Formation of the Garak Market Management Committee... Will the Market Operate Smoothly?

The Market Management and Operation Committees of the Garak, Gangseo, and Yanggok wholesale markets in Seoul, managed by the Seoul Agro-Fisheries & Food Corporation (President Moon Young-pyo), have been newly formed and will operate for two years from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026.

The Market Management and Operation Committees consist of representatives of producers, including three organizations such as the Korea Successor Farmers Management Central Federation, two buyer organizations including Mart King Co., Ltd., distribution experts, and distributors. They deliberate on key matters of the wholesale markets, such as transaction systems and methods, determination of various costs including market usage fees, establishment of transaction order in wholesale markets, and operation standards for sales methods including fixed price and negotiated sales.

The first meeting of the newly formed 9th Garak Market Management and Operation Committee was held on April 17, where Professor Kim Yoon-doo of Konkuk University was elected as chairman by secret ballot.

Professor Kim Yoon-doo stated, “As chairman, I will lead harmony and communication for market development with an objective and neutral attitude.” Agenda items included the 2024 committee operation plan, support plan for expanding the commercialization function of Vegetable Building 2, the current status of flexible operation of Garak Market opening days, and the progress of facility modernization projects.

President Moon Young-pyo expressed, “With the formation and operation of the 9th Market Management and Operation Committee, I sincerely hope that good proposals and cooperation will proceed for the overall development of the public wholesale market to respond to the rapidly changing distribution environment.”