"Blaming Both COVID-19 and Heatwaves"... Customers All Head to Large Supermarkets

Quiet Traditional Market Endures Heatwave with Fans and Cold Water
Foot Traffic Drops and Ingredients Wilt
Shoppers Visit Air-Conditioned Department Stores and Marts for Shopping and Strolling

On the afternoon of the 26th, Sinsa Market located in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, appeared quiet.

"With COVID-19, every day feels like walking on thin ice. I'm barely holding on right now, and with this hot weather, it feels like I'm about to explode if anyone even slightly provokes me..."

Traditional Markets Deserted Due to Heatwave

On the afternoon of the 26th at Sinsa Market in Gwanak-gu, Seoul. The ceiling has a translucent roof, and devices spraying water like misters are operating throughout the market, but they had little effect under the blazing midday sun. Merchants were battling the heat, relying on towels around their necks, fans, and cold water.

Mr. Lim, who runs a vegetable store, sighed, saying, "With social distancing and the heatwave continuing, I don't know how much longer we can hold on. The temperature rises to 36 degrees Celsius, and wearing a mask makes it hard to breathe, so customers don't come at all."

Since social distancing measures were strengthened due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, people have been reluctant to go out, and with the heatwave, more have been using large supermarkets or e-commerce platforms equipped with air conditioning, causing foot traffic at traditional markets to drop sharply. At Sinsa Market, it was difficult to find customers throughout the afternoon. Only a few middle-aged regulars came and went.

The situation was the same at nearby Sinwon Market. Shops selling agricultural and marine food ingredients or side dishes were discarding wilted or spoiled products due to the heat. The fish shop even put up a temporary closure sign. The snack bars and restaurants inside the market were deserted, creating a gloomy atmosphere from early afternoon.

On the afternoon of the 24th, a large supermarket in Mapo-gu is bustling with crowds.

Shopping Malls and Supermarkets Replace Parks and the Han River

While traditional markets are struggling with COVID-19 and the heatwave, department stores and large supermarkets were faring somewhat better. On the afternoon of the 24th at The Seoul Hyundai Department Store in Yeouido, although the number of customers had decreased due to strengthened distancing measures, there were still many people. Some popular restaurants had already closed reservations for lunch hours, and there were long lines for orders at cafes. Throughout the department store, people were seen strolling rather than shopping.

A couple in their 30s with a stroller said, "We've been working from home for two weeks and have no plans for summer vacation, so we just came out to have a meal." They added, "Parks or the Han River were too hot, so we had no choice but to visit the department store." An employee at a restaurant on the 6th floor said, "Compared to when we opened this spring, the number of customers has decreased, but on weekdays, nearby office workers come for lunch, and on weekends, families visit steadily."

On the same day, a large supermarket in Mapo-gu preparing for a regular holiday looked no different from a usual weekend. Customers crowded the fresh food section and the corner selling discounted freshly made meals, and long lines formed at the checkout counters. A woman in her 40s said, "I order delivery food and also order necessary ingredients online, but I feel I need to see and buy food in person, so I came out. I used to shop a lot at traditional markets, but because of the heat, I’m using supermarkets."

In the early stages of the application of Level 4 social distancing in the metropolitan area, Emart saw sales of fruits, vegetables, livestock products, and ready-to-eat deli items increase by 4-7% compared to the same period the previous week. Sales of toys and digital electronics rose by 15% and 10.4%, respectively. A large supermarket official said, "Although online sales have increased significantly due to COVID-19 and the heatwave, offline sales have remained at levels similar to last year. Especially, the significant increase in sales of air conditioners and other cooling appliances has also had an impact."

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