The Seoul metropolitan government said Thursday it will open four night markets at different locations starting next month to attract more tourists and offer more business opportunities to small vendors.

The city administration said three more night markets will be operated next year, depending on the success of the night markets this year. It also plans to expand the number of night markets to 10 in 2018.

According to a city official, a night market will open at Hangang Park in Yeouido, southwestern Seoul, every Friday and Saturday from next month until October.

Opening from 6 p.m. to midnight, the "Doggabi" (goblin) night market in Hangang Park will be an interesting place for young people wishing to enjoy night life after work, the city official said.

Two other night markets will open at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, eastern Seoul, from May through October and at Mokdong Stadium, western Seoul, from July to October.

Another night market will be operated at Cheonggye Plaza in May, July, September, December and during national holidays such as Chuseok, the autumnal full moon festival.

Night markets are expected to highlight themes representing the area they are held in.

Various foreign food events will be featured at the Yeouido night market with the concept of "world market" while the DDP market will focus on fashion to attract young visitors.

The night market at Mokdong Stadium will operate a campsite where visitors can participate in leisure activities and sports.

The night markets are expected to run 70 times in Yeouido, 52 times at the DDP and 36 times at Mokdong Stadium. The one at Cheonggye Plaza will be held 12 times at special occasions.

Last year, the city government had a trial run for the night market at Hangang Park, where a total of 200,000 people visited the week-long opening.

Some 26 food trucks and 80 vendors participated in the market every day. Their average sales were 667,000 won each per day.

The city official expects the night markets to boost local businesses and provide opportunities to young people. (Yonhap)