Ministry of SMEs and Startups Selects Additional 311 Baeknyeon Gage and Baeknyeon Sogongin Including PNB and Myeongin Gochujang

Myeongin Gochujang, newly selected as a Baeknyeon Sogongin, is a company certified for traditional gochujang manufacturing skills for the second generation. They make gochujang using soy sauce aged over 80 years and doenjang fermented for 50 years.
[Photo by Ministry of SMEs and Startups]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Junhyung] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on the 30th that it has additionally selected 142 Baeknyeon Gage (Century-old Stores) and 169 Baeknyeon Sogongin (Century-old Small Artisans) to spread successful models of long-standing small business owners.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups will provide certification plaques and support facility improvements and market development to the newly selected Baeknyeon Gage and Baeknyeon Sogongin. According to the ministry, with this additional selection, the number of Baeknyeon Gage increased from 324 in 2019 to 1,158. During the same period, Baeknyeon Sogongin increased from 99 to 732.

Among the newly selected Baeknyeon Gage, PNB is a representative confectionery store in Jeonju operated by three generations since 1951. It is famous for its handmade choco pies produced without preservatives. Sinbalwon, located in Dong-gu, Busan, is a dumpling specialty restaurant that has been operating since 1951. It has been featured on several TV programs, including Baek Jong-won's Top 3 Chefs.

The confectionery shop 'PNB' in Jeonju, newly selected as a Baeknyeon Gage (100-Year Store).
[Photo provided by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups]

Among the newly selected Baeknyeon Sogongin, Myeongin Gochujang is a company certified as a traditional gochujang (red chili paste) maker for the second generation. It makes gochujang using soy sauce aged over 80 years and doenjang (fermented soybean paste) matured for 50 years. Korea Black Red Ginseng, located in Hongseong, Chungnam, holds patented ginseng-related technologies secured through over 20 years of research and development (R&D). Its saponin content is nearly twice that of regular red ginseng, and it has been recognized for quality by winning a silver award at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, Switzerland.

As part of the phased daily recovery (With Corona), the Ministry of SMEs and Startups will hold events related to Baeknyeon Gage and Baeknyeon Sogongin next month. Participation is possible through the application (app) "Siksin," which provides local gourmet information. During the event period, the ministry plans to hold a weekly raffle to award prizes such as iPad Minis and Onnuri gift certificates worth 50,000 KRW.

Park Chi-hyung, Director of Small Business Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, said, "We are grateful that Baeknyeon Gage and others have strived for innovative growth with long experience and management know-how despite the severe business difficulties caused by COVID-19," adding, "We will spare no policy support so that Baeknyeon Gage can become a key player in revitalizing local commercial districts and regional coexistence."