Proven Competitiveness of Flowers in the Field Becomes the Answer for Bonghwa Agriculture

Hwang Wonwook of Mulyamyeon Receives Minister of Agriculture Award
Transforming the Industry Structure Through Quality Enhancement and Knowledge Transfer

The driving force behind enhancing the competitiveness of the floriculture industry in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang Province, has been recognized with a government award.

Hwang Wonwook, a 61-year-old agriculturalist cultivating flowers in Mulyamyeon, Bonghwa County, received the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Commendation for his contributions to high-quality flower production, innovation in cultivation techniques, and revitalization of the local floriculture industry.

Hwang Wonwook, an agriculturalist from Mulyamyeon, Bonghwa County, received the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Commendation. By enhancing quality and passing on technology, he has transformed the industry's structure. Mr. Hwang is smiling while holding flowers at his own flower complex.

This commendation was awarded in December last year through the Korea Floriculture Fund Association. Recipients were selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of their achievements in high-quality production, improvements in cultivation technology, and the impact on the local industry.

Since entering the floriculture field in 1996, Hwang has proactively responded to changing market demands by introducing various flower varieties and systematizing cultivation processes. He has simultaneously achieved improved productivity and higher quality, establishing a stable supply base and enhancing the credibility of Bonghwa’s floriculture industry.

Notably, his efforts have extended beyond personal achievements. By sharing cultivation techniques and on-site expertise with local farmers, and consistently participating in the education of younger agriculturalists and on-site consulting, Hwang has played a key role in this award. His field-oriented knowledge transfer and collaboration have increased the sustainability of local floriculture.

Hwang stated, “This ministerial commendation is not just a personal achievement but the result of collaboration with fellow local farmers. I will continue to strengthen the foundations for sustainable floriculture and contribute to expanding the consumption of domestically produced flowers.”

Park Hyunkook, Mayor of Bonghwa County, commented, “The technology and efforts accumulated on the ground are transforming the structure of Bonghwa’s floriculture industry. The local government will continue to support these private sector efforts to further strengthen the foundation for high-quality flower production.”

Hwang’s commendation goes beyond a simple individual award; it is a symbolic case demonstrating that local agriculture can secure competitiveness through quality and technology rather than scale. Even amid the dual challenges of climate change and shrinking consumption, the achievements of Bonghwa’s floriculture industry underscore that on-site innovation and accumulated cooperation can transform the industry’s structure, clearly indicating the direction for local agricultural policy.