One Day Before Takaichi's Visit... President Lee Makes Surprise Visit to Hometown Andong Market

According to a written briefing by Deputy Spokesperson An Guyryeong of the Presidential Office, President Lee Jae-myung visited Andong Gu Market in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province on May 18, a day before Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to Korea, and spent time communicating with local citizens.

When President Lee arrived at the market, citizens greeted him with comments such as "I've missed you," "Is this a dream or reality?" "We love you," and "Welcome back to your hometown." A merchant who has been selling mackerel for 52 years expressed delight, saying, "There is a buzz in Andong because the President and the Japanese Prime Minister are coming together."

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung are visiting Namgwangju Market in Dong-gu, Gwangju, taking commemorative photos with citizens on May 18, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News.

President Lee also sampled sundae (Korean blood sausage) and eomuk (fish cake). When served a generous portion, he humorously said in the local dialect, "Just a little, please," prompting laughter at the scene. President Lee also tasted and purchased tangerines, bananas, and gimbap, encouraging the merchants.

In addition, President Lee took photos and videos with foreign tourists visiting the market, including those from Vietnam and Switzerland. Around 40 university students from Hong Kong, who were in Andong for a historical tour, shouted "Mr. President!" as they greeted him.

President Lee then had dinner at a braised chicken restaurant inside the market. He exchanged greetings with an American tourist who was dining there and listened to on-site feedback from Jeong Yuseong, the president of the merchants' association, by asking about the size of the market and the current state of commerce.

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