Goyang-si, the Local Food Leader Among Nationwide Local Governments with 73.7 Billion KRW in Sales

Functions as a 'Complex Cultural Space' for Local Agricultural Product Purchase, Experience, Education, and Rest

[Asia Economy Reporter La Youngcheol] Goyang City announced on the 22nd that "with the addition of the Jido Nonghyup 3rd branch, which will begin construction next month, a total of 14 dedicated stores have been secured, making it the municipality with the most stores nationwide."

This year, the city is aiming to expand the market size through diversification of operation types, including the premium local store opened at KINTEX, shop-in-shop stores (located inside marts) that have expanded to Seoul, unmanned local stores, and the young farmer small business owner system.

According to the city, among the 14 local food direct stores, four stores including Ilsan Nonghyup Janghang Branch (opened in 2014), Wondang Nonghyup Wondang Station Branch (opened in June), Jido Nonghyup 3rd Branch (construction starting in August), and Agricultural Corporation Jayeontuh Moonbong Branch (opened in 2018) are 'complex cultural spaces' equipped with local agricultural product purchases, experiences, education, and rest areas.

In particular, the recently opened Wondang Nonghyup Local Food Complex Cultural Center provides convenience to citizens with a first floor housing a local food direct store and restaurant, a second floor with a local education center and financial branch, and a third floor featuring a rooftop garden and a small stage.

Goyang City's local food sales reached 73.7 billion KRW last year, ranking first not only in Gyeonggi Province but also among municipalities nationwide.

The city evaluated this as a successful case where local agricultural cooperatives actively engage in the business, minimizing administrative resource input while maximizing results.

The 'Local Food Hub Center' promoted by Ilsan Nonghyup is expected to increase connectivity and distribution efficiency among local food direct stores in the area, leading to future sales growth.

Mayor Lee Jaejun of Goyang City stated, "The crisis of food shortage is a problem that all humanity must recognize more seriously," and added, "We will encourage local farms and establish Goyang City as a 'special city of local food.'"

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