Seoul's best policy is Bamdokkaebi Night Markets: survey

Seoul's Bamdokkaebi Night Markets, which feature food trucks and various cultural attractions, have been chosen as the city's best policy by hundreds of foreigners who took part in a survey last month, the municipal government said Friday.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it conducted an online English survey between July 26 and Aug. 4 to determine which of its policies are the most popular among foreigners worldwide.

In first place were the Bamdokkaebi Night Markets, which the city began operating in March by the Han River in Yeouido. The markets have since opened in other parts of the city, including Cheonggye Square, and offer a variety of attractions, such as food trucks, traditional and modern performances, and urban farmers' produce.

True to their name, which means goblins that appear at night in Korean folklore, the markets are only open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Of the 1,173 foreigners from 62 countries who took part in the vote, 253 people chose the markets.

In second place was the "eungdapso" system, which is an integrated online channel for handling civil complaints and suggestions. The system received 239 votes.

Coming in third was the city's "Seoul Station 7017 Project," which seeks to turn the area near Seoul Station into a pedestrian-friendly environment. The project received 215 votes.

A municipal official said the city government plans to promote its policies in a way that's easy for foreigners to understand and draw up more policies that appeal to foreigners. (Yonhap)