The CEN News / Reporter Lee Joo-sang | Goheung County in South Jeolla Province is stepping up efforts to strengthen the brand power of its signature agricultural and seafood lineup, known locally as the “Goheung 8.”
According to Goheung County, the “Goheung 8” includes eight locally produced items — yuzu, pomegranate, gim, miyeok, kelp, oysters, garlic, and Yujagol Hanwoo — all recognized nationwide for quality thanks to the area’s pristine environment and rich marine resources.
Yuzu is loaded with vitamin C, calcium, and hesperidin, making it a go-to for cold prevention, immune support, and recovery from fatigue. Traditional customs even recommend sipping yuzu tea or taking a yuzu bath on Dongji (the winter solstice) to ward off colds.
Pomegranate is celebrated for its juicy flesh and natural phytoestrogens, earning attention as a health food for menopausal women. Its antioxidants also contribute to cardiovascular health by helping prevent high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis.
Gim is a nutrient-dense sea vegetable rich in protein and vitamins — about five sheets of dried gim provide roughly the same protein as one egg.
Goheung supplies approximately 80% of South Korea’s gim used for gimbap, underscoring the county’s role as a major production hub.
Miyeok is an alkaline food high in vitamins and minerals; its iodine and iron content support postpartum health and help regulate blood pressure. Goheung accounts for around 40% of the nation’s miyeok production.
Kelp is rich in dietary fiber and alginate, which aid digestion and weight management, while potassium and laminarin help with blood pressure control.
Goheung’s dried kelp is especially prized for broths, with about 500 metric tons handled at auction each year (roughly 551 short tons).
Oysters offer calcium, vitamins, iron, and zinc — nutrients that support skin health and help prevent anemia. Farmed using suspended-culture methods in the clean waters of the South Sea, Goheung oysters are plump and flavorful.
Regional oyster specialties like seasoned young oysters — known locally as “Jinseokhwa-jeot” and “Pigul” — are also well regarded.
Garlic contains B vitamins and allicin, which boost the immune system, help with fatigue recovery, and aid blood sugar control. Goheung garlic is cultivated using fossil shell–based fertilizer, boosting its quality and market competitiveness.
Yujagol Hanwoo cattle are raised on a peninsula surrounded by sea on three sides with a mild climate; farmers feed them functional rations that include yuzu, which is said to support gut health and strengthen immunity.
A Goheung County official said, “The Goheung 8 reflect our clean environment and the care local farmers and fishers put into their products. We will continue promoting the brand and improving quality to raise farm and fishery incomes and boost the local economy.”
(The CEN News) Gwangju-Jeonnam correspondent Lee Joo-sang eaglefood@naver.com
