[Report] After Heavy Rain Comes Heat Wave... Traditional Market Consumption Coupon Impact "Still Limited"

Restaurant and Seafood Market: "No New Customers"
Side Dish Stores and Butcher Shops Bustling... "Hope the Effect Lasts"

On the morning of the 24th, customers are browsing goods at Yangdong Market in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Min Chanki

"With the heavy rain followed by the heat wave, there hasn't been much of an increase in customers. It's even harder to see any new faces," one merchant said.

On the morning of July 24, the third day since the distribution of the 'Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon', Yangdong Market in Seo-gu, Gwangju remained quiet.

After heavy rain just a few days ago, the market was immediately hit by scorching heat, resulting in a sparse crowd. In the hot and humid market area, customers walked around fanning themselves, while direct sunlight beat down on the meat, fish, and vegetables displayed by the merchants.

Even as lunchtime approached, only three to four tables were occupied in the restaurants located inside the market. Occasionally, some customers who had finished their meals could be seen strolling around the market with coffee in hand.

Kim Jungkook (24), who visited the market with his father, said, "I came to the market to buy something I've been craving for a while after receiving the consumption coupon. My father suggested we come together in case he needed to buy something as well."

The merchants unanimously agreed that the increase in sales since the coupons were issued has been minimal, likely due to the heat wave. Park (71), who has been running a gukbap restaurant here for decades, said, "Most of the customers are regulars who come often. There hasn't been any noticeable increase in sales since the coupons were distributed. I think it's because of the hot weather, but I expect things will improve as time goes by."

The situation was the same at the seafood market, which is considered off-season in the summer. Only pinwheels spinning in the air to chase away insects could be seen above the mackerel and other seafood displayed by the merchants. Some merchants could be heard sighing, saying, "There are hardly any customers today, just like yesterday."

On the morning of the 24th, Yangdong Fish Market in Seo-gu, Gwangju, showed a quiet scene. Photo by Min Chanki

Kim Jihyun (65, female), who has been running her shop here for 20 years, said, "There were almost no people yesterday. I heard that most of the customers flocked to the butcher shops. While I don't feel a dramatic increase in customers, individual spending has gone up by about 20,000 to 30,000 won. The seafood market's peak is during the holidays, so I expect more customers will come around September, when the second round of coupons is distributed."

Jung (67), who runs an underwear shop nearby, also said, "Last week's heavy rain caused a sharp drop in customers, so I was hoping the consumption coupons would help this week, but I haven't really felt much of a difference. Although there are occasional customers, the effect of the coupons hasn't spread to the whole market or to the restaurants yet."

On the other hand, butcher shops and side dish stores, such as those selling jeotgal, have seen a steady stream of customers, showing some effect from the consumption coupons.

Park (42), who has been running a butcher shop in Yangdong Market for over 10 years, said, "There was a temporary increase in customers. Most of them paid with the consumption coupon card. However, perhaps because of the continued hot weather, sales have only increased slightly, and it's still difficult to attract new customers."

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, within three days of the first application period for the 'Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon', which provides a basic 150,000 won per person, 21.48 million people, or 42.5% of all eligible recipients, had applied. The government distributed a total of 3.8849 trillion won to 42.4% of all eligible recipients. The application rate in Gwangju was recorded at 43.8%.

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