Yeoncheon County's Hometown Donation Gift "Younghee's Gochujang" Recognized as Master of Traditional Sauce

Proving the Quality and Value of Local Specialties
Elevating the Prestige of Yeoncheon County's Hometown Donation Program

Yeoncheon County in Gyeonggi Province (Governor Kim Deokhyeon) announced on November 12 that its flagship hometown donation thank-you gift, "Younghee's Gochujang," has recently been officially recognized as a master product in the field of traditional sauce manufacturing, further enhancing the quality and credibility of Yeoncheon County's thank-you gifts.

Aerial view of Yeoncheon County Office. Provided by Yeoncheon County

Jung Younghee, the head of "Younghee's Gochujang," has long utilized local agricultural products based on craftsmanship and honest manufacturing techniques in the traditional gochujang (red chili paste) sector. In recognition of her contributions to preserving traditional food culture, nurturing the next generation, and promoting regional industrialization, she was selected as a Master of Korean Intangible Cultural Heritage on October 13.

With this selection, Yeoncheon County's hometown donation thank-you gifts have gained even greater significance for donors as products that combine both "quality" and "tradition." In particular, the fact that this premium gochujang, crafted from local agricultural products, is delivered to donors exemplifies the value of "donation and regional coexistence" that Yeoncheon County's hometown donation program pursues.

Kim Deokhyeon, Governor of Yeoncheon County, stated, "It is very meaningful that a product embodying the region's tradition and sincerity has been recognized as a master product. We will continue to provide trustworthy thank-you gifts to hometown donors, focusing on the county's excellent local specialties."

Master Jung Younghee commented, "It is an honor that gochujang made from Yeoncheon’s agricultural products has received master certification. I will continue to uphold the traditional taste and become a symbol of hometown love that grows together with local farmers."

Going forward, Yeoncheon County plans to actively discover and offer outstanding products with regional identity and competitive quality as thank-you gifts, creating a "Yeoncheon-style hometown donation model" that brings satisfaction to donors and vitality to the region.

Meanwhile, the hometown donation program allows individuals to donate up to 20 million won per year to local governments outside their place of residence. For a donation of 100,000 won, donors receive a full tax credit at year-end settlement and a thank-you gift worth about 30,000 won.