Shin Gilho of Yeongcheon Named Korea’s Best Agricultural Technology Master in the Grape Category

Awarded at the Rural Development Administration Achievement Sharing Conference on December 4
First Successful Export of Premium Shine Muscat Grapes from Yeongcheon

Yeongcheon City announced on December 8 that Shin Gilho (56 years old, head of the New Star Export Grape Growers’ Association in Kumho-eup) has been selected as the “2025 Korea’s Best Agricultural Technology Master” in the fruit tree (grape) category.

The award ceremony was held on December 4 at the “2025 Agricultural Science and Technology Achievement Sharing Conference” organized by the Rural Development Administration. Mr. Shin received a master’s plaque and a handprint bronze plaque.

On the 4th, at the "2025 Agricultural Science and Technology Achievement Sharing Conference" held by the Rural Development Administration, Mr. Shin Gilho from Yeongcheon City is taking a commemorative photo at the award ceremony for being selected as the "2025 Korea’s Best Agricultural Technology Master" in the fruit tree (grape) category. Provided by Yeongcheon City

The “Korea’s Best Agricultural Technology Master” system is operated by the Rural Development Administration to select farmers who have contributed to the development of local agriculture by possessing the highest level of technical skills, with at least 20 years of farming experience (and at least 15 years in the same crop) in five fields: food crops, vegetables, fruit trees, floriculture & specialty crops, and livestock.

Mr. Shin is the third person in North Gyeongsang Province to be recognized as a master in the fruit tree category, and he is the first ever to be named a master in the grape category in North Gyeongsang, the leading grape-producing region.

Mr. Shin, a veteran farmer who has devoted 24 years of his farming career to grape cultivation, is known for his unique farming philosophy: “Let’s produce high-quality grapes until one bunch can buy an apartment.” He has worked tirelessly to establish advanced grape production techniques.

In particular, he has applied creative new technologies in the field, such as “introducing energy-saving and ripening acceleration techniques using underground heating and cooling facilities” and “developing improved straight-type rain shelter trellises and U-shaped greenhouse trellises.”

Based on these technological achievements, he has received numerous awards, including the Grand Prize in the Top Fruit Quality Assessment by the Rural Development Administration in 2011 and the Grand Prize at the 2022 Strong Smallholder Farmers’ Competition, earning recognition for his capabilities.

Mr. Shin has not limited his success to himself. In 2008, he formed the “Byeolbitchon Geobong Seedless Grape Research Association” to share technology, and he currently leads the “New Star Export Grape Growers’ Association.” He is credited with pioneering premium Shine Muscat grape exports from Yeongcheon for the first time, taking a leading role in increasing local farm income and opening new export markets.

Choi Jaeyeol, Director of the Agricultural Technology Center, stated, “The birth of North Gyeongsang’s first grape master in Yeongcheon, the nation’s largest grape-producing area, is not only a personal honor but also a great source of pride for Yeongcheon agriculture. I ask for active sharing of Mr. Shin Gilho’s expertise and technology so that it can be well passed on to young local farmers and those returning to farming.”