Chungnam, the Nation's Top Chestnut Producer, Nears Approval for International Expo

Passed Ministry of Economy and Finance International Event Review... Final Approval to Be Decided in August
To Be Held in Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang
1.5 Million Visitors and 330 Billion Won Economic Impact Expected

Chungnam Provincial Government Office Panorama

Chungcheongnam-do's chestnut industry is on the verge of making its debut on the global stage. With the '2028 International Chestnut Industry Expo' passing government review, Chungnam has laid the foundation to become a global hub for the chestnut industry.

According to the provincial government, the '2028 Chungcheongnam-do International Chestnut Industry Expo' was selected as a target for the policy evaluation grade after passing the Ministry of Economy and Finance's International Event Review Committee on March 13, as announced on the 19th.

According to the province, the final approval for the international event will be confirmed in August after a policy evaluation by the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) and a review by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The expo, under the theme 'K-Chestnut: A Global Chestnut Industry for All,' will be held from January 22 to February 13, 2028, for 23 days in the areas of Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang.

The event venues will include a theme pavilion, industry pavilion, international pavilion, and experience pavilion. The expo will feature the history and varieties of chestnuts, cultivation technologies, processed foods, and hands-on experiences with cooking and desserts.

In addition, international academic events will discuss the current status and future strategies of the global chestnut industry.

The province expects the expo to attract about 1.5 million visitors and generate an economic ripple effect, including 333.7 billion won in production inducement, 135.1 billion won in added value, and the creation of 2,421 jobs.

Furthermore, the expo is expected to expand exports of processed chestnut foods, promote high value-added industrialization through the use of chestnut-derived bio and cosmetic ingredients, and revitalize the local economy by linking with tourism in Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang.

Chungnam is the leading chestnut-producing region in South Korea, with a cultivation area of 15,395 hectares and 6,197 farming households, accounting for 55.9% of the nation's total production.

In particular, Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang serve as key production bases, accounting for 53.2% of national chestnut output.

Kim Youngmyung, Director of the Environment and Forestry Bureau of the provincial government, stated, "We will elevate Chungnam to a world-class chestnut industry hub through the International Chestnut Industry Expo," adding, "We will make every effort to receive a favorable evaluation in the policy review and secure final approval."

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