Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung visited a rural startup producing traditional liquor using local agricultural products ahead of Chuseok, expressing her commitment to expanding traditional liquor consumption and supporting rural entrepreneurship.
On September 16, Minister Song visited the Fermentation Research Institute of Han Young-seok, located in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province, where she learned about exemplary cases of rural entrepreneurship and convergence industries, and encouraged local stakeholders.
This visit aimed to promote the excellence of traditional liquor and stimulate the purchase of gift sets made from local agricultural products in time for Chuseok.
The Fermentation Research Institute of Han Young-seok is an agricultural corporation that produces traditional liquor using rice grown in the North Jeolla region. It has been steadily increasing its use of local agricultural products, sales, and employment of local residents, establishing a growth model for rural startups.
Usage of local agricultural products rose from 4.5 tons in 2022 to 33 tons in 2025, with plans to expand to 100 tons this year. Sales increased from 500 million won to 1.75 billion won during the same period, with a target of 2.2 billion won for this year. Employment of local residents grew from 2 in 2022 to 8.5 last year, with plans to increase to 17 this year.
Minister Song stated, "We will actively support young people and businesses in finding new entrepreneurial opportunities in rural areas through nurturing, investment, and market development. In particular, we plan to focus on fostering traditional liquor as a core industry of K-Food that embodies the vibrant agriculture and culture of Korea."
She added, "I hope this Chuseok will be a time for many families to gather and enjoy traditional liquor alongside meals made from our local agricultural products."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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