Gangwon-do Drives Lunar New Year Livelihood Stability with 'Traditional Market Shopping'

Governor Kim Jin-tae Checks Lunar New Year Table Prices and Traditional Market Issues
Conducts 'Traditional Market Shopping' and 'Each Pays Own Lunch' Campaign

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-cheol] Gangwon Province has prepared measures to stabilize the livelihood of citizens during the Lunar New Year holiday and will vigorously carry out a "Traditional Market Shopping" event involving all public officials from all cities and counties within Gangwon Province.

According to the province on the 17th, this year's Lunar New Year livelihood stabilization measures consist of five categories: ▲ Price Stability ▲ Consumption Promotion ▲ Business Stability ▲ Life Stability ▲ Entertainment and Attractions.

Gangwon Province Governor Kim Jin-tae announced the Lunar New Year livelihood stabilization measures on the 16th at the Gangwon Provincial Government press room. [Photo provided by Gangwon Province]

First, to stabilize prices, the focus will be on stabilizing prices of agricultural, livestock, and marine products, and managing public utility fees steadily to reduce the price burden on residents.

In the consumption promotion sector, the strategy is to lead consumption activation by expanding customer attraction to traditional markets within the province, holding online and offline discount events, and expanding the issuance of Gangwon gift certificates (18 billion KRW).

To stabilize the management of small business owners and small and medium enterprises, support worth 600 billion KRW will be provided. This includes 350 billion KRW for SME funds (interest support of 21.8 billion KRW), 200 billion KRW for small business funds (interest and guarantee fee support of 9.5 billion KRW), as well as an additional 50 billion KRW for low-credit funds and increased support for tax-free fuel for agriculture and fisheries.

For life stability, wages including construction payments will be paid on time, and a subcontracting unfairness reporting center will be operated. During the Lunar New Year holiday, a system for collecting household waste will be established, and traffic and safety measures for holiday vehicles will be implemented.

Additionally, for entertainment and attractions, Gangwon Province will create a cultural Gangwon centered on seven regional festivals that can only be enjoyed in Gangwon during the holiday period.

Meanwhile, Governor Kim Jin-tae of Gangwon will start shopping at Chuncheon Pungmul Market from the 17th and visit seven traditional markets including Chuncheon and Gangneung until the first day of the holiday on the 21st to directly check the prices of Lunar New Year holiday food and issues in traditional markets.

Governor Kim said, "I hope that residents will frequently use local traditional markets to restore the festive atmosphere of the past holidays and revive the local economy," adding, "We will strive to stabilize prices until the end of the Lunar New Year holiday so that all residents can have a prosperous holiday."

All employees of Gangwon Provincial Office and employees of 18 cities and counties plan to carry out the "Lunar New Year Traditional Market Shopping Campaign," which started on the 9th, until the 20th.

Also, each department will have lunch at traditional markets, small business stores, and good price shops, with costs borne individually. Furthermore, heads of offices and bureaus at the provincial office will conduct a "Special Price Stability Inspection" to understand holiday price trends and establish a sound commercial order.