On January 23, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung made a surprise visit to Namchang Onggi Market in Onyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, ahead of the ‘Listening to Ulsan’s Heart’ town hall meeting. The market, a traditional five-day market held in the Namchang-ri area, has historical roots dating back to the Joseon Dynasty as a grain storage site. The president’s unexpected appearance was warmly welcomed by vendors and citizens, with some waving signs reading ‘Welcome, Mr. President.’ The atmosphere was filled with excitement and appreciation.
President Lee interacted directly with market vendors, purchasing various foods such as traditional taffy, donuts, chestnuts, and green onions using Onnuri gift certificates. After buying pears and fried snacks, he shared them with his entourage on the spot, displaying a friendly and approachable demeanor. One vendor, holding a sign that read ‘Consumer coupons accepted,’ expressed gratitude for the support, saying it had been a great help. The president also showed keen interest in the market’s operations, asking the market association president, Jo Jong-jun, about the number of stores and nearby five-day markets.
President Lee actively communicated with citizens, shaking hands and taking selfies. He greeted those further away with a loud ‘Happy New Year,’ further warming the atmosphere. Vendors expressed their appreciation, noting that he was the first president to visit Namchang Market. The president and his staff also had lunch at a local restaurant, continuing conversations with local merchants.
After spending about an hour at Namchang Onggi Market, President Lee moved to the Ulsan Exhibition and Convention Center for the scheduled town hall meeting. Citizens waiting outside the restaurant cheered and applauded as he departed, injecting positive energy into the local community. This visit reaffirmed the president’s commitment to revitalizing traditional markets and supporting the local economy. Continued on-site engagement is expected to bring meaningful changes to livelihood policies.
President Lee’s visit to Namchang Onggi Market goes beyond a symbolic gesture, highlighting a strong commitment to revitalizing traditional markets and supporting local economies. The positive reception of policies like Onnuri gift certificates and consumer coupons demonstrates their tangible impact on vendors. Ongoing direct engagement and tailored support from the government are likely to strengthen local businesses and restore public trust in policy initiatives.