'Seolnal Minsheng Haengbo' Hong Nam-gi Visits Traditional Market and Youth Shelter

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyewon] Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister for Economy and Minister of Strategy and Finance, visited Sangdong Market in Bucheon on the 26th ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday to check the prices and supply trends of seasonal holiday products. He also purchased seasonal products using Onnuri gift certificates, listening to and comforting the difficulties faced by traditional market merchants.

According to the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, the government began supplying major seasonal products from the 10th, a week earlier than last year, to stabilize prices during the Lunar New Year. The supply volume was also expanded by 31% (48,000 tons) compared to the same period last year, reaching a record high of 204,000 tons. As of the previous day, the cumulative supply volume of 16 major seasonal products including napa cabbage, radish, apple, pear, and chestnut reached 191,000 tons, achieving 111.8% of the original plan (172,000 tons).

Deputy Prime Minister Hong posted on social media immediately after visiting the market, stating, "Among the 17 items including 16 major seasonal products and rice, prices of 15 items except apples and chicken have fallen compared to before the announcement of the Lunar New Year livelihood stabilization measures on the 5th." He added, "We will closely monitor the supply situation of seasonal products until just before the Lunar New Year and continue efforts to manage prices of major items." The government also plans to further increase the shipment volume of apples and chicken to stabilize their prices.

Deputy Prime Minister Hong then visited a youth shelter in Bucheon, delivering the items purchased at the market and encouraging the shelter workers and youths who have been struggling due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, while listening to their difficulties.

At this occasion, Hong announced that support for self-reliance allowance after leaving the shelter has been expanded, and that youth in shelters are now included as priority recipients for educational support programs aimed at those wishing to enter university. He also stated that policy support will be strengthened by improving facility environments such as renovating aging facilities and increasing meal cost rates.