Jeonnam Province Selects Jung Kyungkyung as "April Forester"

Producing Chamdurup Since 2018
Quality Improvement and Community Contribution

Jiyeong Jeong, CEO of Damoa Agricultural Cooperative Corporation. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do has selected Jeong Euigyeong, CEO of Damoa Agricultural Cooperative Corporation in Hampyeong, as the Forestry Worker of the Month for April, who produces Chamdurup (Aralia elata shoots).

CEO Jeong has been cultivating Chamdurup for seven years since 2018, producing 3,000 kg annually and generating an income of 100 million KRW.

Selected as a forestry successor in 2018, Jeong currently serves as the head of the Hampyeong branch of the Forestry Successors Association. He continues to make efforts to improve the quality and yield of Chamdurup by introducing accelerated cultivation methods and upgrading greenhouse facilities. By adopting product development and small packaging techniques that reflect the latest consumer trends, he has also secured price competitiveness for Chamdurup.

In addition, Jeong actively exchanges information on Chamdurup production with neighboring forestry households and contributes to the local community by donating harvested Chamdurup to various social organizations.

Chamdurup refers to the young stems or shoots of Aralia elata, a wild vegetable mainly found in East Asia, including Korea, Japan, and China, and is harvested only during the spring sprouting season. With its unique taste and high nutritional value, it is used in a variety of dishes.

Unlike "Ttangdurup," the new shoots of Angelica tree that grow underground, or "Gaedurup," the shoots of Kalopanax tree that grow in mountainous areas, Chamdurup can thrive in various environments and is highly durable.

Compared to other types of durup, Chamdurup has a milder taste and aroma, is effective in lowering blood sugar and boosting immunity, making it popular as a diet food, and is in high demand as a fresh spring ingredient.

Jeong stated, "I will continue to increase the production and improve the quality of Chamdurup so that consumers can safely enjoy fresh forest products," and added, "I hope to set an example so that Chamdurup can become a representative forest product of Jeollanam-do."