President Lee Visits Jeonju Traditional Market
Personally Purchases Glutinous Rice and Dongchimi with Onnuri Gift Certificates
Enjoys Lunch with Braised Cutlassfish and Stir-Fried Pork
On February 27, President Lee Jaemyung attended the 'Saemangeum Robot, Hydrogen, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) City Investment Agreement Ceremony,' after which he traveled to Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, to visit the Sinjungang Market.
Jeonju Sinjungang Market is a traditional market that naturally formed near the tobacco manufacturing plant established in 1948. For over 70 years, it has remained a central part of the local community, closely tied to the lives of its residents.
When President Lee arrived at the market, merchants and residents welcomed him with applause and cheers. The market was filled with voices expressing support and expectations, such as, "We are glad the government is running well," "We love you," "You're doing a great job," "We're cheering for you," "Please help Jeonju prosper," "Life has become more enjoyable these days," and "You are wonderful."
President Lee made eye contact with each merchant and resident, greeting them with "Happy New Year" and bowing to express his gratitude.
With Jeongwol Daeboreum (the first full moon of the lunar new year) approaching, President Lee personally purchased sticky rice and dongchimi using Onnuri gift certificates. When President Lee remarked, "Isn't this too much?" a shop owner replied, "This is the spirit of the market," bringing about a warm, friendly atmosphere.
President Lee also tasted and purchased fried chili peppers on the spot, and held up promotional materials displaying the store's name and menu to introduce the shop and encourage the merchants.
President Lee continued to purchase steamed corn, soondae (Korean blood sausage), jeonbyeong (Korean pancakes), strawberries, and other items, sharing them with residents and his aides and spreading the warmth of the marketplace. When a merchant suggested, "Mr. President, please take a break," President Lee replied, "If I work hard, the world can change little by little." The merchant was moved to tears, replying, "I'm grateful that the world can change."
Afterwards, President Lee had lunch with his aides at a restaurant inside the market, enjoying dishes such as braised hairtail and stir-fried pork. During the meal, President Lee asked Ban Bonghyun, the head of the merchants' association who joined him, about the market's sales and the status of facility maintenance, listening to opinions from the field.
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