South Korean President visits Busan market, praises local seafood

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung continued his on-the-ground communication efforts by visiting the bustling Jagalchi Market in Busan. Accompanied by his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, the President interacted with merchants and citizens, demonstrating his commitment to understanding local concerns.

During his visit on May 26th, the presidential couple purchased a variety of fresh seafood, including natural stone sea urchin, filefish, cuttlefish, tiger shrimp, sea cucumber, natural abalone, and Dokdo shrimp. They used Onnuri gift certificates, a popular form of local currency, for their purchases. President Lee greeted market visitors with waves, receiving warm responses from citizens who called out "We love you."

“

I love you.

Kim Hye-kyung tasted a Dokdo shrimp offered by a vendor and remarked on its deliciousness. The presidential couple also took selfies with citizens, and one merchant reportedly waited with washed hands hoping for a handshake. As they moved to the second floor, diners rose from their seats to shake hands with the President, with one expressing excitement about the encounter.

“

It's delicious.

Later, President Lee and his staff had dinner on the second floor, enjoying the seafood purchased from the market. He particularly praised the taste of the natural abalone, recommending it to his companions. A fisheries cooperative representative shared insights into the market's situation, noting the positive impact of increasing foreign tourist numbers while also highlighting ongoing difficulties and requesting continued support and attention. President Lee expressed his understanding of these challenges.

The visit underscores the President's engagement with local communities and his efforts to support traditional markets, which are vital to the Korean economy. While acknowledging the market's recovery driven by tourism, the President's interaction also highlighted the need for continued government support to address persistent economic challenges faced by merchants.

“

I shook hands with President Lee!