Incheon Comprehensive Fish Market, located at Yeonan Wharf in Jung-gu, stands as the city’s largest seafood hub. Inspectors have visited the site 30 times over three years—more than double the frequency at other major markets. Four weeks before the June 3 local elections, People Power Party mayoral candidate Yoo Jeong-bok and others met with merchants on June 4 to address growing concerns.
Job Anxiety Grips Vital Livelihood Hub
Merchants worry that extending the Jebang Expressway will force relocation to hand over the site for safer hazardous material handling for ships. Without firm commitments on new facilities, anxiety runs high among traders who drive the local economy.
The market, often described as pulsing with the breath of everyday livelihoods, faces threats despite its prominence. Even compared to upscale venues like Panso, it shows greater promise. From 2010 to 2022, pro-worker candidates won four straight elections here, including general and citizen-backed victories in 2010, 2018, 2014, and 2022.
Candidates Pledge Support Amid Fears
Visitors closely examined workers’ situations and emphasized sincerity in protecting jobs. Kim Eun-suk, 63, stated, “The current situation remains tough, yet candidates who prioritize job security stand out.” She added, “We sense the original intent fading amid empty promises and self-centered campaigns.”
Lee Jong-seok, 62, remarked, “Unlike past leaders, this candidate delivers straightforward sincerity.” He continued, “Overall market vitality threatens individual anxieties and heavy worries—we seek true advocates.”
Wider Concerns Across Incheon Districts
The expressway project rivals nationwide fan sites in scope, stirring public attention. Factors like trust issues, public sentiment, business operations, national economic ties, and port collaborations amplify the stakes.
In Songdo, a hub of advanced tech since the 2000s, similar tensions persist despite 20 years of growth. Insiders note it retains a “personality-driven core.” Yoon Mo, a 40s male at Songdo Central Park, said, “Songdo boasts massive shopping but diverse enterprises and widespread self-employment.” He stressed the need for “strong leadership to shield market competition.”
Shopper Ko Mo, 34, pointed out, “Songdo’s population exceeds 230,000, with commerce evolving but education lagging.” She emphasized, “Sinking businesses need warm guidance from leaders.”
Factory Workers Echo Relocation Fears
Namdong Factory Zone workers share the unease. Kim Mo, a 60s male young enterprise representative, explained, “Selecting the best leader remains challenging.” He outlined plans for “addressing root causes, rival inspections, and collaborations with central authorities.”
Kim Nam-gyu, 65, a 16-year union leader, highlighted, “AI-driven automation heightens job fears in mid-sized firms—we must scrutinize accurate values centrally.”
The 12.3 oil spill’s lingering impact adds pressure. Kim Mo, 29, from Namdong’s factory support center, noted, “Post-disaster losses hit twice in elections, yet this race offers hope to sidelined workers.” A 50s laborer added, “Overcoming anxiety feels like shaking off moss clinging to the city.”
Growing Scrutiny on Livelihood Policies
The June 3 vote, alongside recent by-elections, sharpens focus on Incheon’s economic ties and National Assembly original goals. Goyang-gu resident Kim Mo, 35, asserted, “Proper sanitation secures jobs, but the priority is resolving present crises and boosting civilian development through bold action.”
