Hair and Skin Both 'Smooth and Shiny'... Tongyeong Dongbaek Oil Gaining Popularity Overseas

Korea Dongbaek Research Institute, Exporting to France, Japan, and Canada Since 2005

Secures Export Contract Worth 500 Million KRW with France This Year

Ten tons of camellia oil manufactured by the Korea Camellia Research Institute in Tongyeong-si, Gyeongnam, will be exported to France.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Camellia oil manufactured in Tongyeong-si, Gyeongnam, is steadily gaining popularity among overseas consumers.

Camellia is said to have been named ‘冬柏’ because it boasts green leaves all year round and blooms flowers in winter.

Around October, when the fruit reaches about 3 to 5 cm in diameter, the seed coat splits open, containing about 3 to 9 round dark brown seeds.

The flowers fall off as whole clusters, and the seeds formed in their place were used in the past for hair oil, cooking oil, kerosene, etc., but recently their utilization has decreased, leading to frequent disposal.

The Korea Camellia Research Institute purchases 25 to 30 tons of camellia seeds annually to produce camellia oil and manufacture food and cosmetics.

The processed camellia oil is exported not only to the domestic market but also to overseas countries such as France, Japan, and Canada, promoting its excellence.

Since 2005, export revenue has steadily increased, and by December this year, 10 tons of oil worth about 500 million won are scheduled to be shipped to France.

Shim Myeongran, director of the Agricultural Technology Center, said, “We will continue to produce local specialties using camellia seeds, which are local and idle resources, and do our best to create new jobs and secure income.”