(Naju=Yonhap News) Reporter Song Hyeong-il = The Wonhwang pear from Naju Mountain in Jeonnam province was shipped to the U.S. on the 18th.
Naju City held a shipment ceremony at the Budokdong branch of the Naju Pear Horticulture Farmers Cooperative and decided to accelerate the expansion of exports to the U.S. market.
The shipment on this day was 110 tons (8 containers) of Wonhwang pears, which are expected to be supplied through a major distribution network in the LA area.
Wonhwang pear, a representative early variety, has overcome low temperatures in spring, heat waves, and heavy rains.
Wonhwang pears, which began to be harvested in early August, are characterized by their rich juice, sweet and sour taste, and crisp texture.
Naju pears exported 5,256 tons in 2023 and 3,356 tons last year, with the U.S. market accounting for approximately 60% of the total volume.
Mayor Yoon Byeong-tae of Naju City said, "Naju pears are recognized as a representative fruit of South Korea and have been acknowledged for their excellence in the global market," and "We will spare no administrative support to strengthen global competitiveness and contribute to increasing farmers' income and expanding exports."