• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.438-453
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• 2007

Oriental Medicine Shopping District in Kyungdong Market developed through moving the Jongro which has been the center of oriental medicine since Joseon dynasty period. This shopping district grows up as a wholesale center based on convenient traffics. In 1994, herb clinics are major industry. But in 2007 the number of herb clinics has been reduced, while drug stores have increased. And doctors' age becomes older. Oriental Medicine Shopping District in Kyungdong Market occupies the center-stage of medicinal stuff's distribution and approximately 70% of the stuff come from other parts of the country. The district seems to be developing and modernizing comparing to the past. But it is not true. In this paper, I explain this phenomenon as "inertia about place". Oriental Medicine Shopping District in Kyungdong Market is suffering, but it tries to raise itself as the biggest oriental medicine market and new tourist site for they are designated as Hanbang Special District.