Bonga Chonggak Kimchi from Cheongdo Wins Top Prize at Korea Kimchi Evaluation Contest... Bonga Yakseon Baechu Kimchi Receives Encouragement Prize

The North Gyeongsang Province government announced on July 30 that Bonga Co., Ltd., an agricultural corporation based in Cheongdo County, won the top prize (Prime Minister's Award) at the 15th Korea Kimchi Evaluation Contest, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, for its 'Bonga Chonggak Kimchi'.

Additionally, 'Bonga Yakseon Baechu Kimchi', also submitted by Bonga Co., Ltd. (CEO Hong Sunwook), received the Encouragement Prize. As a result, both products entered in the Baechu Kimchi (Napa cabbage kimchi) and Mu Kimchi (radish kimchi) categories received prizes, marking a remarkable achievement.

Cheongdo 'Bonga Chonggak Kimchi'

The Korea Kimchi Evaluation Contest has been held annually since 2012 to improve the quality and strengthen the industrial competitiveness of domestically produced kimchi. In both the Baechu Kimchi and Mu Kimchi categories, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted, including criteria such as appearance, aroma, taste, texture, use of domestic ingredients, and consumer accessibility. Nine products in total were selected for awards.

Notably, for the first time this year, foreign consumers and overseas distribution professionals participated as judges to assess international consumer preferences and the export potential of the products.

Bonga Chonggak Kimchi, which received the top prize, was highly rated for utilizing extracts of traditional medicinal ingredients such as jujube, astragalus root, licorice, angelica, and cnidium in its manufacturing process. This approach slows the fermentation rate and enhances shelf life, while preserving the crisp texture of freshly made kimchi and achieving a refreshing, mildly tart flavor after maturation.

Bonga Co., Ltd. started its kimchi manufacturing business in 2011 in Bonghwa County and established its production base in Cheongdo County in 2024. The company has been producing a variety of kimchi products by combining traditional fermentation techniques with differentiated manufacturing methods.

There are 29 major kimchi manufacturing companies in the North Gyeongsang Province region, with total sales recorded at 140.9 billion won.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.