President Lee Jae-myung visited the traditional market in his hometown of Andong, North Gyeongsang, to check on the local economy.
According to the Blue House on the 18th, the president visited Andong Old Market that day and met with citizens. As the oldest traditional market in Andong, the president also had dinner at a braised chicken restaurant in the market.
In particular, the president's visit to Andong coincided with the Korea-Japan summit. It is because Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to visit Andong for two days and one night from the 19th to the 20th.
As a return visit after the president went to Nara Prefecture, the prime minister's hometown, in Japan in January, the Blue House said the market visit was "to communicate with citizens and hear voices from the front lines of people's livelihoods."
When the president arrived at the market, some citizens welcomed the visit with applause and cheers. Citizens said things like "Welcome to your hometown," "I missed you," and "I appreciated the May 18 commemoration address."
An Andong Old Market vendor also said, "I heard President Lee Jae-myung and the Japanese prime minister are coming together, and Andong is buzzing."
Meanwhile, on the 19th the president will hold small-group and expanded summit talks with Prime Minister Sanae in Andong. Strengthening Korea-Japan cooperation and global issues, including the situation in the Middle East, are expected to be key agenda items.