Wanju-gun Launches Full-Scale Operation of Wild Edible Plant Distribution Center

Development of Processed Products Using Gotgam and Tteolgam

[Wanju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Han-ho] Wanju-gun announced on the 30th that it has completed and officially started operating the Forest Products Comprehensive Distribution Center to increase income for forest product farmers and revitalize the local economy.

The Forest Products Comprehensive Distribution Center, located in Dongsang-myeon, was selected in August 2020 through a public contest hosted by the Korea Forest Service, with a total project cost of 855 million KRW invested.

The center will play a role in improving forest farmers' income by developing processed products (dried persimmons, persimmon vinegar, etc.) using the region's representative forest product (astringent persimmons) and facilitating smooth distribution.

The center is equipped with facilities such as a collection center, sorting center, and cold storage.

In particular, despite the nationwide sudden increase in raw material costs for construction materials such as rebar and concrete this year, making material supply difficult, the project proceeded normally from implementation to completion.

Dongsang-myeon, where the Forest Products Comprehensive Distribution Center is located, is the main production area of Wanju-gun's representative specialty dried persimmons (Gojongsi). Unlike dried persimmons produced in other regions, these are seedless, have soft flesh, and feature a unique sweetness and aroma, making them famous as "Dongsang Ggotgam".

Park Seong-il, the governor of Wanju-gun, said, "With the establishment of the Forest Products Comprehensive Distribution Center, we expect to enhance export capabilities and increase forest farmers' income through systematic processing and distribution management of representative forest products such as dried persimmons and persimmon vinegar. We will continue to do our best to help professional foresters strengthen their competitiveness and firmly establish a foundation for income growth."

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

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