'Andong Soju' CEO Kim Yeonbak Designated as 'Korea Food Master' Following His Mother

Traditional Heritage, Ingredient Uniqueness, and Manufacturing Techniques Highly Valued for 'Preservation Worthiness'

Minseokju Andong Soju CEO Kim Yeonbak is shown brewing soju with his mother, master brewer Jo Okhwa. / Provided by Gyeongbuk Province

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Jae-ho] Kim Yeon-bak, CEO of the traditional liquor 'Andong Soju,' has been recognized for the traditional authenticity and preservation value of traditional food and was designated as a '2020 Korea Traditional Food Master' by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

According to Gyeongbuk Province on the 16th, the 'Korea Food Master System' is a system in which the government designates excellent food artisans in the fields of food manufacturing, processing, and cooking to inherit and develop outstanding traditional foods.

From 1994 to 2019, a total of 78 people have been designated and are active. In Gyeongbuk Province, eight food masters have been produced in various fields such as traditional liquor and sauces, including Master Im Gyeong-man from Yeongcheon City.

For the 2020 Korea Food Masters, a total of 32 candidates were recommended from each city and province. After reviewing suitability through document and on-site evaluations, and evaluation and deliberation by the Food Industry Promotion Council, three final candidates were selected.

The newly designated food masters are holders of manufacturing skills for Andong Soju, Gyeonggi Garijeok (Tteokgalbi), and Chungbuk Cheongju Sinseonju. Food masters must be recognized for the traditional authenticity and legitimacy of the traditional food in question as well as their experience in the relevant field during the selection process. Since they are selected through strict evaluations including industrial performance and ethics, the pride is very high.

Food Master Kim Yeon-bak, succeeding the late Master Jo Ok-hwa, Korea Food Master No. 20, has been designated as the second-generation food master, thereby re-evaluating the traditional authenticity and excellence of Andong Soju.

CEO Kim operates the Andong Soju Museum to preserve the manufacturing techniques passed down through generations. At the museum, visitors can view exhibits about the origin and manufacturing methods of Andong Soju and experience making Andong Soju.

Kim Jong-su, Director of the Agriculture, Livestock and Distribution Bureau of Gyeongbuk Province, said, "We hope that food masters will take pride and work for the development of Gyeongbuk's traditional food industry," and added, "The province will spare no support for products manufactured by food masters to inherit and develop their skills."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.