Controversy over mandatory monthly closures in the wholesale market... "Sufficient deliberation and preparatory measures must precede"

Published 2025년 12월 5일

Tridge summary

[Korean Farmers and Fishermen Newspaper Reporter Du-hyun Lee] Criticism is mounting that the introduction of mandatory closures in wholesale markets is being pushed forward without sufficient review. Pointing out the lack of clear evidence and preparation, opinions are being voiced that conditions should be created in advance to ensure the smooth shipment of producers even if they are closed, such as cold storage and logistics facilities. A discussion meeting titled "Discussion on the Introduction of Mandatory Closure Days in Wholesale Markets," hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Council and led by Seoul City Councilor Lim Chun-dae, was held on December 2 at the Seoul City Council Annex 2. This discussion meeting was centered on Councilor Lim Chun-dae's proposal to introduce one irregular closure day each month in the wholesale markets under the jurisdiction of Seoul City, which is the basis of the "Ordinance on Wholesale Markets for Agricultural and Fisheries Products of Seoul Metropolitan City."

Original content

The Wholesale Traders Association and the Unloading Workers' Union, among others, appealed for help due to the poor working conditions and resulting recruitment difficulties. "We want one day off per month, not a five-day workweek." Producers expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on market prices. "The fundamental issue of labor shortages needs to be resolved." There is strong criticism that the introduction of mandatory closures in wholesale markets is being pushed forward without sufficient review. It is pointed out that there is no clear basis or preparation, and that conditions should be created to ensure smooth shipments from producers even if the facilities, such as cold storage and logistics, are closed. A discussion meeting on the "Introduction of Mandatory Closure Days in Wholesale Markets" was held on December 2 at the Seoul City Council Annex 2, hosted by the Seoul City Council and led by Seoul City Councilor Lim Chun-dae. This meeting was held to ...

Source: Agrinet