President Lee Makes Surprise Visit to Ulsan Traditional Market: "Will Work Harder to Revitalize Local Businesses"

Visited Nam-mok Maseong Market After K-Chosun Forum to Engage with Citizens and Merchants
Purchased Shiitake Mushrooms, Chamoe Melons, and Braised Pollack with Onnuri Gift Certificates
Checked Grocery Prices on Site

On the 13th, after concluding the 'K-Chosun Future Vision Forum' in Ulsan, President Lee Jae-myung made an unannounced visit to the local traditional Nam-mok Maseong Market, where he listened to the voices of citizens and merchants.

An Gwi-ryeong, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the President, stated in a written briefing that President Lee visited Nam-mok Maseong Market in Dong-gu, Ulsan, met with merchants, and checked grocery prices. Opened in 1978, Nam-mok Maseong Market is a traditional market that has long been part of the daily lives of local residents. The market is known as a place where visitors can experience Ulsan's culture and cuisine, offering a variety of specialties, ingredients, and foods.

As news of President Lee's surprise visit spread throughout the market area, a large crowd of citizens gathered. Cheers and applause broke out at the scene, with people welcoming the president by shouting, "Welcome," "We love you," "Fighting," "We're glad you came," "Thank you for your hard work," and "We support and cheer for you."

President Lee shook hands with citizens one by one and responded to requests for photos. He bent down to greet young children at their eye level and communicated warmly with teenagers by exchanging high-fives.

When teenagers who took photos with the president said, "My dream has come true," and "My mom is really happy," laughter and applause erupted from those nearby.

President Lee toured the market and listened to merchants' stories. He personally checked prices and sales conditions by asking questions like, "How is business today?", "Did you sell a lot?", and "How much are the bean sprouts?" One merchant gave a thumbs-up, saying, "Thank you for reviving the national economy." Another merchant, who said he was originally from Andong, expressed his delight and added, "I hope there will never be any empty shops in the market." In response, President Lee shook hands with the merchants and expressed his commitment to further revitalize local commercial districts.

At the market, President Lee purchased shiitake mushrooms, chamoe melons, braised pollack, and chili pepper doenjang muchim, paying with both cash and Onnuri gift certificates. He also greeted the oldest merchant in the market, who is in their 90s, saying, "I hope you stay healthy for a long time." President Lee continued to converse with merchants as he sampled and bought mugwort rice cakes, fried chicken skin, sikhye, and red bean bread on the spot. One merchant joked, "Now that the president has visited, maybe I'll become rich starting today," bringing laughter to the scene.

Citizens expressed their excitement to President Lee, saying, "I ran out here while cooking rice," and "These days, I even skip sleep to watch your videos, Mr. President." Citizens continued to see President Lee off until the moment he left the market. They called out, "Stay healthy," and "Stay strong," while President Lee waved and responded to their greetings right up until he got into his car.