The Yeongam Geumjeong Daebong Persimmon Festival, highlighting the region's signature product, concluded successfully, fostering community unity among local residents.
The festival featured a direct sales market where attendees could taste and purchase Daebong persimmons produced by local farmers, enhancing farm income and revitalizing the community.
On November 7, Yeongam County reported that over 1,000 residents and tourists participated in the '21st Geumjeong Day and Yeongam Geumjeong Daebong Persimmon Festival' held at the Geumjeong Cultural Center.
Organized by the Geumjeong Cultural and Sports Promotion Association, led by President Jeong Woo-gil, the event aimed to promote the excellence of Daebong persimmons, expand market access for local farmers, and foster community harmony.
The festival showcased carefully cultivated Daebong persimmons from local farms, attracting the attention of visitors. At the persimmon evaluation contest, Ok Soon-ran from Yongheung-ri won the top prize, recognizing her cultivation skills and quality.
A direct sales market and tasting event allowed tourists to enjoy the seasonal Daebong persimmons and purchase them directly from farmers.
Additionally, various hands-on programs were offered, including persimmon peeling, cookie making, decoration crafting, and glass garden creation, with a play area for children encouraging family participation.
The festival also featured a congratulatory performance, with Shin Yoon-seop from Wawon-ri winning the grand prize at the Daebong Song Festival, adding to the event's excitement.
Recently, Yeongam Daebong persimmons have been utilized as ingredients in new products by a well-known confectionery company, expanding their market presence in processed foods.
On November 9, Daejeon Seongsimdang launched a new product, 'Hongsi Roll,' made with Yeongam Daebong persimmons, and another product, 'Hongsi Hongsi,' is set to be released on November 13.
Yeongam County is collaborating with local agricultural cooperatives to expand the distribution network for Daebong persimmons and secure stable market access.
During the 21st Geumjeong Day ceremony, awards were presented to residents who demonstrated community development and neighborly love.
The Community Award was given to Kim Joo-young, a former chairman of the Geumjeong Agricultural Cooperative, while the Filial Piety Award went to Min Byeong-woo, who has cared for his elderly mother in her 90s. A certificate of appreciation was awarded to Kim Young-seok.
Notably, Kim Joo-young contributed 5 million won to the Geumjeong Scholarship Foundation to support local talent development.
Local business leaders and residents also donated scholarships and funds for community assistance.
Representatives from the Yeongam Future Education Foundation, including No Hyung-gon from Lumen Terra and Kim Seong-jin from Y-Mart, each donated 3 million won, while Park Chun-hong from Achon-ri, Na Kyung-joo from Yeongam Construction, Im Moon-ho from the village head, and Jeong Cheol from the Daebong Persimmon Association each contributed 1 million won.
Attorney Jeong Seong-woon from Classic Law Firm and Kim Jeong-woo from Daehan M&A Co., Ltd. each donated 2 million won as part of their hometown love contributions.
The Community Service Council also received donations, including 5 million won from Kim Tae-gyeong and 200 million won each from Lee Yeong-guk of Midam General Construction and Lee Jong-sik of A&B Information Technology, continuing the spirit of community sharing.
President Jeong Woo-gil of the Geumjeong Cultural and Sports Promotion Association stated, "By holding Geumjeong Day and the Daebong Persimmon Festival together, residents and tourists were able to mingle. We will continue to promote the excellence of Geumjeong Daebong and make it a festival that helps farm income."
Meanwhile, Yeongam County is working with local agricultural cooperatives to expand the consumption of Geumjeong Daebong persimmons, focusing on developing processed food products and securing new sales channels to ensure stable income for local farmers.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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