Three Ulsan firms designated as 'village enterprises' for second half of 2026

Three Ulsan-based village enterprises were selected in the Ministry of Interior and Safety's 2026 second-half village enterprise development project — two redesignations and one upgrade.

Village enterprises are community-led local businesses in which residents use local resources to generate income, address community issues and create jobs. Ulsan currently has 49 designated village enterprises. These companies receive tailored support according to their stage of growth: new designation (first round), redesignation (second round) and upgrade (third round).

The two Ulsan enterprises redesignated this half are Ulsan Ongari Madang, an agricultural corporation in Onyang-eup, Ulju-gun, and Ganjeolgot Tomato Cooperative, based in Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun — each receiving 30 million won ($22,100) in project funding. Aroma Factory Huiro, located in Jeonha-dong, Dong-gu, was selected for the upgrade designation and will receive 20 million won.

Alongside this, the companies will receive tailored support to strengthen their self-sufficiency, including priority purchasing by public institutions, professional management consulting and promotional support.

Ulsan Ongari Madang launched as a new village enterprise in 2022 before earning its redesignation. The company has operated healing and experiential programs for vulnerable groups, drawing on local resources such as the traditional onggi pottery village and pear orchards in the area.

Ganjeolgot Tomato Cooperative jointly produces and sells tomatoes by leveraging the distinctive local conditions around Ganjeolgot and Hwajong-ri, including sea breezes and sunlight. Through this redesignation, the cooperative plans to build out its tomato production facilities and expand its sales channels.

Aroma Factory Huiro started as a new village enterprise in 2021, earned a redesignation in 2022 and has now been designated an upgraded village enterprise. The company develops soaps and fragrance products using resources unique to Dong-gu, including pine, seaweed and roses.