About 230 Farms Cultivate 844 Tons of Siraegi on 402 Hectares, Generating 12.6 Billion Won in Expected Income
Punchbowl Siraegi Apple Festival to Be Held in Haean-myeon from October 31 to November 2
Yanggu Siraegi, renowned for its soft texture and savory flavor as a winter delicacy, continues to be loved by consumers nationwide and is once again expected to serve as a major source of income for local farms this year.
This year, approximately 230 farms in the Yanggu region are cultivating siraegi on 402 hectares, with an estimated production of about 844 tons, generating an income of 12.6 billion won.
The siraegi, soon to be harvested in earnest, was sown in August and has grown in the fields for about two months. Harvesting will take place from the end of this month through early November, after which the siraegi will be dried for about 60 days in drying sheds before being shipped as dried siraegi starting in January next year.
Yanggu Punchbowl Siraegi, grown in the high-altitude basin of Haean-myeon at over 1,000 meters above sea level, benefits from a unique climate characterized by large temperature fluctuations and circulating winds within the basin, providing optimal conditions for both cultivation and drying. In particular, a radish variety developed specifically for siraegi is used, resulting in superior taste and aroma. When boiled, the siraegi remains tender rather than tough, which has contributed to its enduring popularity among consumers.
Siraegi is also known for being rich in vitamins B and C, minerals, iron, calcium, and dietary fiber. It is effective in preventing arteriosclerosis and is beneficial for blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and anemia. Thanks to its abundant nutrients and excellent quality, Yanggu Siraegi continues to be a popular savory delicacy on dining tables across the country every winter.
Since 2007, Yanggu County has been fostering siraegi as a representative local agricultural specialty, implementing various support projects such as the establishment of a rural convergence industry district for siraegi, development of processed products, and expansion of production infrastructure. In particular, through the Agricultural Product Processing Support Center, the county produces boiled retort siraegi and continues to develop ready-to-eat foods such as soups and stews using siraegi, thereby expanding its applications.
Recently, President Lee Jaemyung mentioned Yanggu Siraegi as a "K-food ingredient" that could be introduced to the world during a TV entertainment program aired over the Chuseok holiday, drawing nationwide attention.
On the program, chefs showcased a variety of dishes using siraegi, demonstrating its versatility and helping to widely promote the appeal and potential uses of siraegi to the public.
Kim Sanghun, Director of the Yanggu County Agricultural Technology Center, stated, "We will do our utmost to improve production quality and strengthen distribution competitiveness so that Yanggu Siraegi can be recognized as a 'K-food ingredient' not only in Korea but also in the global market. We will continue to enhance the brand value so that Yanggu Siraegi comes to mind as the representative winter agricultural product."
Meanwhile, Yanggu County plans to hold the "2025 Youth Yanggu Punchbowl Siraegi Apple Festival," a celebration combining its representative agricultural products-apples and siraegi-from October 31 to November 2 in the Haean-myeon area.
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