Jongno Food Market Street Undergoes Reorganization Amidst Controversy
Recently, Jongno Food Market Street, a popular destination for young people and foreign tourists, has come under fire for its exorbitant prices and hygiene concerns.
This controversy was sparked by an article published on the online community ‘The reality of food stalls in Jongno.’
The author described a shocking experience at a food stall near Jongno 3-ga Station, where they ordered 20,000 won worth of Seokhwa and received only 7 pieces topped with red pepper paste.
In addition to the issue of portion size, the author raised concerns about sanitary conditions, noting a strong smell coming from the area where ingredients were stored.
As public criticism mounted, the Jongno Food Market Street temporarily ceased operations for approximately 10 days at the end of last month to undergo reorganization.
According to Segye Ilbo, approximately 60 food stalls in the Jongno district invested around 600,000 won each to conduct extensive cleaning of ventilation facilities and tableware.
The district office is also in discussions to allow card payments at Pocha, and the introduction of a price scouting system is being considered.
Addressing the controversy, the Jongno-gu Office stated, “There are various controversies, including unlicensed shops. The Street Vendors Association is working towards self-purification, and we will closely monitor the situation.”
(Source: Segye Ilbo, ‘Bobae Dream’ online community)
Recently, Jongno Food Market Street, which was popular with young people and foreign tourists, has been the subject of controversy regarding exorbitant prices and hygiene.
It all started with an article posted on an online community called ‘The reality of food stalls in Jongno.’
The author said, “I visited a street near Jongno 3-ga Station and was shocked by a food stall.”
I ordered 20,000 won worth of Seokhwa, but only 7 Seokhwa topped with red pepper paste came out.
The author also raised issues regarding sanitary conditions, saying, “I like seafood and eat it often, but this is the first time I’ve seen such a price, and there was a strong smell where the ingredients are stored.”
So in the end, I got up without even finishing my food, and the store told me that “card payments are not accepted,” so I had to pay in cash.
Many people agreed with the author’s words, “It is a shame that the night streets of Jongno, central Seoul, where many foreign tourists also visit, are like this.”
As public criticism intensified, Jongno Food Market Street stopped operating for about 10 days from the end of last month until recently and began reorganization.
According to Segye Ilbo, about 60 food stalls in Jongno district spent about 600,000 won per shop to clean ventilation facilities and tableware on a large scale.
In addition, discussions are underway with the district office to allow card payments in Pocha, and the introduction of a price scouting system was also said to be under consideration.
The Jongno-gu Office said, “There are various controversies, including unlicensed shops,” and “Regarding the recent price controversy, the Street Vendors Association is trying to purify itself, so we plan to keep an eye on it for the turn.”
(Source: Segye Ilbo, ‘Bobae Dream’ online community)
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