Cheongsong-gun opens produce market with first auction of 2026 apple crop

Cheongsong-gun in North Gyeongsang Province kicked off this year's apple distribution season Tuesday with the first auction of the 2026 fresh apple crop at its agricultural produce market.

The Cheongsong-gun Agricultural Produce Market, a reliable sales channel for local farmers each year, successfully conducted the opening bid for the 2026 harvest amid a lively atmosphere.

A total of 1,419 boxes — each weighing 20 kilograms — of varieties including Aori and Hongro went under the hammer at the first auction, with all lots sold through brisk bidding by wholesale buyers.

The average hammer price for the first 2026 apples came to 100,632 won ($72) per box, signaling a smooth start to the season.

"We will do our utmost to operate the market more fairly and efficiently so that the 2026 apples receive a fair valuation and reach consumers across the country in the freshest condition possible," Cheongsong-gun Mayor Yun Gyeong-hui said.