In the heart of South Korea’s South Chungcheong Province lies Buyeo, a city where the golden traces of the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C. – 660 A.D.) breathe through UNESCO World Heritage sites. While many visit to see the ruins of Sabi—the kingdom’s final capital—they soon find themselves captivated by another local treasure: the chestnut.
Buyeo is the undisputed "Chestnut Capital" of Korea, producing approximately 8,300 tons annually and accounting for 22.6% of the nation’s total yield, securing its position as the country's top producer.
Here, the industry is not just about agriculture; it is a 2,000-year-old cultural legacy being preserved by dedicated local masters. Historical records from the Chinese chronicles of the Sanguozhi and Houhanshu describe the chestnuts of this region as being "as large as pears," a testament to their exceptional quality even in antiquity.
This ancient lineage is still visible today in the forests of Buyeo, where nearly 20% of the total woodland is dedicated to chestnut trees. Every June, the hillsides of districts like Eun-san and Guryong are blanketed in a "summer snow" of white chestnut blossoms, filling the air with a distinct, earthy fragrance that signals the beginning of a new season.
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| (Kim Kyeong-nam prunes chestnut branches in his grove to prepare for a prolific harvest this autumn.) |
One of the faces behind this massive industry is Kim Kyeong-nam, a veteran farmer who has spent the last 25 years cultivating 8 hectares of rugged mountain terrain in Eun-gok-ri. His farm sits precisely on the northern border of Buyeo, where the land meets the neighboring Cheongyang County.
Currently, Kim is in the middle of the busy pruning season, meticulously thinning branches to ensure a high-quality harvest for the coming year. For Kim, the chestnut forest is a world of harmony; during the peak harvest season, his trees yield up to 30 tons of high-quality premium chestnut kernels, known locally as 'Al-Bam.' Kim’s work, however, goes beyond the fruit.
He manages over 100 honeybee colonies within his groves. As the blossoms peak in early summer (June), bees gather nectar to produce "Black Chestnut Honey." Unlike common wildflower honey, chestnut honey is prized for its deep color, bitter-sweet profile, and potent antioxidant properties. Referred to as "medicinal honey" by locals, it represents a sophisticated synergy between the trees and the ecosystem.
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| (Kim(right) sold $6,500 worth of products at his booth over the five-day period at the Chestnut Industry Expo.) |
In a historic move to showcase this heritage to the world, South Korea will host the 2028 International Chestnut Industry Expo. Marking the first event of its kind globally, this landmark expo is scheduled to take place for 23 days, from January 22 to February 13, 2028.
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| (The Geum-gang River glimmers at the very edge of Baekje's history, as seen from the site of the former Sabi Fortress.) |
This ambitious international event is strategically led by Gongju City, the historic heart of the chestnut industry producing 7,000 tons (17% of the national total). Taking a central leadership role, Gongju City has formed a powerful alliance with its immediately adjacent neighbors: Buyeo County, the nation's top producer yielding 8,300 tons (22.6%), and Cheongyang County, a vital partner contributing 4,400 tons.
As the driving force behind this initiative, Gongju City will unite these closely connected UNESCO World Heritage regions to present the "K-Chestnut Industry" to the global market. Under Gongju's leadership, this collective effort aims to bridge a 2,000-year historical legacy with a shared, sustainable global future.