Muju-gun Promotes 'Gochunaengi' as a Regional Specialty Crop

[Muju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Han-ho] Muju County announced on the 19th that it will develop wasabi as a specialized crop by leveraging the regional advantages of its high-altitude areas.

Wasabi is a cruciferous, cold-tolerant shade-loving plant. Although it is classified as a crop that withstands low temperatures well, it is prone to various pests and diseases during the high temperatures of summer, which can delay growth, suppress development, and even cause death. However, by utilizing Muju's geographical characteristics, growth is relatively favorable.

Through this year's pilot project, wasabi planting was completed at two sites in April.

Wasabi is expected to be harvested from autumn after the establishment period and the summer high-temperature phase.

Although the long harvest period makes cultivation challenging, leaves and stems for ssam vegetables can be harvested just 45 days after planting. Muju County explains that sufficient production is possible by taking advantage of the high-altitude characteristics of the region.

An official from the Muju Agricultural Technology Center said, "Wasabi is a vegetable that offers a spicy, slightly bitter, and sweet taste simultaneously," adding, "We plan to develop it as a niche income crop that can increase high added value by using it not only as a ssam vegetable but also for kimchi and jangajji (pickled vegetables)."

Muju=Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Han-ho stonepeak@asiae.co.kr

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