Seoul Council Speaker Im Man-gyun Visits Fire Station, Traditional Market Ahead of Chuseok

Seoul Metropolitan Council Speaker Im Man-gyun visited Gwanak Fire Station and a nearby traditional market on Tuesday afternoon, two days before the chuseok holiday, to check on public safety preparations and exchange holiday greetings.

The visit was arranged to recognize the efforts of firefighters who would remain on duty throughout the holiday and to hear directly from traditional market vendors struggling under an economic slowdown and high prices.

Im toured the station's operations center, received a briefing on its current status and readiness, and spent time talking with firefighters on duty.

"You may feel a pang of regret at not being able to gather with your families for chuseok, but it is thanks to you that citizens can enjoy a more comfortable and peaceful holiday," Im said. "The Seoul Metropolitan Council will do its part — through on-site support and improved working conditions — so that firefighters can take pride in their work and do it safely."

Im then moved to the nearby traditional market, where he checked prices of everyday goods ahead of the chuseok shopping rush and walked through stalls to hear vendors' concerns. He also attended a ceremony in which the Korea Fire Industry Association donated 40 fire extinguishers to the market, and inspected the below-ground fire suppression equipment on the premises.

"The risk of fire rises particularly during holidays, when the use of open flames and electricity in markets increases sharply, so I urge everyone to take extra care," Im said. "The Seoul Metropolitan Council will stand firmly behind you — through support for small business owners and measures to revitalize traditional markets — so that vendors can run their businesses with greater energy and confidence."