The island’s cattle market reopens after being closed for three months out of fear of COVID-19.
For those joining the auctions, a face mask, protective clothing, and shoe covers are mandatory.
Mike Laidman reports.

At this cattle market in (한림읍) Hallim-eup, Jeju City, calves in pens wait to be auctioned off.
All the ranchers and auctioneers wear protective clothing, for this is the first time in three months that the local cattle market has been opened after being closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.


Ranchers, like so many others, have been experiencing an economic slump with transactions having been suspended over the past three months.
In turn, management expenses and costs for feeding and raising livestock with nowhere to go have soared.
It was due to this that the auction house has reopened, which will help ranchers get back on their feet and get their animals back on the market.

T2 All those who want to join in on the auction are required to wear protective clothing, shoe covers, and have their temperature taken when they enter.
With the auction opening approaching, the sellers get busy, and soon, calves are being auctioned off one by one.



About 60 calves are up for auction, which, while only two-thirds of the normal number, are priced 300,000 won higher than last year.

And just like that, the reopening of the cattle auction is already reinvigorating the struggling local cattle market and bringing a few smiles to struggling ranchers the island over.

Mike Laidman, KCTV