The Gyeonggi Rural Convergence Industry Support Center announced Wednesday that it has selected Ipul Wonye and Chorok Miso Village as the Gyeonggi Province representative businesses to compete in the "2026 Rural Convergence Industry Best Practices Competition" hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The Rural Convergence Industry Best Practices Competition is an event that identifies businesses that create high added value by combining agricultural production with processing, distribution, hands-on experience and tourism, contributing to regional economic revitalization. Last year, the Yongin Insect Theme Park, which competed as the Gyeonggi Province representative, received the top excellence award.
Eight businesses participated in this year's Gyeonggi Province representative selection, with two chosen after document screening and on-site evaluation.
Ipul Wonye was recognized for expanding plant assets accumulated over some 50 years into culture and arts, ecological education and hands-on experience programs. Its establishment of a win-win model linked with local farms was also cited as a strength.
Chorok Miso Village introduced a "rice bran enzyme heat therapy" healing program that applies its own fermentation technology to rice bran, an agricultural byproduct. It drew attention as a case of converting agricultural resources that could otherwise be discarded into hands-on and healing content.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will conduct central review through October before announcing the final winning businesses. A total of five businesses, including grand prize, top excellence and excellence award winners, will be given the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs award and opportunities to promote their best practices.
"I hope this becomes an opportunity to showcase the excellence of Gyeonggi Province's rural convergence industry across the nation," said Choi Yeon-chul, head of the Gyeonggi Rural Convergence Industry Support Center. "We will continue to identify outstanding businesses that raise the added value of agriculture and lead the regional economy."
