# Seoul alleyway shopping district expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/seoul-alleyway-shopping-district-expansion > Updated: 2026-09-30T04:03:42.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Local governments in Seoul are increasingly designating alleyway-style shopping districts to support small business owners and revitalize local economies. In Gwanak-gu, the designation of ‘Seorim Dabok-gil’ near Seoul National University Venture Town Station brought the district’s total to 22 shopping areas. This status allows local merchants to accept Onnuri gift certificates, a move intended to increase consumer convenience and boost sales. The area has also seen support through eco-friendly projects and festivals. Other Seoul districts are following similar trends. Gangnam-gu expanded its number of designated districts from five to 12, adding locations such as Sinsa-dong and Samseong-dong. Dobong-gu also designated three new districts, bringing its total to eight, after amending local ordinances to relax density requirements for designation. These measures aim to provide economic relief to merchants by increasing foot traffic and enabling participation in government support programs. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-30: Seoul districts expand alleyway shopping district designations Seoul districts Gangnam and Dobong are expanding the designation of alleyway shopping districts to help small businesses access Onnuri gift certificate registration and government revitalization programs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/seoul-districts-expand-alleyway-shopping-district-designations ### 2026-09-03: Gwanak-gu designates Seorim Dabok-gil as new shopping district Gwanak-gu has designated Seorim Dabok-gil as a new alleyway shopping district, bringing its total to 22, the highest in Seoul, to boost the local economy and merchant sales. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gwanak-gu-designates-seorim-dabok-gil-as-new-shopping-district --- Cite as: Seoul alleyway shopping district expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/seoul-alleyway-shopping-district-expansion