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President Lee makes surprise visit to traditional market, tastes tteokbokki
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Culture & Society

President Lee makes surprise visit to traditional market, tastes tteokbokki

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • President Lee Jae-myung made an unannounced visit to a traditional market in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, to listen to merchants' concerns.
  • He and his wife purchased various goods, including snacks and produce, and tasted local food at the market.
  • The visit aimed to encourage merchants struggling with economic downturn and consumption slump, and to hear directly from people on the ground.

President Lee Jae-myung made a surprise visit to the Gildong Bokjorim traditional market in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, engaging directly with merchants and residents. Accompanied by his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, the president toured the market, inquiring about sales and the current economic atmosphere. The couple purchased a variety of items, including chili peppers, corn snacks, and fruits, and sampled local delicacies like tteokbokki. Their visit was met with warm greetings from shoppers and vendors, many expressing thanks for his work and wishing him well. The president also took time to interact with individuals, including a multi-cultural family and a resident expecting a child, offering encouragement and addressing requests related to pet policies. He later joined market officials and a local lawmaker for lunch, discussing market improvements and parking issues. According to presidential spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong, the visit's purpose was to listen to the voices of people in their daily lives and to offer support to merchants facing difficulties due to the economic slowdown and reduced consumer spending.

How are sales today?

โ€” President Lee Jae-myungAsking merchants about their business during his market visit.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.