Why ‘천년의 솜씨’ is Korea's Top Agricultural Brand for 2026: A Deep Dive

[iNews24 reporter Park Jong-su] On April 8, Buan County in North Jeolla Province claimed the top prize in the agricultural specialty co-brand category for the second year running at the 2026 Korea Premium Brand Awards, held in the Grand Ballroom of the Novotel Seoul Dongdaemun.

Now in its 22nd year, the Korea Premium Brand Awards honor brands that boost consumer value and national competitiveness. The awards are hosted by the Korea Economic Daily and supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Judges highlighted Cheonnyeon's Somssi for its high-quality produce grown in Buan’s fertile soils and refreshed by coastal breezes. Backed by a modern quality-control system, the brand has delivered strong consumer satisfaction and helped invigorate the local economy.

Representing Buan’s premium farm-to-table offerings, Cheonnyeon's Somssi is best known for its rice. Rice from the Gyehwa reclaimed fields, in particular, has won steady praise for its mineral-rich profile and exceptional flavor.

Jeong Ha-young, acting county mayor of Buan, said, “Winning the Korea Premium Brand Award in the agricultural specialty co-brand category two years in a row is a valuable achievement that reaffirms the excellence of Buan’s agricultural products nationwide. We will continue to support and promote the Cheonnyeon's Somssi brand so it can grow beyond Korea and become a global premium name on tables around the world.”