President Lee, First Lady Make Surprise Visit to Namdaemun Market, Encourage Merchants

President Lee Jae-myung's unannounced visit to the bustling Namdaemun Market offered a welcome sight for local merchants grappling with economic headwinds. This personal engagement by the President and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung demonstrates a commitment to understanding the challenges faced by small business owners firsthand.

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It's great. Black is the best.

The timing of the visit, following an event commemorating Parents' Day, allowed the President to connect with citizens on a more personal level, shaking hands, engaging in light conversation, and even taking photos with tourists. The purchase of local goods using traditional market gift certificates further underscored the administration's support for the local economy.

Merchants shared candid feedback, highlighting the ongoing economic struggles but also expressing optimism fueled by the return of foreign tourists. Their calls for increased support to attract more international visitors resonate with the government's broader goals of revitalizing traditional markets and boosting tourism.

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The economy is generally difficult, but it has become more lively than before due to the increase in foreign tourists. We need support so that more foreign tourists can visit.

This visit serves not only as a gesture of encouragement but also as a crucial opportunity for the administration to gather on-the-ground intelligence. By listening to the concerns and suggestions of merchants, President Lee can better tailor policies to support small businesses and ensure that the benefits of increased tourism are widely shared.

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I remember eating delicious jokbal at Namdaemun Market when I was preparing for the bar exam.