Kim Jung-sik, mayor of Incheon’s Michuhol-gu District (Mayor Kim Jung-sik), visited traditional markets in the district in person for his first official field engagement since the launch of the 9th popularly elected local government. In taking his first steps after inauguration not into the district office but into the alleys of the markets, Kim underscored his intent to meet merchants face to face and inspect the front lines of the people’s livelihood economy.
 [The Korean Today] Michuhol-gu Mayor Kim Jung-sik visiting a traditional market © Reporter Kim Mi-hee |
The round of visits was arranged not merely to hear from officials about the issues and difficulties each market faces, but to reflect the views merchants themselves put forward in the design of future district policies and support programs. The aim is to make voices from the field the starting point of policy rather than having the administration make judgments from behind a desk.
Beginning with Hakik Market on July 3, Kim toured six traditional markets in the district one after another. During the visits, he spoke directly with merchants to hear the difficulties they experience in running their businesses along with various suggestions, and he looked over each shop to encourage the merchants for their hard work while also exchanging views on a range of measures to revitalize the markets.
 [The Korean Today] Michuhol-gu Mayor Kim Jung-sik communicating with traditional market merchants © Reporter Kim Mi-hee |
At the sites, a variety of suggestions poured in according to the particular characteristics of each market, including improving facility conditions, enhancing customer convenience and revitalizing the markets. In response, Kim expressed his intention to closely examine the feasibility of these ideas together with the relevant departments and actively reflect them in future policies and support programs.
 [The Korean Today] On-site inspection of a traditional market shop © Reporter Kim Mi-hee |
The district plans to continue its on-site communication by visiting three additional traditional markets, including Yongnam Market, on July 7. Its policy is to visit every remaining market without exception and broadly gather the voices of merchants.
“Traditional markets are the backbone of the local economy and the livelihood front line closest to residents’ lives,” Mayor Kim Jung-sik said. “I will faithfully reflect the voices of merchants heard on the ground in district administration and pursue policies that provide practical help.”
 [The Korean Today] Listening to merchants’ suggestions on-site © Reporter Kim Mi-hee |
Traditional markets are regarded as a pillar supporting the working-class economy and neighborhood commercial districts even amid competition with large retail facilities. The district said it plans to continue its field-centered communication administration and steadily pursue a variety of support programs to strengthen the competitiveness of traditional markets and revitalize the local economy.
[ Reporter Kim Mi-hee: incheonsouth@thekoreantoday.com ]
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