SEOUL (AFP) — The first trader to put US beef on sale since South Korea lifted an import ban says demand has been steady, despite weeks of street protests against the supposed dangers of mad cow disease.
While other retailers are holding back, Park Chang-Gyu took the plunge on Tuesday -- a day after the first shipments were cleared for consumption.
Customers so far at his A-MEAT outlet include the prime minister, ardent fans of US beef and shoppers curious to know what all the fuss is about.
"US beef sales -- at a 30 percent discount -- until July 30!" reads a banner over a small butchers' shop, an annexe to A-MEAT's huge cold store in the Shihung district of southwest Seoul.
Park, who heads the Korea Import Beef Association, said he sold some 400 kilograms (880 pounds) on the first day Tuesday. By noon Wednesday some 30 kilograms had been bought.
"The first day of sales was not bad, partly because my shop and I were exposed to the mass media," he told AFP.
"Sales may slow down today. Business is usually up and down."
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