1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson provides an overview of the recent controversy surrounding the seafood stalls in Sokcho, Gangwon-do, where vendors were accused of being rude to customers. The text discusses the vendors’ efforts to regain the trust of tourists and improve their public image.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 난전 | nanjeon | open-air market | The seafood stalls in Sokcho’s Dongmyeong-dong area are known as the “Sokcho Squid Nanjeon”. |
| 자숙 | jasuk | self-reflection, self-restraint | The vendors took a period of “jasuk” (self-reflection) after the controversy. |
| 응대 | eongdae | to respond, to greet | The vendors promised to “eongdae” (respond) to customers more politely going forward. |
| 현수막 | hyeonsumaek | banner | The Sokcho Dongmyeong-dong Squid Nanjeon Merchants’ Association hung a “hyeonsumaek” (banner) to apologize. |
| 공감대 | gonggeomde | sense of empathy, common ground | Tourists have a “gonggeomde” (sense of empathy) regarding the high squid prices, but still find them burdensome. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
“죄송합니다. 앞으로 더욱 친절하게 응대하겠습니다.”
“I’m sorry. I will respond more politely from now on.”
지난 22일 오후 강원 속초시 동명동 오징어 난전 일대는 적막감이 감돌았다. 피서철에는 평일에도 관광객들로 북적이지만, 이날만큼은 발길이 뚝 끊겼다. 지난 6월 이곳의 한 식당에서 손님에게 식사를 재촉하거나, 자리 이동을 권유하는 모습 등이 유튜브를 통해 공개되면서부터다.
The Sokcho Dongmyeong-dong squid stalls were eerily quiet on the afternoon of the 22nd. Though normally bustling with tourists even on weekdays during the peak season, the area was deserted that day. This was after a video was released in June showing a restaurant in the area pressuring customers to hurry up their meal or move to another table.
여름 성수기에 일주일 가까이 영업을 못 하게 됐지만 상인들은 이미지 회복이 더 시급하다고 판단했다. 난전에는 ‘속초시 동명동 오징어 난전 상인회’에서 건 사과 현수막만이 펄럭였다.
Though they were unable to operate for nearly a week during the peak summer season, the vendors felt that regaining their image was the more urgent priority. The only thing fluttering in the stalls was a banner hung by the Sokcho Dongmyeong-dong Squid Nanjeon Merchants’ Association, apologizing for the incident.
불친절 논란 직후 오징어 2마리를 5만6천원에 판 사례가 시청 자유게시판에 올라오며 또 다른 논란을 빚었다. 관광객들 역시 이러한 오징어 시가에 대해서는 공감대를 형성하고 있지만, 인근 시장 등과 비교해 높게 형성된 가격은 부담이 되고 있다.
Shortly after the rudeness controversy, another issue arose when an example of two squids being sold for 56,000 won was posted on the city hall’s online bulletin board, sparking further debate. While tourists do empathize with the high squid prices, the prices are still seen as burdensome compared to other nearby markets.
상인들은 이번 사태를 계기로 자숙의 시간을 가졌다. 앞으로 더욱 친절한 응대와 함께 합리적인 가격 책정을 통해 관광객들의 신뢰를 회복하고자 하고 있다.
The vendors used this incident as an opportunity for “jasuk” (self-reflection). Going forward, they aim to regain tourists’ trust through more polite service and reasonable pricing.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What led to the recent controversy surrounding the seafood stalls in Sokcho?
- How did the vendors respond to the controversy?
- What were some of the issues related to the high squid prices in the area?
- Why did the vendors feel that regaining their image was more urgent than making sales during the peak season?
- What are the vendors’ plans to improve their relationship with tourists going forward?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The seafood stalls in Sokcho’s Dongmyeong-dong area have long been a popular tourist attraction, known for their fresh and affordable seafood. However, the recent controversy over rude customer service and high prices has highlighted the need for vendors to balance profitability with providing a positive experience for visitors. This incident reflects the broader challenge of maintaining the delicate relationship between local businesses and the tourism industry in popular destinations across South Korea.