President Lee Jae Myung and First Lady Visit Namdaemun Market in Unannounced Appearance
In a gesture of connection with local commerce and citizens, President Lee Jae Myung and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung made an unannounced visit to Namdaemun Market in the Jung-gu district of Seoul on May 8, 2026.
The presidential couple arrived at the bustling market following their attendance at a commemorative ceremony for Parents’ Day earlier that morning. The surprise visit drew significant crowds, creating a lively atmosphere as the couple moved through the market to interact with local merchants.
During the outing, President Lee shared a nostalgic moment while enjoying a lunch of jokbal (pig’s trotters), noting that the meal brought back memories of his time studying for the judicial examination. The choice of a traditional market meal underscores a recurring effort by the administration to highlight grassroots economic activity and personal relatability.
The visit also included a stop for street food, where the President and First Lady each enjoyed a hotteok, a popular Korean sweet pancake. While sampling the treat, President Lee was overheard remarking, “This is tastier,” as he engaged with the vendors.
Such unannounced appearances are often utilized to gauge the sentiment of small business owners and provide a visible symbol of government support for traditional markets facing competition from modern retail. By engaging directly with the merchants of Namdaemun, the presidential couple emphasized a commitment to open communication with the public.
