(Hamyang=Yonhap News) Reporter Park Jeong-heon = Premium Hamyang jujubes, produced in the pristine nature of Jirisan and Deogyusan mountains, will begin their first auction and start shipping on the 8th. Hamyang County held the '20th Hamyang Jujube Initial Auction Ceremony' at the Seoha branch of Anui Agricultural Cooperative in Seoha-myeon. Starting with the initial auction ceremony, the Seoha branch of Anui Agricultural Cooperative will hold a total of 15 auctions every Monday and Thursday until January 29 of next year. This year, about 220,000 jujubes (100 jujubes per box) are expected to be produced, an increase of about 16% compared to last year, with sales expected to exceed 24 billion won. The good harvest of raw jujubes, along with recent dry weather and appropriate daily temperature differences, has resulted in better quality than in previous years. Last year, the county produced 189,000 jujubes, generating 22.5 billion won in income. The Hamyang Forest Products Distribution Center will also hold a total of 15 auctions every Wednesday and Saturday from the 13th until January 31 of next year to supply jujubes nationwide. Hamyang jujubes are made from 'Gojongsi', named after Emperor Gojong, who was impressed by their taste. Dried in the clear air and large daily temperature differences at the foot of Jirisan mountain, they are characterized by their high sugar content and chewy texture. The county plans to hold the '10th Hamyang Gojongsi Jujube Festival' from January 16 to 18 of next year, and open a special sale event in Seoul at the end of January to mark the Lunar New Year. County Mayor Jin Byeong-yeong said, "Hamyang Gojongsi jujubes are recognized for their taste and quality nationwide," and "We will spare no effort in support, including facility modernization, to produce high-quality jujubes that consumers can trust and seek out."