Yoon Gu-young, Bupyeong District Councillor: "Legalising Night Markets in Traditional Markets... We Need to Activate Food Options by Easing Regulations"

Yoon Gu-young, a councillor from Incheon Bupyeong District Council (People Power Party· Samsan 2-dong, Bugae 2·3-dong), expressed support for the establishment of 'special rules' legalising night markets and mobile stalls within traditional markets, while emphasising that the threshold for regulations should be lowered further for substantial local economic revitalisation.

During the second report of the Urban Environment Committee at the 274th Bupyeong District Council temporary session held on January 29, Councillor Yoon focused on the recently announced legislative proposal for the 'Special Rules on the Structure Application of Instant Manufacturing and Processing Facilities for Mobile Sales in Traditional Markets'.

Councillor Yoon stated, "The attempt to legalise mobile stalls like night markets, overcoming the legal limitations that previously allowed operations only within buildings, is very encouraging," adding, "As we expect an influx of external tourists due to the restoration of Gulpo Stream, food content is essential."

However, Councillor Yoon expressed disappointment that the application is limited to 'events hosted or sponsored by the district mayor'. He remarked, "When we hold discussions with the merchants' association, many express that the regulations are overly stringent," and requested that the scope of application be broadly reviewed through consultations so that all six traditional markets in Bupyeong, aside from Pyeongri-dan-gil (Pyeong Restaurant), can benefit.

In response, the Hygiene Department stated, "Considering fairness issues, we will first implement it mainly for events, and then review the problems that arise during the operation to gradually expand it."

Questions regarding public safety and health welfare also followed. Councillor Yoon addressed the 'False Advertising Monitoring for Senior Centres' project set to begin in April, stating, "The so-called 'mobile sales' that sell health supplements at outrageous prices to seniors are still a problem," urging thorough monitoring and preventive activities.

Additionally, he expressed positive expectations regarding the paid vaccination project for tetanus and whooping cough, which is set to be implemented at Bupyeong District Health Centre and Cheongcheon Health Centre starting in March.

Councillor Yoon remarked, "Being able to receive vaccinations that typically cost between 50,000 to 100,000 won at general medical institutions for only 10,000 to 20,000 won at the health centre is a significant benefit for residents," and requested active promotion of this beneficial project for the health of residents without budget burdens.

Councillor Yoon concluded by stating, "I will ensure that policies that lower administrative thresholds and protect both the wallets and health of residents are firmly established."