Yeongju City, led by Mayor Park Namseo, promoted its signature agricultural specialty, "Yeongju Apple," by engaging with urban residents in the heart of Seoul.
On November 1, Yeongju City announced that it had participated in the "1st Jinsang Festival" held at Namin-samadang in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where it organized various promotional events including apple tasting, exhibitions, and sales.
This festival is a traditional cultural event for citizens, reinterpreting the "tribute goods" (Jinsangpum) culture of the Joseon Dynasty-when each region presented local specialties to the king-in a modern way. Selected as part of Seoul’s private festival support program, it made its debut this year. For 2025, three regional specialties were chosen as tribute goods: Yeongju Apple, Punggi Ginseng, and Gongju Chestnut.
At the festival, Yeongju City exhibited 10 boxes (3kg each) of Shinano Gold and Fuji apples as tribute goods, which were later given away as prizes. The city also operated booths selling 5kg display boxes and 1kg small packages, providing a direct opportunity to interact with citizens. In particular, the free tasting corner attracted many visitors, who experienced the "sweet and crisp taste of Yeongju Apple," receiving an enthusiastic response.
On site, more than 10 participants-including executives from the Yeongju City Rural Leaders’ Association (led by President Park Jaeyeol) and city officials-actively communicated with citizens, explaining the quality and production process of the apples.
Additionally, the city distributed promotional materials for "Yeongju Market Day," provided information on tourist attractions in Yeongju, and shared details about direct transactions for local agricultural products, further promoting the region.
Han Sangsuk, Director of the Yeongju Agricultural Technology Center, stated, "Yeongju apples boast exceptional sweetness and color thanks to the clean climate and abundant sunlight," adding, "The Agricultural Technology Center and the Rural Leaders’ Association will continue to focus on sustainable production of local specialties and enhancing brand value."
The festival also featured a reenactment performance in which representatives from each region presented their tribute goods to the king, and visitors were able to taste and purchase the products themselves, making it a highly interactive and well-received program.
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