Traditional Markets Waiting for Customers Amid COVID-19 and Heatwave

On the 27th, when the double hardship of COVID-19 and heatwave was rampant, Tongin Market in Jongno-gu, Seoul was quiet. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

The combination of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and the scorching heat has caused foot traffic to traditional markets to drop sharply. Since the implementation of Level 4 social distancing in the metropolitan area, people have been reluctant to go out and have been using large supermarkets with air conditioning and e-commerce instead due to the heatwave. The reporter visited Tongin Market, where a sense of silence prevailed. Only a few regular customers were coming and going. Notices about temporary closures and rental inquiries were posted throughout the shops. Here is a glimpse of the atmosphere in traditional markets enduring a tougher summer than ever before.

A rental notice is posted at a shop in Tongin Market. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

A summer vacation notice is posted at a shop in Tongin Market. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Traditional market deserted due to heatwave. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

Traditional market merchants are waiting for customers. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@