Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye visited four regional markets in a single day on May 28, 2026 [1].
These appearances mark a series of direct interactions between the former leader and local residents, signaling a continued effort to maintain public visibility and engage with constituents across various provinces.
The itinerary began with a visit to the Jinju Central Market in Gyeongnam. Park continued her tour at the Sinjeong Market in Ulsan and the Yangsan South Market in Yangsan [1]. Her day of visits concluded at the Gijang Market in Busan [1].
During these stops, Park met with local officials and residents. The former president engaged in a high volume of handshakes with the crowds, which eventually led to physical discomfort [2]. Park said she had wrist pain resulting from the repeated greetings.
Because of the wrist pain, it was suggested that Park replace traditional handshakes with high-fives [2]. This change in greeting allowed her to continue interacting with the public while reducing the strain on her wrist, a gesture that was met with cheering from the crowds [2].
Park visited a total of four markets during this one-day excursion [1]. The events were captured in footage showing the former president navigating the crowded market stalls and greeting the public in each of the four cities [2].
“Park Geun-hye visited four regional markets in a single day”
The transition from handshakes to high-fives serves as a minor but notable shift in the former president's public optics. By adapting her greeting to accommodate physical limitations, Park maintained her schedule of high-volume public engagement without withdrawing from the crowds, reflecting the physical demands of regional campaigning or public relations tours in South Korea.
