KB Financial Group analysed the competitiveness and growth structure of 10 major local commercial districts nationwide using about 25 data points including financial assets, sales and rents. It examined regional growth potential by comprehensively assessing sustainability, profitability and surrounding demand beyond simple sales or foot traffic.

KB Financial said on Aug. 10 it published the 2026 KB Local Commercial District Revitalisation Insights report analysing the characteristics and competitiveness of regional commercial districts nationwide based on the KB Kookmin Local Commercial District Revitalisation Index.

The analysis used the KB Kookmin Local Commercial District Revitalisation Index jointly developed by KB Kookmin Bank, KB Kookmin Card and Korea Data Bank.

The index is a model that combines about 25 data points, including financial assets, sales, rents and vacancy rates, to comprehensively analyse a district’s sustainability, profitability, stability, ability to draw visitors and growth potential.

It is designed to identify growth factors and areas needing reinforcement by analysing not only sales size or foot traffic but also the linkage structure among small business operators and customers, surrounding demand and external capital that make up a commercial district.

KB Financial classified local commercial districts nationwide into office, residential, tourism and convergence types, among others. It selected 10 locations including Seomyeon in Busan, Samsan in Ulsan, Dongseong-ro in Daegu, Sangmu District in Gwangju, Gaekridan-gil in Jeonju, Marine Park in Yeosu, Dunsan in Daejeon, Buldang in Cheonan, Gyodong in Gangneung and Yeondong in Jeju to analyse consumption structures and regional characteristics.

The results showed that while sources of capital, population movement, and consumption and payment patterns differed by district, each formed a different growth structure depending on how it connected local resources with external demand.

KB Financial plans to use the KB Kookmin Local Commercial District Revitalisation Index as a data-based analytical model to identify changes and growth potential in regional commercial districts. It aims to broaden its use beyond diagnosing district conditions to support local governments’ policy planning, small business management decisions, and financial and private investment.

A KB Financial official said, "The vitality of regional commercial districts is the power that supports the growth of small business owners, local jobs and the living foundation of residents." The official added, "We will continue to monitor changes in local economies based on financial data and analytical capabilities and consistently provide insights needed to strengthen the self-sustaining capacity of regional commercial districts and promote balanced regional development."