[Interview] "We Lead Regional Win-Win Development Through the 6th Industry"

Yonggap Lee, Chairman of Hamangreen Tour Association

Lee Yong-gap, Chairman of the Haman Green Tour Association. (Photo by Asia Economy)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Choi Hyun-joo] The sixth industry, which integrates the primary (production), secondary (manufacturing, processing), and tertiary (distribution, experiential tourism, services) industries, is shining.

The Haman Greetour Association (hereinafter referred to as the Association) in Haman, Gyeongnam, is collaborating with local farms and research and development (R&D) institutions to improve the profit structure and promote regional characteristics through the production of high-quality products.

The Association, established to introduce Haman's traditions and characteristics to tourists, judged that agriculture can no longer grow by relying solely on production income. Therefore, it is implementing various support measures such as education for farm development and expanding sales channels. It is also growing as a leading force in revitalizing Haman's sixth industry through the cultivation, sale, and service of local agricultural products.

The chairman explained the purpose of establishing the Association, saying, "It would be great if farmers directly cultivate, produce, and process to provide better products to consumers and contribute to regional development. However, since the processing registration procedures are complicated and there are difficulties in facility investment costs and promotion, we need to consider these together to overcome the challenges."

The representative products here are flower tea, traditional sauces, prickly pear, and medicinal herbs. Tourist experience events include woodworking, quilting, insect making, and farm stays. In particular, the chairman is active as a master artist in woodworking and calligraphy.

The Haman Green Tour Association participating in the Watermelon Festival held in April last year at Haman Hamju Park area. (Photo by Haman Green Tour Association)

The Association participates annually in the Haman Araje and Watermelon Festival to showcase local products to residents and tourists, and from April to June, it participated in the 'Haman Outing Stamp Tour,' adding interest for tourists.

Also, last month, it received positive evaluations through an agricultural product appraisal held at the Haman Agricultural Technology Center, and plans to package products that meet consumer trends into 'bundles' in the future.

Beyond its own activities, the Association plans to activate product sales and experiential learning in markets and apartment complexes and is preparing volunteer and donation activities for local residents.

The chairman said, "The Association is seeking ways to live together with local small business owners," adding, "We will revitalize the local economy through sales activities in markets and shopping districts and bring out Haman's characteristics through various experiential events."

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