Mrs. Park Soon Rye, 55
Fruit Peddler from Gwangju
How long do you stand here, usually?
15 hours a day, seven days a week. I’ve been doing this for 25 years. I don’t take breaks; I stay here selling while I eat or snack. I order out or bring a bento (lunch box).How much are your sales?
About 35,000 won a day (3,500 yen). That’s my pay.Where do you get the produce? Today you’re selling strawberries, oranges and melons--do your fruits change often?
Same provider. The fruits depend on the season.What’s the winter fruit?
Small tangerines.What’s the bad point about this job?
No problem.What about freezing cold days?
I bundle up.What about heavy rains?
I put up a huge umbrella.Are your fruits delicious?
Yes, but not too sweet.You stay at this same spot all the time?
Yes.You never get bored?
No.What’s your dream for the future?
Just stay healthy.Have you ever had a bad experience with a customer?
Yeah, some are annoying. They ask for a discount. If I say “no” they walk away.Any American customers?
Yes. They are good customers. I’ve been to America three times, to New York. My son lives there. I’ve also been to New Jersey, Washington and Niagara Falls.What was your impression?
Two thumbs up. My son lives on 48th street. He’s an illegal alien.Do you plan to visit him again?
If he has a wedding ceremony there, I’ll go. He’s an illegal alien so he can’t come back.
the end