Yangyang County Ships 11 Tons of Spring Wild Vegetables, Earning 252 Million Won and Boosting Farm Incomes

Yangyang's Pristine Wild Vegetables Create a Buzz at Garak Market
Kalopanax Shoots, Cirsium Setidens, Aralia Elata Shoots, and Mountain Garlic in the Spotlight
Eco-friendly Wild Greens from Unspoiled Nature Captivate Consumers

Spring wild vegetables grown in the pristine natural environment of Yangyang County, Gangwon Province, are gaining popularity at the Garak Agricultural and Marine Products Wholesale Market in Garak-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul. These vegetables are being recognized as a key source of high income for local farms.

Yangyang wild vegetables displayed at Nonghyup Garak Market. Courtesy of Yangyang County

According to the Yangyang County Wild Vegetable Research Association, a total of 11 tons of spring wild vegetables from Yangyang were shipped to Garak Market over the three-week period from March 30 to April 20, with auction sales amounting to 252 million won.

The range of shipped products is diverse, including mountain garlic (sanmaneul), Cirsium setidens (nunggaeseungma), Aralia elata shoots (cham dureup), Ligularia fischeri (gomchwi), Acanthopanax shoots (ogapi), and Kalopanax shoots (eumnamusun). Among these, Kalopanax shoots, Cirsium setidens, and Aralia elata shoots are enjoying particularly high sales rates and popularity.

Yangyang wild vegetables have enhanced their market quality through eco-friendly certification and the use of small, shared packaging, increasing convenience for single-person households. These vegetables are traded at higher prices than those from other regions in auction markets. In particular, their distinctive taste and aroma are raising their profile among consumers.

Wild vegetables from Yangyang are known for their stronger fragrance and softer texture compared to those from other regions. This is attributed to the unique geographical features where sea breezes and mountain winds intersect, as well as the region's large temperature fluctuations. Wild vegetables that endure the harsh environment tend to concentrate more nutrients and develop a firm yet tender texture.

Currently, Kalopanax shoots, ranking first in sales, are known for their high saponin content, which is said to help boost immunity and aid in fatigue recovery. Their unique, pleasantly bitter flavor is also highly regarded. Cirsium setidens, noted for its triple taste of ginseng, beef, and Aralia elata shoots, is highly popular among gourmets for its chewy texture and deep flavor. Aralia elata shoots from Yangyang, a representative spring wild vegetable, are also well received by consumers for their soft texture and rich aroma.

These achievements have been made possible thanks to the systematic support of the Yangyang County Agricultural Technology Center. The Technical Support Department continues to promote a seedling support program for the Wild Vegetable Research Association, focusing on the stable production and premium quality of Kalopanax shoots, the best-selling item.

Additionally, the standardized high-quality packaging introduced through the Packaging Support Program of the Agricultural and Livestock Policy Department not only helps maintain the freshness of wild vegetables for longer but also enhances the visual appeal of the products, greatly contributing to building trust in the Yangyang wild vegetable brand among consumers in major cities.

Hwang Byeonggil, Director of the Yangyang County Agricultural Technology Center, stated, "Yangyang wild vegetables are premium agricultural products that combine the gifts of unspoiled nature with the dedication of local farmers. Moving forward, we will continue to expand support for high-quality seedlings such as Kalopanax and distribute advanced cultivation techniques to raise the brand value of Yangyang wild vegetables and maximize farmers' incomes."

Meanwhile, as the main wild vegetable harvest season begins, the Yangyang County Wild Vegetable Research Association plans to further strengthen the presence of "Yangyang Wild Vegetables" at Garak Market by steadily controlling shipment volumes and ensuring strict quality management.

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