Proposed Commemorative Photos to Market Vendors
Also Attended the Opening Ceremony of the 'World Choir Competition'
First Lady Kim Keon-hee is tasting squid sashimi at a sashimi restaurant during her visit to Jungang and Seongnam markets in Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do on the afternoon of the 3rd. (Photo by the Presidential Office) [Image source=Yonhap News]
First Lady Kim Keon-hee visited Gangneung, where she tasted seafood such as squid sashimi and sea squirts and encouraged market vendors.
On the 3rd, Mrs. Kim visited the Gangneung Jungang and Seongnam traditional markets to encourage merchants who have been struggling due to recent wildfires in Gangneung and greeted citizens.
Mrs. Kim first stopped by a sashimi restaurant and purchased squid sashimi, sea squirts, and flatfish sashimi. Although seafood consumption has declined due to the Fukushima contaminated water controversy, her direct tasting and purchasing of sashimi at the market is interpreted as a response to the political disputes surrounding the contaminated water issue.
She then visited a rice cake shop and a fruit store in sequence, buying various rice cakes, peaches, and watermelons with Onnuri gift certificates and cash, and requested delivery to local elderly living alone.
When a market vendor said, "After the wildfire, tourists initially decreased, making it difficult," Mrs. Kim suggested, "Shall we take a commemorative photo to promote your store?" On Mrs. Kim’s handbag hung a keyring wishing for the successful bid of the '2030 Busan Expo.'
First Lady Kim Keon-hee is participating in a beach cleanup activity, picking up trash and plastic waste with Saemaeul Association members and university student volunteers at Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province on the afternoon of the 3rd. (Photo by the Presidential Office) [Image source=Yonhap News]
Before visiting the market, Mrs. Kim participated in an environmental cleanup activity at Gyeongpo Beach. She and the volunteers wore white T-shirts made from recycled PET bottles. The T-shirts bore the phrase "Bye Bye Plastic." Mrs. Kim also wore the same T-shirt during a campaign to reduce plastic use at Korea University on June 5.
Mrs. Kim said, "Today’s activity is more meaningful as it coincides with the 'World Day of No Disposable Plastic Bags,'" and the Presidential Office reported that she urged those around her to reduce plastic use and actively use eco-bags.
She also emphasized, "As the peak vacation season approaches, I hope many people visit Gyeongpo Beach to revitalize tourism," and added, "It is also important to manage the sea so that no waste is discharged."
That day, Mrs. Kim attended the opening ceremony of the '2023 Gangneung World Choir Competition' held at Gangneung Arena. The World Choir Competition is a festival of amateur choirs worldwide and was the first international event held since the launch of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province last month on the 11th. At the opening ceremony, Mrs. Kim welcomed 323 choirs from 34 countries and participated in the commemorative bell-ringing ceremony.
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