[Report] 'Uwitbit Heart' Beats... Seoul Milk Unveils Asia's Largest Production Base for the First Time

Completion of Seoul Milk Yangju Factory in 2022
Capable of processing up to 1700 tons of raw milk per day
Central hub for dairy product circulation in South Korea

"The Seoul Milk Yangju Plant can process up to 1,700 tons of raw milk per day. This accounts for about 30% of the total daily milk production from all farms across South Korea."

When visiting the Seoul Milk Yangju Plant on the 23rd, it appeared like a heart operating with milk as its lifeblood. Nestled quietly at the foot of Doraksan Mountain, inside the Yangju Plant, two types of trucks dressed in milky white uniforms moved organically in a coordinated direction. Cylindrical tank lorries carrying raw milk from farms nationwide entered through the main gate and headed in unison to the milk collection facility on the left side of the plant, while box-type refrigerated trucks loaded finished products on the right side and lined up to depart for their respective delivery destinations.

Finished products produced at the Seoul Milk Yangju Plant are being shipped through refrigerated logistics vehicles.
[Photo by Seoul Milk Cooperative]

Seoul Milk Yangju Plant, the Core of South Korea’s Dairy Product Circulation System

The Seoul Milk Yangju Plant is a key production facility at the center of the domestic dairy industry’s circulation system. The Seoul Milk Cooperative invested a total of 300 billion KRW over a 7-year construction period to complete the Yangju Plant in September 2022, covering a site area of 255,498㎡ (approximately 77,000 pyeong). This is the largest dairy product production facility not only in South Korea but also in Asia. Currently, the Yangju Plant produces over 60 types of dairy products, including its flagship milk products such as 'A2+ Milk' and 'Na100% Milk,' as well as powdered milk, condensed milk, butter, and fermented milk.

Recently, the domestic milk industry has faced a dual challenge of declining consumption due to low birth rates and competition with imported milk following the removal of milk tariffs under free trade agreements (FTA). However, Seoul Milk has maintained solid performance by leading with the Yangju Plant, introducing state-of-the-art production facilities, and promoting product premiumization. Last year, it surpassed 2 trillion KRW in annual sales for the first time since the cooperative’s founding in 1937.

A2+ milk is being produced at the Seoul Milk Yangju Plant. [Photo by Seoul Milk Cooperative]

Seoul Milk’s production process consists of seven major steps: 'inspection → milk storage → purification → homogenization → sterilization → cooling → filling.' Before the first step, the process called receiving milk involves transferring raw milk from tank lorries, collected at farms, into cooling tanks. The raw milk brought into the plant through receiving undergoes about ten different tests to check for abnormalities and antibiotic residues before being moved to the milk storage tanks. These storage tanks maintain quality by cooling the raw milk below 4°C to prevent microbial growth and continuously stirring to prevent cream from floating, ensuring even mixing of the milk. Lee Ji-eun, Deputy Manager of the Seoul Milk Plant Support Team, explained, "The Yangju Plant operates eight milk storage tanks with a capacity of 150 tons each, allowing a total storage of 1,200 tons of raw milk. We purchase and store about 800 tons of raw milk here daily."

The Most Important Step in Milk Production: 'Homogenization'

After the milk storage process, the raw milk enters the product manufacturing phase. First, it undergoes a 'purification' process using a centrifuge to remove any foreign substances that may be present. Then, the 'homogenization' process follows, where physical force is applied to the small fat globules in the milk to evenly and finely disperse the fat. Deputy Manager Lee emphasized, "Homogenizing is the most important process." She explained, "By breaking down the fat globules finely through this process, the milk becomes smoother, aiding digestion and absorption, and it also prevents the cream layer from separating during long-term storage."

Low-temperature milk tanks at Seoul Milk Yangju Plant. The Yangju Plant operates eight low-temperature milk tanks with a capacity of 150 tons each.
[Photo by Eunmo Koo]

After homogenization, the raw milk undergoes heat treatment for microbial 'sterilization.' Seoul Milk uses an ultra-high temperature sterilization method called 'UHT (Ultra High Temperature Sterilization).' Deputy Manager Lee stated, "We sterilize at 130°C for 2 seconds to completely eliminate microorganisms and spoilage bacteria." She added, "This sterilization method preserves the freshness and nutrients of the milk while killing only harmful bacteria." After sterilization, the milk is rapidly cooled to below 5°C immediately to maintain its taste and quality.

The sterilized and cooled milk then undergoes final physicochemical and microbial tests to ensure safety before being packaged into cartons (milk packs) and PET bottles. The milk packs move along conveyors where the manufacturing date and expiration date are printed on the top, and the products pass through weight inspection and metal detectors for quality checks. Products without abnormalities are transferred by packers into familiar green plastic milk crates, stacked 45 boxes per pallet, and moved to large refrigerated storage facilities. After a brief rest here, the milk is shipped nationwide starting at 10 p.m. daily, delivered to consumers, completing its long journey.

The 'A2+ Milk' launched by Seoul Milk in April this year is also produced at this plant. Known as a milk that is gentle on the stomach without causing indigestion, this new product is Seoul Milk’s ambitious release amid the domestic dairy industry downturn. Regular white milk contains both A1 and A2 proteins, but A2 milk is collected only from cows with the A2 protein gene, containing only A2 protein. The A2 protein has a structure similar to human breast milk, making it easier to absorb and known to help improve digestive issues.

Plant Manager Ham said, "Currently, since we are in the early stages of A2 transition, costs such as facility investment and research and development are reflected in the price, making it relatively higher. However, as production volume increases, the price will gradually decrease to the level of regular milk." He emphasized, "Our ultimate goal is to make A2 milk affordable so that many consumers can enjoy it."

Seoul Milk Yangju Factory exterior view. [Photo by Seoul Milk Cooperative]