Korea Intellectual Property Office registers 'Jangseong Lemon' under geographic indication certification mark for origin and quality
County chief Kim Han-jong vows to develop the fruit into South Korea's premier premium subtropical crop
Jangseong-gun's subtropical fruit, Jangseong Lemon, has secured nationally recognized intellectual property status. The county said Jangseong Lemon was recently registered under the Korea Intellectual Property Office's geographic indication certification mark program.
The registration covers two categories — origin and quality — marking official national recognition of the fruit's quality and geographic reputation. The county expects the certification to strengthen consumer confidence and boost the brand value of Jangseong Lemon.
Particularly notable is that a subtropical fruit grown inland has earned recognition for its geographic characteristics. The certification reflects the payoff of Jangseong-gun's proactive subtropical agriculture policy, which has sought to adapt to climate change.
Lemons are a premium subtropical fruit rich in vitamins, minerals and limonoids — antioxidant compounds — making them beneficial for health and skin care. Because of their strong tartness, they are more commonly used as a cooking ingredient or made into a syrup than eaten fresh.
A key selling point is that lemons are often used with the peel intact. Imported lemons are treated with preservatives and wax, leaving consumers uneasy even after washing. Jangseong Lemon, by contrast, undergoes no chemical treatment, making it safe for all ages and offering superior freshness — which is why it commands a higher price on the market.
Jangseong-gun has long focused on systematically expanding its production base to develop the county into a major lemon-growing hub. It has improved growing conditions by supplying lemon greenhouses, smart farm facilities and low-carbon heating systems, and has distributed specialized cultivation technology to farmers. The county has also worked to build a phased cooperation framework covering farmer research group activities and post-harvest management. Today, it has established a 4-hectare lemon cultivation complex — the largest in South Korea's inland regions.
Securing the geographic indication certification required the county to objectively demonstrate Jangseong Lemon's quality characteristics, reputation and geographic connection. Efforts included quality surveys, supplementing records on cultivation history, reviewing overseas lemon registration cases, and establishing the county's own lemon quality management standards and maintenance protocols.
Jangseong-gun County Chief Kim Han-jong called the registration "a meaningful achievement that has earned official national recognition of Jangseong Lemon's outstanding quality and geographic advantages," adding that the county would "continue to pursue rigorous management and expand retail distribution channels so that it can establish itself as South Korea's premier premium subtropical fruit."
kkm9971@heraldcorp.com
