Gongju Sulfur Flower Garlic Surpasses 10 Billion Won in Sales: Farmers Harvest the 'Golden Crop' Amid Scorching Heat

"Healthful Sulfur Garlic, a Bumper Harvest This Year"
Brand Growth Accelerates with Support from Gongju City and the Agricultural Cooperative

Yeom Mankyu, chairman of the Gongju Sulfur Flower Garlic Producers Association, looking proudly at the harvested garlic

Amid the sweltering heat of midsummer, the harvest of Gongju Sulfur Flower Garlic is in full swing in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province. On July 7, at harvest sites throughout Gongju, farmers were seen wiping sweat from their brows as they worked hard to harvest garlic, even as temperatures soared above 35 degrees Celsius.

Gongju Sulfur Flower Garlic is popular among consumers for its rich sweetness, deep flavor, and firm texture. Last year, sales surpassed 10 billion won, establishing it as a representative crop of the region.

Yeom Mankyu, chairman of the Gongju Sulfur Flower Garlic Producers Association, explained, "This year, the harvest is good because the rainy season was short. While sulfur is harmful if consumed directly, sulfur absorbed by plants is beneficial to people."

He added, "There are concerns that garlic prices may fall due to the nationwide increase in production."

Gongju Sulfur Flower Garlic is also known for its demanding cultivation process. Chairman Yeom said, "At least six to eight applications of sulfur are required, and although it is labor-intensive, the quality is excellent. Gongju was the first in the country to introduce mechanization, establishing a leading agricultural system."

He also emphasized, "The full support of Park Seungmoon, head of the Gongju Sejong Horticultural Agricultural Cooperative, has been a major driving force behind the brand's success."

Although Gongju City subsidizes 50% of the cost of mulching materials and machinery for garlic cultivation to reduce production expenses, the Producers Association agrees that additional support for the purchase of plastic film and fertilizer, as is provided in neighboring Cheongyang County, is also necessary.

Chairman Yeom appealed for the city’s continued interest and support, stating, "When farmers increase their income, the economy of Gongju City also thrives."

Gongju Sulfur Flower Garlic is expected to continue to establish itself as a symbol of high-quality agricultural products and to play a leading role in the development of local agriculture and revitalization of the regional economy.