In Muan County, South Jeolla Province, the 'Samhyang Baribari Market' has emerged as a new link for urban-rural harmony and local economic revitalization, attracting residents from both the urban area of Namak New Town and the rural town of Samhyang.
Held on November 7 at Namak Central Park, the market featured a direct sales venue for agricultural and marine products, local food, a flea market, and various experiential programs, drawing families out for a weekend outing.
This market is particularly significant as it serves as a natural meeting and exchange space for residents of the urbanized Namak New Town and the traditional rural community of Samhyang, which have seen limited interaction due to differences in living environments.
Residents from both areas shared their lifestyles and cultures through the market, strengthening community bonds.
Notably, the direct sales market for seafood, which has been integrated into this year's event, became a highlight.
The seafood sales area, linked with Muan County's Marine and Fisheries Department, showcased a variety of local seafood, including freshwater eel, shrimp, seaweed, and mudflat octopus, capturing the interest of visitors.
The seafood booths, reminiscent of a small fish market, attracted residents eager to purchase local products, bringing the freshness of the sea to the heart of the city.
Consumers enjoyed the convenience of finding both everyday seafood items like seaweed and shrimp, as well as locally produced and processed goods, while producers gained access to new sales channels.
Kim Byeong-tae, 54, who purchased seasoned seaweed, said, "I usually buy seaweed at the supermarket, but buying it directly from our local market gives me more confidence. It’s even more enjoyable knowing I’m helping local producers while getting delicious seafood."
The agricultural sales area was also bustling. The Samhyang Urban-Rural Exchange Association organized a direct sales market featuring local products such as red pepper powder, sesame, sesame oil, sweet potatoes, and bellflower root, enhancing the warm atmosphere of a rural market.
Additionally, a variety of food stalls offering kimchi, fish cakes, rice cake soup, and chicken feet, along with participation from local small businesses in the flea market, kept visitors engaged.
For children, the market became an alternative playground.
Holding their parents' hands, children enjoyed cotton candy while exploring the market, and families created memories of their autumn weekend by selecting agricultural and marine products and participating in experiential programs.
Various hands-on activities, such as natural soap making, mini fruit candle crafting, and character cookie icing, transformed the market from a simple trading space into a cultural hub for families.
On this day, Muan County Mayor Kim San and other officials visited the market, showing interest in local agricultural and marine products and encouraging event organizers.
This visit heightened awareness of expanding sales channels for local farmers and small businesses while fostering direct communication with residents.
The event was hosted and organized by the Samhyang Town and the Samhyang Town Residents' Committee, with participation from local organizations such as the Samhyang Urban-Rural Exchange Association, the Saemaul Women's Association, the Senior Citizens' Association, and the Namak Red Cross, emphasizing the community-led nature of the market.
It was noted that the agricultural products produced in rural areas and the seafood harvested from the sea are making their way to the tables of consumers in Namak New Town, creating a virtuous cycle where local consumption translates into income for farmers and small businesses.
The distance connecting Namak and the original town of Samhyang is not merely physical; it represents a process of sharing a sense of community among residents living in different environments.
Under the autumn sun, the Baribari Market showcased new possibilities as a space for harmony, where urban and rural, producers and consumers, and adults and children came together.
Each local agricultural and marine product in the small baskets serves as a precious link connecting Namak and Samhyang.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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