Seongnam: President Lee Jae Myung visited a traditional market in the city of Seongnam on Thursday to meet merchants and shoppers and check local economic conditions, his office said.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee visited the Moran market, just south of Seoul, one of the largest traditional five-day markets in the metropolitan area, as stated by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. This market holds significance for Lee, as it was the location where he initiated market relocation and implemented measures to enhance market conditions during his tenure as Seongnam mayor.
Merchants greeted Lee with a warm welcome, expressing sentiments such as, "Welcome back home." Yoo Jeom-su, the head of the merchants' association, informed Lee about the market's recent increase in visitors. However, he also highlighted challenges like the decline in the number of stores and an aging merchant population, reflecting shifts in the commercial landscape.
During his visit, Lee sampled foods available at the market and actively promoted local products, Kang added.