Prime Minister Jeong's First Public Welfare Visit Since Inauguration... Visits Traditional Market to Check Lunar New Year Prices

"Determined to Do Our Best for Economic Revitalization"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (center front row) is visiting Woorim Alley Market in Jungnang-gu, Seoul on the 18th, checking prices and talking with merchants. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun visited Woorim Alley Market in Jungnang-gu, Seoul on the 18th to check prices for the Lunar New Year holiday.

This visit was his first field schedule related to public livelihood since taking office. Prime Minister Chung toured the traditional market to inspect the supply and demand situation of holiday seasonal products and listened to the voices of market merchants and citizens regarding the perceived "shopping basket prices."

Upon hearing from the owner of a fruit and vegetable store saying, "Please revive the economy," Prime Minister Chung responded, "I have many tasks to do, but I consider economic revitalization as the most important and will do my best."

At a butcher shop, he asked, "When African Swine Fever (ASF) occurred, pork consumption decreased. Has it normalized?" The butcher replied, "It has somewhat normalized, but not completely yet."

A vegetable store merchant told Prime Minister Chung, "Please help revive traditional markets. The economy is really bad these days," to which he nodded and replied, "Yes, exactly."

Prime Minister Chung also personally purchased holiday seasonal products such as fruits and nuts.

Before touring the market, he met with representatives of the market merchants' association to offer words of encouragement and urged measures to revitalize the market, including developing online sales channels.

He said, "It would be good to study ways to conduct business through mobile or online platforms to adapt to changing consumption patterns."

He added, "I hope this Lunar New Year will be a good opportunity for many citizens to visit, increasing sales and making your wallets thicker."

The items purchased by Prime Minister Chung on this day are planned to be delivered to marginalized neighbors through nearby welfare facilities.

After visiting the market, Prime Minister Chung told reporters, "I came with a lot of concern. If the market had been deserted, it would have been very difficult, but fortunately, there were many customers. I hope not only Woorim Alley Market but also traditional markets nationwide will be revitalized so that merchants can smile."

He then mentioned the modernized market facilities, saying, "If the conditions of traditional markets are well established like this, the commercial district will revive. Instead of neglecting traditional markets because they are not doing well, it is better to improve the markets so that business can thrive."

The items purchased by Prime Minister Chung on this day are planned to be delivered to marginalized neighbors through nearby welfare facilities.