Abstract

Purpose - The objective of the current research is to explore success factors of the 'Night Markets' in Korea. Unlike other countries, where the markets are culturally established based upon various socioeconomic factors, the night markets are relatively new phenomena in Korea and are created by the government's support. Since the first introduction in 2011, now there are 34 Night Markets that are operating or are in the process of operation. Some of them attract nearly 100,000 customers a day, while some are discontinued shortly after the introduction due to lack of visitors. Its influence on the customers' behavioral motives of engaging in various activities in the night markets is increasing. However, because of its brief history in Korea, not much of research has cast attention on them. It is imperative to figure out the success factors of the night markets, so that other night markets can learn the secret of successful operation of the markets. Research design, data, and methodology - The research is based upon both qualitative and quantitative data. Data are collected from multiples levels of the night market related parties. Four groups are chosen: customers, night market sellers, sellers' union and government officers who are in charge of the market. Conventional survey formats are employed for customers and night market sellers. For night market union and government officers, survey and in-depth focus group interview methods are applied. Of the night markets in operation, commonalities of successful or well established ones are elaborated. Results - Night Market operation success factor are sought utilizing Porter's The Competitive Advantage of Nations model (1990). Results are shown that successful night markets commonly have satisfactory 'Factor Conditions.' Specifically, established night markets have either nearby big cities or tourist attractions in common. While these have fair 'Firm Strategy/structure/rivalry,' and 'Related and supporting industries,' they commonly demonstrate weakness in 'Demand conditions.' Conclusions - A successful night market incurs new customers not only to the market itself but also to the traditional periodical market the night markets are within. Government support to the night market can be justified where the circulation of new customer to the night market and the night market to the periodical market mechanism is in effective.