Korail Distribution will sell 35 types of agricultural products from Gimje at Seoul and Yongsan stations starting on the 15th. Following the results of the popup store and consumer feedback, the company plans to expand sales through the railway station distribution network, including Storyway convenience stores.
According to Korail Distribution on the 14th, the 'Kongsaeng Station' popup store will operate sequentially at Seoul Station and Yongsan Station to introduce Gimje agricultural products. The popup will be held from the 15th to the 18th in the waiting area on the third floor of Seoul Station, and from the 22nd to the 25th in the waiting area of Yongsan Station.
The popup will feature products made from non-GMO soybeans, including soy butter, protein shakes, soy milk, and soy chips, developed in collaboration with Gimje City. A total of 35 products will be available, including traditional ginseng beverages produced and processed in Gimje.
This initiative follows a memorandum of understanding signed on September 3 between Korail Distribution, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and Gimje City for a 'collaboration project between declining population areas and businesses.' Korail Distribution is involved from the product planning and development stages of local agricultural products and supports sales and promotion through the railway station distribution network.
Gimje is the largest producer of non-GMO soybeans in the country. The city has developed eight food products, including soy snacks, soy milk, and protein bars, using 'Bantae' soybeans, which are less commercially viable and are produced during the sorting process. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has supported practical discussions between businesses and local governments, product research, and development since April.
Korail Distribution plans to review the sales performance, consumer response, and product competitiveness of this popup to promote sales expansion through the railway station distribution network, including Storyway convenience stores. The company is also considering developing and launching seasonal menu items using Gimje soybeans at Cafe Storyway.
According to Ahn Sang-deok, head of the distribution business division at Korail Distribution, “This is a win-win cooperation project to develop Gimje agricultural products and present them to consumers at railway stations. We will support the expansion of sales channels so that excellent local products can reach more consumers through the railway station distribution network, including Storyway.”
Meanwhile, Korail Distribution merged with Korail Logistics on September 23. The merged entity is currently using 'Korail Distribution Logistics' as a provisional name, while the official corporate name remains Korail Distribution Co., Ltd. A new name will be determined after gathering opinions and conducting brand consulting.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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