The first domestically produced 'Hwacheon Lamb' is gaining attention as a new specialty food in Sanae-myeon, Hwacheon County. The county is working on a plan to connect local livestock resources, including sheep farms and food offerings, to tourism and the local economy.
According to Hwacheon County officials, the Agricultural Technology Center plans to consult with a service provider for a basic plan for the 'Sanae Livestock Specialization Project,' with a budget of approximately 20 million won.
This project is not limited to specific livestock or food development. It aims to create a comprehensive plan utilizing the livestock resources in the Sanae area, including sheep farms and food products.
An official from the Agricultural Technology Center stated, “This project is designed to outline the broader vision for the livestock specialization initiatives related to sheep farms and food products in the Sanae area.”
With the establishment of a domestic lamb production base at Daesung Farm in Samil-ri, the potential for utilizing lamb in local cuisine is also being highlighted. Daesung Farm began raising and breeding meat sheep breeds such as Suffolk and Poll Dorset imported from New Zealand in 2024.
Following the establishment of lamb slaughtering facilities in the Gangwon region, the first domestic lamb was produced this year. Given that the domestic lamb market has largely been dominated by imports, the uniqueness of Hwacheon Lamb is seen as a competitive advantage that can differentiate it from other regions.
Local reactions have been positive. In July, about 40 residents and representatives from social organizations in Sanae-myeon attended a lamb tasting event at Daesung Farm. Attendees noted the meat had little odor and was flavorful.
Additionally, lamb intestines used in sausages received favorable reviews. Some participants expressed surprise at the rarity of domestic lamb and suggested developing it into a specialty food to boost the local economy.
Interest among local restaurant owners in Sachang-ri is also high. Feedback from local business owners indicated that four to five were interested in offering lamb dishes or responded positively to the idea.
If a structure is established for selling lamb produced in Sanae-myeon at local restaurants, it could evolve into a regional income model connecting producers, restaurants, and the tourism industry. Especially, if visitors can enjoy domestic lamb, it could serve as a unique attraction that encourages tourism and spending.
This initiative aligns with Hwacheon County's plans for year-round tourism development. Recently, the county revealed plans for developing tourism resources in various regions, including Hwacheon-Han Nam, Gandong, and Sangseo-Sanae, during a community briefing for the 2027 budget.
In Sanae-myeon, the 'Korea Center Arboretum' in Samil-ri and the Hwamokwon in Sachang-ri are being developed. The plan aims to attract year-round tourists by enhancing existing natural resources like Mount Hwaak and Samil Valley with forest tourism content.
Hwacheon County Mayor Kim Se-hoon is also including sheep farms as regional resources that can be linked to the tourism industry. The addition of local specialty foods to tourism facilities and natural resources is expected to help increase tourist stays and local spending.
For the establishment of this food specialty, menu development and a stable supply chain are crucial. Daesung Farm has proposed various possibilities for lamb, including grilled dishes, stews, and sausages. There is also potential to incorporate local agricultural products like Hwacheon tomatoes, potatoes, and wild vegetables, expanding the consumption of regional agricultural and livestock products.
Daesung Farm has expressed its commitment to collaborating to ensure that domestic lamb can contribute to the local economy as a food specialty in Sanae-myeon. However, it will take time to fully commercialize the product. The farm anticipates that increasing the number of sheep through additional breeding over the next year will enable sustainable production.
Pricing and costs have yet to be determined. Establishing a fair price considering production volume and slaughtering and distribution structures, along with creating a stable supply chain and standardizing menus, will be challenges to address in the future. The basic plan will provide specific directions on how to connect the livestock resources in the Sanae area, including sheep farms and food products, to tourism and the local economy.
If new tourism facilities like the arboretum and Hwamokwon are connected with existing attractions such as Mount Hwaak and Samil Valley, along with local livestock resources and specialty foods, there is potential for a new tourism industry model in Sanae-myeon that translates tourist spending into local income.
Mayor Kim Se-hoon stated, “Tourism and sports marketing are vital development drivers for Hwacheon County,” adding, “We will do our utmost to prepare for visitors to ensure they continue to come to Hwacheon throughout the year.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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