Lee Jae-myung Visits Hanam Traditional Market: "Merchants Must Unite to Enhance Traditional Market Competitiveness"

[Asia Economy (Hanam) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, emphasized that organization, such as unity among merchants, is most important to strengthen competitiveness by leveraging the advantages of traditional markets.

On the 21st, ahead of the Seollal holiday, Lee visited Shinjang Market in Hanam and held a meeting with local merchants, urging them, "The alleyways must thrive for the economy to thrive," and asked merchants themselves to enhance competitiveness by utilizing the strengths of traditional markets.

He added, "While facility maintenance is important, cultivating the competitiveness of merchants is the most crucial," and said, "If we create a traditional market that is friendly, fun, and emotionally engaging, it can have competitiveness comparable to large retail stores."

He also stated, "We are now in an era where consumption is also play. Large retail stores are clean and friendly but have the weakness of being monotonous and uninteresting," and urged, "On the other hand, traditional markets are fun and diverse. We must make good use of this."

Lee particularly emphasized, "The most important thing is the organization of merchants. Our society tends to concentrate power in a strong few rather than the powerless many, but this must be overturned," explaining, "If merchants unite, demand what is necessary for commercial district development, and plan well to prepare interestingly, there will be ample opportunities for traditional markets."

During the day, Lee also listened to the difficulties and suggestions of traditional market merchants in Hanam and encouraged active participation in the Gyeonggi local currency.

Before the meeting, Lee personally purchased holiday goods using 'Hamoney,' the Gyeonggi local currency for Hanam, and spent time communicating with merchants and residents.

Meanwhile, about 20 people attended the event, including Kim Sang-ho, Mayor of Hanam, Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly members Kim Jin-il and Chu Min-gyu, Bang Mi-sook, Chairperson of Hanam City Council, Lee Chung-hwan, President of the Gyeonggi Merchants Association, and traditional market merchants.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.