Gochang-gun Bokbunja Special Zone Selected as National Excellent Industrial Special Zone

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] On the 22nd, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk announced that the 'Gochang-gun Bokbunja Industry Special Zone' was recently selected as an excellent special zone by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, receiving the Minister's Award along with a prize of 50 million won.

This is an official recognition of the revitalization achievements of Gochang-gun Bokbunja, as only 12 out of 190 industrial special zones nationwide were selected after fierce competition.

The Gochang Bokbunja Industry Special Zone was designated in 2004. Covering an area of 5,088,404㎡ across Asan-myeon, Simwon-myeon, and Buan-myeon, it operates specialized projects such as the Seonunsan Bokbunja Production Valley Development Project, Bokbunja Scenic Road Construction Project, Bokbunja Global Branding Project, and Bokbunja Festival Revitalization Project, concentrating Bokbunja-related businesses to establish itself as the number one place for Bokbunja.

Gochang Bokbunja is renowned for its excellent aroma and taste, and various products such as Bokbunja wine and vinegar have captivated not only domestic consumers but also overseas consumers.

Additionally, it received high evaluations for exports worth 330 million won to the United States, Australia, and Singapore, as well as the steady increase in sales of companies within the special zone.

Previously, during the 7th local government term, Gochang-gun identified the revitalization of the Bokbunja industry as one of the three major local issues.

Since then, efforts have been made to support Bokbunja production, provide farmer education for high-quality and safe Bokbunja production, pay purchase incentives to unify distribution structures, conduct demonstration projects to overcome causes of withering, and pursue patent applications by the Berry and Bio Food Research Institute along with technology transfers to local companies.

Baek Gi-young, head of the Agricultural Life Support Division at Gochang County Office, said, “We will operate the Gochang Bokbunja Industry Special Zone solidly to establish a foundation that can advance the revitalization of the Gochang Bokbunja industry to the next level.”