Incheon Namdong-gu Launches Kimchi 'Soraechan' Using Specialty Products Like Saeujeot and Pear

Soraechan Kimchi [Photo provided by Namdong-gu, Incheon]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Namdong-gu, Incheon, has developed a kimchi brand (Soraechan) using local specialty products and launched the product.

According to the district on the 27th, Soraechan consists of 7 items in 3 types: whole cabbage kimchi, nabak kimchi, and white kimchi, produced by four local kimchi manufacturers certified under the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety management standards.

The district plans to procure Sorae salted shrimp and Namdong pears from the Sorae Fishing Village Cooperative and pear-producing farms to enhance the utilization of key local specialties and help increase the income of local farmers and fishermen.

All other ingredients, such as napa cabbage and red pepper powder, are purchased domestically through the Namchon Agricultural Wholesale Market within the region.

While local governments have occasionally launched food brands, it is rare to find a precedent where a recipe and brand focused on kimchi were directly developed and provided to companies.

Soraechan kimchi can be purchased at the Namdong-gu Small and Medium Enterprise Product Exhibition and Sales Center on the second floor of the Sorae Port Traditional Fish Market, as well as online shopping malls such as Incheon e-eum Mall, Naver Shopping, and Coupang.

The district is also considering distributing certification marks to restaurants and cafeterias that use Soraechan kimchi.

Furthermore, to ensure that Soraechan kimchi consistently maintains its best taste, production companies will be prohibited from changing the origin or purchasing methods of raw materials without justifiable reasons, and continuous management will be implemented.

Lee Kang-ho, Mayor of Namdong-gu, said, "Through the launch of Soraechan, local specialty products have gained an opportunity to be more widely known and utilized," adding, "We will do our best to ensure that hygienic and safe kimchi can be enjoyed deliciously."