CHUNGCHEONGNAM-DO — The "Chungnam Excellent Traditional Markets Fair" has officially opened its doors, bringing together the finest products from traditional markets and shopping districts across the province under one roof.

Chungnam Province held the grand opening ceremony for the fair on October 23 at the Seosan General Stadium parking lot area.

Co-hosted and co-organized by Chungnam Province, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Seosan City, and the Chungnam Merchants Association, the three-day event will run through October 25.

This year's fair features 25 traditional markets and shopping districts from across the country, including 22 from Chungnam, one from Daejeon, one from Sejong, and one from North Gyeongsang Province.

The venue boasts a total of 50 booths—including 37 exhibition and sales booths, 10 food marketplaces, and 3 experience and promotional booths—showcasing outstanding local products and offering visitors a wide array of culinary treats and hands-on experiences.

Additionally, live-streamed commerce broadcasts are being operated to enhance product promotion and expand sales channels for participating merchants.

Province officials expressed high expectations that the fair will vitalize exchanges among traditional markets, broaden sales channels for superior goods, and inject new energy into local commercial districts.

Attended by Chungnam Administrative Vice Governor Hong Jong-wan, key dignitaries, traditional market merchants, and small business owners, the opening ceremony featured merit awards, congratulatory remarks, a commemorative ceremony, and a tour of the exhibition grounds.

Following the ceremony, Vice Governor Hong toured the exhibition and sales booths as well as the food marketplace, encouraging the merchants and listening closely to their field perspectives.

"Traditional markets are the backbone of the local economy, carrying the history and culture of our communities while sustaining grassroots livelihoods," Vice Governor Hong stated. "We hope this fair serves as a festival of harmony where merchants and residents can come together while widely promoting the exceptional products and unique charm of our traditional markets."

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