"Instead of a Herbal Medicine Dose, Sangju Dungsi"... Sangju City Takes the Lead in Promoting 'Seol Holiday Gift Dried Persimmons'

Sangju Gotgam

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Jae-ho] Sangju City in Gyeongbuk has launched a large-scale promotion of dried persimmons ahead of the Lunar New Year.

This is because dried persimmons are in season during the Lunar New Year and are highly favored as holiday gifts. In particular, with poor crop yields last year amid COVID-19 causing difficulties for dried persimmon producers, the city rolled up its sleeves to support them.

According to Sangju City on the 28th, the Sangju Dried Persimmon Promotion and Information Center has been established and operated in the Forest and Greenery Division since the 18th. The information center, which operates until February 10, connects customers placing orders with dried persimmon farms.

Additionally, Sangju promotes its dried persimmons and agricultural specialties on the websites of its sister local governments: Gangseo-gu, Gangdong-gu, Gangnam-gu, and Yongsan-gu in Seoul, as well as Yeonje-gu in Busan.

Along with this, 4,800 copies of a booklet containing the characteristics and benefits of Sangju dried persimmons and a list of online selling farms have been produced and used as promotional materials. Furthermore, 70,000 flyers highlighting the excellence of Sangju dried persimmons have been printed and distributed to consumers.

Sangju is the main production area for dried persimmons, accounting for 60% of the national production, known for its superior taste and quality. Sangju’s dried persimmon agriculture has been designated as National Important Agricultural Heritage No. 15.

Sangju dried persimmons are differentiated from those of other regions starting from the raw persimmons. To make dried persimmons, the fruit must have appropriate moisture, dense flesh, a shape suitable for peeling, and stems suitable for hanging. The 'Sangju Dungsi,' a variety registered with the Korea Forest Service, meets all these conditions.

Because the raw persimmons are excellent, the efficacy of the dried persimmons is also outstanding. Rich in vitamins A and C, they help strengthen immunity, relieve fatigue, and have antioxidant effects. The persimmon stems contain a large amount of scopoletin, a compound beneficial for blood circulation.

Kim Sang-young, head of the Forest and Greenery Division, said, "According to Donguibogam and Ben Cao Gang Mu, dried persimmons are good for coughs and diarrhea, and also help with hemoptysis and hangover relief,"

adding, "As Sangju dried persimmons are delicious and highly nutritious, they are the best Lunar New Year gift, so please purchase them abundantly."

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