- Visit the world of Paju Jangdan Bean at Imjingak Square from November 20 to 22, 2009! -
Paju Jangdan Bean Festival, the nation’s only bean festival and Paju’s leading festival, will be held at Imjingak Square for three days from November 20 to 22, 2009, under the theme of “A Premium Well-Being Product, the Paju Jangdan Bean!”
This year marks the 13th anniversary of the Festival, which is held each November when beans are harvested. Over the years, the number of visitors to the festival has shown a dramatic increase, to the point where it is now one of Korea’s leading festivals. Last year’s festival was visited by over 0.8 million participants, and recorded revenue of more than KRW 7 billion.
Beans are 40% protein, 20% vegetable fat, and 35% carbohydrates. Notably, beans contain 122 times the calcium, 26 times the phosphorus and 16 times the iron of rice, and are good for their anti-aging effects, anti-obesity effects, blood pressure control, and brain development, as well as being beneficial for patients with diabetes, cancer, or osteoporosis.
Paju Jangdan beans contain higher isoflavone levels and a better flavor than beans cultivated in other areas. The followings are some related research results.
■ Results of Analysis on Functional Materials of Beans
(Source: Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research & Extension Services, 2003)
| Item | Isoflavones (per kg) | Protein (per 100g) | Weight (Per 100 Beans) | | Jangdan Bean | 2.354mg | 41.7g | 27.0g |
| Honam Bean | 1.693mg | 40.3g | 25.1g | | Yeongnam Bean | 4.466mg | 39.0g | 25.9g |
※ Characteristics: Shining like gold, thin-skinned, rich and sweet taste, and rich in isoflavones
■ What are isoflavones?
Isoflavones are the most important functional material contained in beans. Isoflavones prevent breast cancer, osteoporosis and prostate cancer, eases symptoms of menopause and improve the memory.
Jangdan beans have long been cultivated in the Korean peninsula, and Paju is rich in wild beans. Jangdan Baekmok was selected as the nation’s first crop, and their cultivation was first encouraged in 1913. In 1969, Gwanggyo, the nation’s first artificially crossed crop, was developed thanks to the efforts of the City of Paju. The reputation that they have today has been built since a bean-growing village was built in the area located north of the Civil Control Line in 1970.
This year’s festival focuses on promoting the bean culture created through the insights of our ancestors, and the excellent efficacy of Paju Jangdan beans. The festival will feature “Alcong Madang,” at which visitors can directly experience the excellence and differentiating factors of Jangdan beans; “Dalcong Madang,” where visitors can taste diverse dishes made from Jangdan beans; “Nolcong Madang,” which offers a range of experience programs for visiting families, including a traditional experience center, mini Meju making experience, traditional Sundubu making at Gamasot and Jangdan Bean Photo Contest; and “Eoul Madang,” where diverse cultural and arts programs including trot concerts are presented.
This year’s festival introduces a Meju making experience, Meju making by celebrities and a Bean Hill Opening Ceremony, and Miss Korea 2009 has been appointed as the ambassador of the festival to promote Paju Jangdan beans.
The festival will also feature a Jangdan Bean Bibimbab Tasting Event, at which more than 2,000 participants can taste Jangdan Bean Bibimbab at the same time. A national cooking contest will be held on the theme of the Paju Jangdan bean, to promote the consumption of Paju Jangdan beans by introducing diverse recipes.
Most notably, this year’s festival focuses on customer-centric operations. To promote the rigorous quality management of its premium agricultural product, the Paju Jangdan bean, the City of Paju operates a strict production record management system that covers the whole life cycle of beans, from sowing to harvesting. A recall system is applied to agricultural products purchased at the festival site, in order to improve customer satisfaction.
The festival can also be differentiated from other festivals in terms of customer-centered services. For visitor convenience, free delivery services will be provided. If visitors purchase premium agricultural goods from Paju at the Agricultural Product Market, the purchased goods are delivered to the parking lot for free.
A spokesperson for the City of Paju said, “Visitors can not only buy beans, but also get other agricultural products at prices lower than the market value. We hope to develop the Paju Jangdan Bean Festival from a simple market into a global festival that features many things to see and enjoy, and we would humbly ask for the participation of Paju residents in this effort.”
For inquiries about Paju Jangdan Bean Festival, which is to be held at Imjingak from November 20 to 22, 2009, please contact G&G Paju (☎ 82-31-940-5283).
■ Website of Paju Jangdan Bean Festival
○ Contact: Agriculture Experience Team, Agriculture Promotion Division, Paju City ☎ 82-31-940-5283 |
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