Jeju Hanwoo Achieves 'First Award' at National Hanwoo Competition

Seogwipo-si Namwon-eup Farmer Kim Jae-jong Awarded 'Encouragement Prize'

At the 21st National Korean Beef Competition, the farm of Kim Jae-jong in Namwon-eup, Seogwipo City, won the 'Encouragement Award' in the Unbred Cow category. Provided by Jeju Province

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province announced on the 27th that farmer Kim Jae-jong from Namwon-eup, Seogwipo City, received the Encouragement Award in the Non-Lactating Cow category at the 21st National Hanwoo Competition. This is the first time Jeju Hanwoo has won an award at this competition.

The National Hanwoo Competition, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the NongHyup Economic Holdings, is the most prestigious event in the Hanwoo sector. Held annually to promote Hanwoo improvement and quality enhancement, this year, a total of 18 cattle were selected as final winners across six categories: heifer calves, non-lactating cows, and breeding categories 1 to 3.

Farmer Kim Jae-jong has produced high-quality Hanwoo by overcoming the limitations of the local livestock environment through free-range grazing using the village communal pasture, a unique pastoral culture of Jeju. In recognition of these efforts, he also received the Grand Prize in the Non-Lactating Cow category at the 4th Jeju Black Cattle Competition held on the 19th.

This national award is expected to demonstrate the excellence of Jeju Hanwoo and boost the pride of local livestock farmers.

Kang Jae-seop, Director of the Agriculture, Livestock and Food Bureau of Jeju Province, said, “Jeju Hanwoo being recognized on the national stage is thanks to the passion and efforts of local livestock farmers,” adding, “We plan to further strengthen support for Hanwoo improvement and quality enhancement through genomic analysis, embryo transfer projects, and other initiatives.”