The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced that Lee Hyung-il, nominee for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, visited Gongneung Dokkaebi Market in Nowon-gu, Seoul, today (September 18) to check livelihood price trends ahead of the Chuseok holiday and listen to the difficulties faced by merchants.

Visiting a refund booth inside the market, he checked whether the Onnuri gift certificate refunds (capped at 20,000 won) for purchasing domestic agricultural, livestock, and marine products—which the government is promoting as a livelihood stabilization measure—are being smoothly processed.

Nominee Lee stated, "Traditional markets are representative livelihood sites where the daily lives of the public and the local economy intersect," adding, "Moving forward, I will meticulously look into grocery prices and the difficulties faced by traditional markets and small business owners, and thoroughly check implementation statuses to ensure the government's livelihood stabilization measures are smoothly executed on the ground."

He promised, "Along with easing immediate livelihood burdens, efforts to enhance the self-generated competitiveness of small business owners are also important," and pledged, "To ensure that the warmth of economic recovery spreads to every corner of the livelihood field, including small business owners, we will faithfully reflect on-the-ground voices in policies and swiftly push forward livelihood policies that the public can truly feel."

The government previously announced the Chuseok Livelihood Stabilization Measures and supplementary measures, and in accordance with this, is pushing for discount support exceeding 193 billion won—more than double that of last year—and expanded supply of festive goods through the end of this month.

(Photo: Provided by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Yonhap News)