From the aromatic alleys of Gyeongdong Market in Seoul to the seaside bustle of Haeundae Market in Busan, Korea is betting that its traditional markets are key to winning over global travelers. On Wednesday, officials unveiled a high-octane plan to "globalize" 11 iconic venues, rebranding the nation’s historic marketplaces as the ultimate frontier for authentic food and culture. The program, led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), aims to make traditional markets a must-visit location for international travelers. The selected markets span 10 regions, including Gyeongdong and Mangwon markets in Seoul, Haeundae Market in Busan, Seomun Market in Daegu, Sinpo International Market in Incheon and Suwon Nammun Market in Gyeonggi Province. Gyeongdong Market in northeastern Seoul is known as one of the country’s largest herbal and agricultural markets, while Mangwon Market in the trendy Mangwon-dong neighborhood in the western part of the capital has grown into a hub for street food popular with younger travelers. Sinpo International Market