Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, who represents Busan's Buk-gu district, has sent Gupo noodles, a specialty of his constituency, to every lawmaker of the People Power Party ahead of the Chuseok holiday.
Political sources said on the 16th that Han began that day delivering the noodles, produced in Busan's Buk-gu district, to the National Assembly Members' Office Building rooms of all 109 People Power Party lawmakers, including party leader Jang Dong-hyuk and floor leader Chung Jom-sig.
In a handwritten letter sent with the noodles, Han wrote, "Dear colleague, this is Han Dong-hoon. I am sending you Gupo noodles, which represent Busan's Buk-gu district." He added, "Gupo noodles carry our modern history. They provided a solid meal for refugees who gathered in Busan during the Korean War, and after the war they spread across the country along the Gyeongbu rail line. This was the food that protected people's lives at the hardest and most difficult of times."
He continued, "I will join forces with you to protect people's lives and become a stronger source of support," and added, "I send these with gratitude for Gupo's long-standing flavor. I wish you a warm and abundant Chuseok."
Gupo noodles eased the hunger of refugees who flocked to Busan during the 1950-53 Korean War and took root as a food representing the area. In 2014, the product completed trademark registration as a geographical indication collective mark as part of branding efforts, and it is now regarded as a signature food of Gupo in Busan.
