Gangbuk-gu, Serving as a Bridge for Mutual Growth through Direct Mountain Product Transactions

Purchase of Seafood Ingredients for 200 Servings... Twice Weekly Meal Provision at District Office Cafeteria... Supply Agreement with Local Governments and Operation of Direct Trade Market

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gangbuk-gu (Mayor Park Gyeom-su) has taken proactive steps to create a food environment where urban and rural fishing communities can coexist and thrive together.

On the 14th, employees at the Gangbuk-gu Office cafeteria participated in promoting seafood consumption by enjoying lunch meals featuring fresh side dishes such as hairtail and croaker.

The district purchased 200 servings of seafood as ingredients for meals with the aim of supporting fishermen who have been struggling due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

An employee using the cafeteria expressed satisfaction, saying, “I was able to enjoy dishes filled with the scent of the sea, such as large silver hairtail, webfoot octopus, and boiled octopus.”

The district nutritionist stated, “Except on cafeteria closure days, we plan to organize menus twice a week featuring seasonal seafood to help revitalize the local economy.”

Additionally, the district has signed agreements with primary local governments in production areas to supply high-quality ingredients to public meal services and provide farmers with stable sales channels by establishing a direct transaction procurement system.

Accordingly, eco-friendly agricultural and marine products and fruits are provided monthly to daycare centers and welfare facilities for the disabled, aligned with seasonal availability.

Moreover, every July and September, the district operates direct trade markets for excellent local agricultural and livestock products. Urban consumers can purchase high-quality specialty products at affordable prices, while farmers gain increased income and opportunities to develop sales channels, achieving a win-win effect. Last year, seven sister cities and counties participated in the market, generating sales of 74 million KRW.

Park Gyeom-su, Mayor of Gangbuk-gu, said, “When the value of mutual benefit between urban and rural fishing communities is realized, it can lead to a virtuous cycle of balanced regional development. We will continue to develop ways to enhance cooperation with agricultural and marine product production areas.”

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