5 Key Takeaways from President Lee's Cheongju Market Visit: Support for Local Businesses

President Lee Jae-myung visited a traditional market in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, on March 13, speaking with vendors and surveying everyday economic conditions.

Blue House deputy spokesperson Jeon Eun-su said in a written briefing that the president visited Sachang Market in Seowon District that afternoon and met with vendors and residents to assess market conditions.

President Lee first stopped at a tofu stall in the market and sampled freshly made tofu.

When the president asked about preferences between tofu made from domestic and imported soybeans, a vendor replied, \"Domestic soybeans cost nearly twice as much, but more customers ask for locally produced ingredients.\"

As he walked through the market alleys, the president tried a hotteok priced at 1,000 KRW (about $0.75) and laughed, calling it \"a welcome price I haven't seen in a while.\"

Vendors requested support to boost use of digital Onnuri gift certificates. The president pledged to continue monitoring the situation and to ensure vendors receive concrete, noticeable support.

He then had lunch with vendors at a market restaurant, sharing barley rice, a seasoned young radish greens salad, soybean paste stew, and grilled mackerel.

At the meal he said, \"Sincerity ultimately matters in business. Just as merchants treat customers with genuine care, I believe the government's sincerity will reach the people.\"

Jeon said vendors took the president's hand, calling him the first president to visit Sachang Market, and cheered him on with requests to \"make the country a better place to live\" and to \"take care of your health while you work.\"