[Yongsan Report] President Yoon's Wide-Ranging Actions to 'Take Care of People's Livelihoods' Immediately After Press Conference

Returning to Traditional Market After 58 Days
Checking Grocery Prices
Communicating with Office Workers at Cheonggyecheon During Lunch
Surprise Visit to Press Room After On-site Visit

President Yoon Suk-yeol is listening to a merchant's remarks at a seafood store while visiting Yeongcheon Market in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 10th. To President Yoon's left is Park Chun-seop, Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs at the Presidential Office, and to his right is Kim Joo-hyun, Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

"Mr. President, may I ask you for a favor? Traditional markets are becoming digitalized, but the commission rates are too high. That causes prices to rise as well..."

On the 10th, marking the 2nd anniversary of his inauguration, President Yoon Seok-yeol visited Yeongcheon Market in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, to check on grocery prices. This was his first visit to a livelihood site since the general election, and his first visit to a traditional market in 58 days since visiting Samcheonpo Yonggung Fish Market in Sacheon, Gyeongnam on March 13.

Arriving at Yeongcheon Market around 1:35 p.m., President Yoon first greeted merchants at 'Choi Gasanghoe,' run by young entrepreneurs, and purchased fried items such as pork cutlets. Shouting "Fighting!" to the young merchants, he then stopped by 'Seongbok Susan,' operated by a mother and son.

When President Yoon asked, "Where do the sea squirts come from?" the merchants replied, "They are shipped directly from Tongyeong." President Yoon said, "I'll buy some sea squirts and some crabs too," to which the young owner responded, "We are working hard." As President Yoon expressed delight at the freshness, saying, "Oh, even the octopus is very fresh," the merchant took the opportunity to make a request on the spot.

He said, "Traditional markets need to sell cheaply to maintain their image. But the commission rates are too high, so I ask for your help. This applies to the Onnuri gift certificates (card type) and the upcoming digital market as well. Prices need to be affordable." President Yoon introduced the accompanying economic secretary and instructed, "Make it cheaper to use." The merchant expressed gratitude, saying, "That way, both ordinary people and the market can thrive."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is visiting Yeongcheon Market in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 10th, inspecting a vegetable store. [Image source=Yonhap News]

When President Yoon arrived at a vegetable stall and asked if peas were in season, the merchant explained, "Yes, peas are available. They came up from Yeosu." President Yoon told his aides, "Buy all of this. Also buy what's in that sack. Boil it lightly and eat it with rice," and encouraged, "Sell a lot, sir." He also communicated directly with citizens shopping at the market, listening to their opinions on living costs.

Yeongcheon Market is a traditional market near Independence Gate in Seodaemun-gu, known as a representative alley-type traditional market frequently used by local residents due to its proximity to residential areas. President Yoon emphasized, "The government will mobilize all its capabilities to control grocery prices so that ordinary people can feel the impact."

Afterward, during lunchtime, President Yoon visited Cheonggyecheon, greeted office workers out for a walk, and listened to opinions on livelihood issues such as dining-out prices. The presidential office reported that President Yoon said at this occasion, "We will do our best so that the people can feel price stability."

After completing his on-site schedule, President Yoon returned to the Yongsan Presidential Office and made a surprise visit to the press room without prior notice. This was a follow-up communication with the media just one day after his 2nd anniversary press conference. Next week, he plans to resume the livelihood discussion forums that were suspended ahead of the April 10 general election. President Yoon had paused the forums after the 24th session held in Cheongju on March 26.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is greeting office workers and citizens while moving to Cheonggyecheon in the area of Mugyo-dong Food Culture Street, Dae-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul on the 10th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Marking the 2nd anniversary of his inauguration, President Yoon has resumed his livelihood-focused activities and is showing an active schedule. After holding the 2nd anniversary national report and press conference the previous day, he immediately convened the '1st Economic Issue Review Meeting' in the afternoon to focus on economic issues and countermeasures, demonstrating his commitment to 'taking care of the economy.' At the press conference, President Yoon emphasized, "Ultimately, the economy is what matters going forward," and added, "It is important to resolve the difficulties and inconveniences felt by each person in the livelihood field." A presidential office official said, "This reflects the president's determination to actively identify and solve the difficulties people experience in their daily lives and to listen more closely to public sentiment in the future."