Bupyeong Kkangtong Market Night Market, the nation’s first permanent night marke, will be equipped with evaporative cooling systems to combat stifling summer heat and improve visitor comfort, the Jung-gu Office announced.
The “2nd Arcade Cooling Installation Project” will introduce 40 evaporative cooling units across the 132-meter-long dome-shaped section where the night market is located.
These units, which blow mist and air simultaneously, are expected to reduce the perceived temperature by up to 5°C, easing the discomfort caused by intense cooking heat, humidity, and large crowds.
The total project cost is 370 million won, with funding secured from city and district budgets.
Once the remaining 37 million won is raised by the market merchants, design work will begin immediately, followed by construction in May, and full completion expected by August.
The move comes after years of requests from vendors who faced extreme heat due to over 40 food stalls operating open stoves in the covered arcade.
Officials believe the new system will not only improve air quality but also enhance the market’s appeal to tourists.
Opened in 2013, the Bupyeong Kkangtong Market Night Market attracts 2,000–3,000 visitors on weekdays and up to 8,000 on weekends, making it one of Busan’s signature tourism and street food destinations.
