PUNGGI GINSENG Cooperative Association, located in Punggi-eup, Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is the first ginseng cooperative in Korea. Punggi Ginseng was founded as Punggi Ginseng Farming Association in December, 1908, which boasts a longstanding history of 110 years. Starting with the trademark registration of Punggi Ginseng in 1919, it was granted of the USD 1 Million Export Tower in 2010, and in 2015, the company obtained both the USD 5 Million Export Tower and the UAE ESMA Halal Certification for the first time in Korea. With such achievement, Punggi Ginseng has played a big role as a living proof in promoting Korean ginseng at home and abroad.

#Top quality of ginseng produced from best condition

Thanks to the rich content of organic matter in Punggi area, not only the land is fertile, but also the air and water are clean along with severe daily temperature range, which makes it the optimal place for ginseng farming. Due to the nature of climate, this was how the first ginseng cultivation initiated. Even it’s been recorded in the old document that ginseng produced in Punggi is harder and richer in texture than ginsengs in other regions.

The ginseng has a great value itself, but is also highly regarded when it’s processed to be red and such. Therefore, the brand called Hwang Pung Jung, which highlights the finest quality and value, has been developed and recognized by consumers. The major supermarkets and home shopping channels as well as duty-free shops have already opened their door to meet consumers directly in Korea.

Punggi Ginseng Cooperative Association has spared no investment in producing high quality ginseng and processed products. The construction of a GMP-certified processing plant was completed in 2009 along with HACCP certification. As a result, ginsengs grown carefully by farmers in blessed environment and optimum production conditions succeeded in catching both quality and safety at the first-rate processing plant in Korea.

#Systematic production management is crucial

Punggi Ginseng Cooperative Association produces premium ginseng through meticulous management from production. The natural environment is unquestionably important but it is impossible to cultivate excellent quality ginseng without ensuring safety in the production process.

Thus, Punggi Ginseng implements the inspection of residual pesticides in soils for planting ginseng as an initial stage of managing the planned site 2 or 3 years ahead since healthy soils produce reliable crops. In addition to proper spraying or drainage control, the quality inspection is conducted from time to time, and only ginsengs with decent value and high reliability from each process can be purchased from Nonghyup, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation(NACF). Moreover, the know-how of ginseng cultivation passed down from generation to generation can be comparable to that of domestic farmers as well as farmers in any other countries.

Kwon Heon-Jun, the Head of Punggi Ginseng Cooperative Association, said, “The NACF takes full responsibility of managing the entire process from planting to harvesting ginseng. Combined with the outstanding farming skills of the farmers, Hwang Pung Jung is proud of its quality and safety.”

#Stand out in overseas markets

The ginseng products have been recognized of its exceptional quality by domestic and international consumers. The first export of Punggi Ginseng dates back to 1966. Although exports were unusual at that time, the Japanese consumers recognized the excellence of the products. Not to mention, the exports to China in 2001 was also the very first activity achieved in the private sector. After exporting to 5 countries in 2007, the company is now exporting worth USD 5 million to 15 countries, making history of exporting Korean ginseng.

A series of customized products such as red ginseng extract, red ginseng juice, and red ginseng root also contributes to the success of overseas expansion. It was possible to target consumers of different classes and tastes by manufacturing products that meet the preferences desired by those of the exporting country.

In this process, the commitment of Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation(aT) was also significant. For instance, on-site surveys were conducted to diversify exports; in addition to logistics support and sharing information of foreign market, which are the key factors to penetrate other countries. Besides, all kinds of support projects necessary for export business by Gyeongsangbuk-do and Yeongju-si helped to secure the competitiveness of Hwang Pung Jung. Currently, it aims to export worth USD 7 million to 20 countries by 2021.

Kwon Heon-jun said, “It is acknowledged that ginseng has great advantages on human body. We are confident that Hwang Pung Jung is the product which can prove the Korean quality is internationally competitive.”

Inquiries : PUNGGI GINSENG Cooperative Association

TEL : +82-54-636-2716

FAX : +82-54-634-3164

E-mail : ray-pgnh@naver.com

Website : www.kpgshop.co.kr