On the last market day before the Chuseok holiday on September 21, Ilro Traditional Market in Muan County buzzed with activity as residents, vendors, and visitors attended cultural events.
Muan County Mayor Kim San visited the Ilro Traditional Market with county staff to encourage local vendors during a Chuseok shopping event.
Mayor Kim and his team toured the market, purchasing holiday essentials and local agricultural products while greeting vendors and listening to their concerns. The significance of this last market day before Chuseok added to the encouragement of shopping at traditional markets and supporting local consumption.
The Ilro market transformed into a vibrant cultural space, going beyond mere shopping. The Muan County Cultural Arts Department organized the 'On Village Art Market' at the Ilro Baekryeon Cultural Center, providing residents with various sights and experiences.
The art market, themed '550 Years of Tradition Blossoming through Culture and Arts,' featured local artists showcasing performances, including traditional Korean music, opera, street performances, and magic shows.
Experience booths and local food sales were also set up, allowing residents to not only watch performances but also engage in activities and purchase locally produced goods. This initiative combined the shopping function of traditional markets with cultural and artistic experiences, promoting local product consumption.
As residents shopping for Chuseok and public officials participating in the event mingled, a festive atmosphere filled the Ilro market.
Jeong Dae-sul, head of the Muan County Cultural Arts Department, stated, "The Ilro market, with its 550-year history, is more than just a place to buy and sell; it is a valuable cultural space where residents' lives and stories are intertwined. We have integrated performances and experience programs by local artists into the traditional market, allowing residents to enjoy culture while shopping."
He added, "We will continue to provide stages for local artists to connect with residents and develop community-oriented cultural and artistic programs that can invigorate traditional markets."
Mayor Kim San remarked, "Walking through the market on the last shopping day before Chuseok reinforces my belief that a thriving traditional market is essential for a vibrant local economy. I encourage residents to actively support our traditional markets and local shops for holiday essentials and gifts."
He further noted, "When shopping and cultural arts come together, traditional markets can evolve into spaces where families and neighbors meet and enjoy. I will ensure that the Ilro market, with its long history and tradition, continues to be a representative traditional market that revitalizes both local culture and economy."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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