Dried Persimmons from Hamyang, Gyeongnam Arrive... First Auction in Anui-myeon, Full-Scale Shipment Begins

‘Wang-ui Gotgam’ Weather Conditions Favorable, Quality Superior to Previous Years

Hamyang Gotgam First Sale Ceremony. [Image source=Hamyang-gun]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] The "Jirisan Premium Hamyang Gotgam" produced in Hamyang-gun, Gyeongnam, officially began shipment with the first auction held on the morning of the 9th at the Anui Nonghyup Seohaji Branch Gotgam Auction Hall.

About 50 people, including Seo Chun-soo, the mayor of Hamyang-gun, Hwang Tae-jin, chairman of the county council, Kim Jae-woong, provincial assembly member, producers, and intermediaries, participated in the first auction ceremony, praying that the premium Hamyang Gotgam, a representative agricultural product of the county, would be sold to consumers at a high price.

Hamyang Gotgam is naturally dried by the clear winds of Jirisan, resulting in high sweetness, soft flesh, and a good texture. It was once presented as a tribute to Emperor Gojong and has maintained its reputation and popularity to this day.

This year, favorable weather conditions from November to December, when Gotgam is produced, are expected to yield higher quality Gotgam than in previous years.

The first auction ceremony proceeded in order with the opening declaration, a success prayer ceremony attended by Seo Chun-soo and other guests, and the auction itself.

Starting with the first auction ceremony, Hamyang Gotgam will be auctioned 13 times every Monday and Thursday until January 20 of next year, and sold to consumers nationwide. Due to thorough inspection by Nonghyup officials, half-ripe Gotgam, astringent Gotgam, and frostbitten Gotgam are prohibited from being brought in.

Seo Chun-soo, mayor of Hamyang-gun, said, "Hamyang Gotgam is evaluated as excellent in taste and quality," adding, "We will strive to produce high-quality Gotgam that consumers can trust more, and to have Hamyang Gojongsi Gotgam certified as Korea’s premium Gotgam."

Starting with this first auction ceremony, Hamyang-gun will hold the "6th Hamyang Gojongsi Gotgam Festival" for four days from January 6 to 9 next year at Sangnim Park. The festival will include promotion and sales of Hamyang Gotgam, experiential events, and sales of agricultural specialty products.

Additionally, to target consumers in Seoul and the metropolitan area, a special Gotgam sales event will be held in Seoul for three days from January 13 to 15 next year, continuing promotional and sales activities for the Jirisan premium Hamyang Gotgam.

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