Abstract

Purpose - This study aims to determine the problems and limitations of the Commercial Area Activation System, which was created by a special law for promoting traditional markets and shopping districts to revitalize and efficiently manage the central commercial area in different regions. We also suggest different options for its improvement. Research design, data, and methodology - We also look into the problems of which is being promoted as a demonstration project, from the aspects of legal text and guidelines. Results - The current commercial area activation system has several problems. First, the establishment of a comprehensive basic plan on the commercial area activation is not a requirement. Second, the benefit principle should be established to prevent the moral laxity of merchants who serve important roles in the main components of the commercial area activation business when they conduct their business. Third, the current special law constrains the commercial management organization, as under the civil law yields a limitation on finding a profitable business model. Fourth, to efficiently, constructing a system that links the other central government businesses and is needed. into a regional development budget or a budget for funding small businesses that the central government can control, which is effective. Further, we offer some suggestions for medium- and long-term policies. First, an integrated coordination mechanism at the central office level should be installed while setting the basic policy to revitalize the Based on this policy, local governments need a system that exclusively based on the after establishing a comprehensive plan for urban regeneration and getting approval from the integration organization. Second, a system that enables an understanding of the problems with business promotion by monitoring the procedure of supporting projects and regularly assessing business achievements is needed. Third, a plan is needed for resolving conflicts between various interested parties that adopts the commercial area activation system for carrying out a total redevelopment of the commercial area where small shops are densely located. A market maintenance project has been conducted as a means to recover our traditional market, which was economically depressed, and to revive the local economy, but it is mostly conducted in the form of reconstruction or redevelopment and represents the interests of landowners and merchants. Thus, it is most likely to lead to a gradual disappearance of traditional markets. Conclusions - This study looks primarily into the problems that appeared in the legal text or the guidelines regarding the direction of improvement of the commercial area activation business that has been going on as a demonstration project since 2011 and suggests some solutions.