Applications open for 'Hongsan' seed garlic — distribution starts Monday

South Korea's domestically developed garlic variety, Hongsan, is set to be distributed as seed garlic to farmers across the country.

The Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said Friday it will begin accepting applications for 2026-crop Hongsan seed garlic (seed cloves) starting Monday.

Applications are accepted in 1-kilogram units and will remain open until supplies run out. Distribution will proceed sequentially from September, in the order applications are received, either by parcel delivery or on-site pickup.

Hongsan is a domestically bred variety that can be grown anywhere in the country, combining ease of cultivation with strong functional properties.

Developed by the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science under the Rural Development Administration, Hongsan grows in both warm and cold regions. It has a high allicin content — the compound responsible for garlic's pungent taste and aroma — and is also rich in antioxidants such as phenols and flavonoids.

The variety also offers excellent storage life, large individual cloves and roots that separate relatively easily at harvest, making it convenient to work with.

The green tinge sometimes visible at the tip of the cloves is a varietal characteristic of Hongsan, reflecting its high chlorophyll content, and does not indicate any quality problem, the agency said.

"We will continue to expand the distribution of superior domestically bred varieties like Hongsan," said Lee Seok-hyeong, head of the agency. "We hope many farmers who wish to grow it will take an interest and apply."