Gochang County, located within the newly established Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, has marked a significant milestone in its agricultural and food processing sector with the inauguration of the Fermentation and Food Industry Promotion Center. The state-of-the-art facility, officially opened on June 27, 2025, represents a pivotal step in the region's ambitious plan to establish itself as a national epicenter for kimchi production and fermented foods.

Constructed in Gongeum-myeon with a total investment of 7.6 billion won (approximately $5.5 million USD), the two-story center spans an impressive 1,700 square meters. Its completion was celebrated at a ceremony attended by over 300 dignitaries and community members, underscoring the collective anticipation for its impact on the local economy.

The Fermentation and Food Industry Promotion Center is designed to be a comprehensive hub for the entire kimchi value chain. Its multifaceted operations will encompass the production of kimchi seasoning, the processing of traditional fermented foods, and the crucial training and education of skilled personnel for the food processing industry. Furthermore, the center will facilitate product development and offer sales channels for local agricultural produce and beverages, directly benefiting regional farmers and processing enterprises.

This initiative is intrinsically linked to the "Gochang Four Seasons Kimchi-Specialized Agri-Bio Industry Zone," a flagship project designated by the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province. This zone is the first of its kind to be selected under the 'Special Act on the Establishment of Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province,' a legislative framework that grants the province enhanced autonomy to foster new industries, particularly in agricultural biotechnology. The broader Agri-Bio Industrial Complex project, of which Gochang's kimchi zone is a part, plans an investment of 215.5 billion won by 2029 across 29 detailed projects aimed at nurturing specialized regional industries. The Gochang Kimchi-Specialized Industrial Complex, specifically, is envisioned as an integrated complex for production, processing, distribution, experiential tourism, and smart farm demonstrations.

The "Gochang Four Seasons Kimchi-Specialized Agri-Bio Industry Zone" itself will see a substantial investment of 88.7 billion won. This financial commitment underscores the region's determination to integrate its core strengths in primary agricultural production with advanced processing capabilities. Gochang County is a significant contributor to Jeonbuk's agricultural output, accounting for approximately 30% of the province's autumn cabbage, radish, and chili pepper production—all essential ingredients for kimchi.

Looking ahead, Gochang County anticipates that the Fermentation and Food Industry Promotion Center will be complemented by additional key infrastructure. Plans include the development of a Kimchi Raw Material Supply Complex in Daesan-myeon, which will serve as a central hub for brining and cold storage of raw ingredients, and a Kimchi Industry Support Center in Buan-myeon, dedicated to providing technical assistance for kimchi processing. These synergistic facilities are expected to solidify Gochang's position as a leading kimchi-specialized industrial city. The overall objective for the Gochang Four Seasons Kimchi-Specialized Industrial Zone is to attract 10 companies and achieve 12.5 billion won in sales by 2029.

Mayor Sim Deok-seop of Gochang County expressed profound optimism regarding the center's opening. "We feel immense pride and responsibility as Gochang becomes home to the first agri-bio industry zone facility in Jeonbuk Province," Mayor Sim stated. "We are committed to expanding our agriculture, currently focused on primary raw materials, into value-added secondary and tertiary processing industries. This expansion will generate significant economic value and lead to a substantial increase in agricultural income. Through the Four Seasons Kimchi-Specialized Agri-Bio Industry Zone, we aim to cultivate Gochang into an undeniable central hub for the kimchi industry."

The establishment of the Fermentation and Food Industry Promotion Center represents a significant stride in Gochang County's economic diversification strategy, promising to transform its abundant agricultural resources into a thriving, high-value-added food industry.