International Market

[Anchor Lead]

When most Koreans think of Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi-do Province, the first thing that typically comes to mind is the sprawling U.S. military base there. There’s more to the city than that, with recent attention turning to Pyeongtaek Kukje Jungang Market established in the 1950s to service U.S. forces stationed there. It’s become a tourist attraction in its own right, drawing comparisons with Seoul’s Itaewon neighborhood for its international character.

[Pkg]

In Pyeongtaek, there is a place called Itaewon in Gyeonggi-do Province. Living up to the nickname, alleys of the market are lined with shops serving foreigners.

[Soundbite] Song Doo-hak(Pyeongtaek Gukje Market Merchants Association) : "The market makes visitors feel as if they were in a foreign country without taking a flight and going abroad. It houses some 240 stores, including souvenir shops, tailors and international restaurants. It is distinctively different from other traditional outdoor markets."

Beginning from a neighboring U.S. base, the market encompasses Shinjang Shopping Mall and another market nearby. It is like a small global village showcasing an extensive range of cultures from around the world. The market offers something for everyone, including fashion items. The streets are filled with tempting smells of international foods.

[Soundbite] Angelica(American Tourist)

Here, you can see a railway running across the market in harmony with cute paintings on the walls, national flags of countries around the world were drawn along the railroad. The railway is still in operation.

[Soundbite] Shin Ye-hee(Kukje Jungang Market merchant) : "Train goes in to the U.S. base. I heard that it carries fuel used in the base."

This video shows a train running on the railway right outside the buildings. It delivers fuel to the U.S. base once a week. This railway makes a transformation every weekend. Stalls are set up along the railway.

[Soundbite] Park Jang-mi(Night Market Merchant) : "Young me