Gochang-gun Opens 'Geongochu Market' Starting This Month

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] Jeonbuk Gochang-gun (Governor Yu Gisang) announced on the 2nd that the 'Dried Chili Market' will open this month at the Agricultural Products Comprehensive Distribution Center main building in line with the peak chili harvest season.

The Dried Chili Market will operate from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the 3rd and 8th of every month until October, coinciding with Gochang's 5-day market days. The county provides auxiliary facilities such as shade tents, customer rest areas, and shuttle buses to enable farmers and consumers to comfortably buy and sell chili peppers.

In particular, the county secured a special grant budget of 500 million won to revitalize the Dried Chili Market and plans to enhance the convenience of the market by installing facilities such as rain shelters within this year.

Additionally, through the dried chili packaging support project, the county plans to certify the excellent quality of chilies produced in Gochang to increase product value and improve consumer recognition.

Jo Usam, Director of the Rural Food Department, said, "Chili-producing farmers have secured stable sales channels, and merchants and consumers are satisfied with being able to purchase high-quality dried chilies," adding, "We hope the market's revitalization will help the local economy, which has been stagnant due to COVID-19."

Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil gjg7070@asiae.co.kr