Hwangnam bread, a beloved Korean treat, gained international attention when Chinese President Xi Jinping praised it during the APEC summit in Gyeongju last year. Following this, President Lee Jae-myung presented Xi with the bread, which he enjoyed, leading to a surge in popularity among Chinese tourists. In an effort to highlight and utilize local ingredients, a collaboration was announced between Boeun County and Hwangnam Bread on November 18, focusing on the development of Boeun beans, a key ingredient for the iconic bread.

As part of the partnership, Boeun County will work on creating a stable supply chain for the beans, improving quality, and expanding contracts with local farmers. In return, Hwangnam Bread will support the distribution of bean seeds and commit to purchasing the entire yield from regional farms. Starting this year, it is expected that seven local farms will supply around 25 tons of beans, which will be used exclusively for Hwangnam bread. This initiative not only promotes local agricultural products but also aims to boost the local economy and enhance the reputation of Boeun's agricultural sector.

The collaboration comes as farmers like 최주현 (Choi Juhyun), who has already begun supplying beans to Hwangnam Bread, actively participate in the program. Hwangnam Bread, established in 1939, has focused on using domestic red beans and annually utilizes over 300 tons sourced from various farms. Both the CEO of Hwangnam Bread and the mayor of Boeun expressed their commitment to supporting local farmers and enhancing the traditional food industry. This partnership highlights the significance of regional ingredients in national products and could serve as a model for similar agricultural initiatives across Korea.