Selected as an exemplary small and medium-sized business owner at the '2025 Chungcheongbuk-do Small and Medium Business Owners' Conference' and received a commendation from the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

34 Years of Sole Dedication to 'Seedling Potting Soil' Production… A Company Enriching AgricultureDiversifying Products Based on Accumulated TechnologyContributing to Agricultural Development with Artificial Lightweight Potting Soil Product LineExpanded Factory Last Year… Laying the Foundation for a New Leap Forward“Nongkyung began on August 17, 1991, in a small greenhouse in the countryside, engraving the fundamental principles of faithfulness to basics, practice of responsibility, and humble harmony in our hearts, with the sole determination to create truly high-quality potting soil. Now, marking our 34th anniversary, we have grown into a leading company in the potting soil industry.”Koo Ja-kyun, CEO of Nongkyung Co., Ltd., introduced the company by stating, “Nongkyung is a company that has pursued universal values ​​to benefit farmers and agriculture, going beyond the founding purpose of ‘making agriculture more enriching.’”According to him, the starting point of Nongkyung was when Chairman Koo Chang-hoe, the company’s founder and CEO Koo Ja-kyun’s father, established a base in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province in 1991 and began selling horticultural potting soil in sacks.Growing into the No. 1 company in the pottingsoil industry, we have researched and developed a diverse range of productsbased on technology accumulated over 34 years of dedication to this field. This was done to meet the demand for seedling soil driven by the scientific advancement of farming and the expansion of greenhouse horticulture, ensuring that farmers can confidently select and use suitable soil for any crop, anytime, anywhere.Furthermore, we develop and supply uniform, safe, and easy-to-use products using carefully selected, clean raw materials.According to CEO Koo, potting soil was developed in the 1980s to address the realities of agriculture and began to be widely distributed in the 1990s.This contributed to improving the productivity and efficiency of farms, and it was during this period that a select few companies, including Nongkyung, established the standards for potting soil today.In particular, it is said that while product quality varied due to differences in specifications among companies in the early days of the domestic potting soil business, Nongkyung's potting soil became the standard model as products became standardized as they are today.CEO Koo explained, "During this process, Nongkyung's potting soil products, specifically 'Wonjo Mix' and 'Dubaena,' provided significant assistance in terms of safety and convenience to the front lines of horticultural farming, ultimatelycontributing to increased income through high yields."Indeed, the distribution of Nongkyung's artificial lightweight potting soil product line since the 2000s is recognized as having contributed to the development of Korean agriculture by creating more robust and stable seedbeds.Currently, Nongkyung has grown into the number one company in the potting soil industry, with sales exceeding 32 billion won (as of 2024).Last year, for carbon neutrality... By completing a new factory equipped with process lines for environmental improvement and digital transformation, the company has laid the foundation for a new leap forward.“I will build a company that gives hope to agriculture.”CEO Koo Ja-kyun, who leads the agricultural corporation Mushgro Co., Ltd. alongside Nongkyung, was selected last year as Korea’s first Agricultural Meister in the button mushroom sector.He operates the country’s largest button mushroom farm (approximately 30,000 pyeong). Mushgro directly manages every process, from substrate production for button mushroom cultivation to packaging facilities, andis the only facility in Korea to hold both Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification and GAP facility certification.“Farming firsthand has taught me a great deal.Watching crops grow while caring for them with dedication day after day is by no means an easy task.I cannot help but keenly feel the immense effort farmers pour into cultivating their crops.” Given his deep understanding of Nongshim, CEO Koo’s resolve is exceptional.“While there is the joy of the harvest, the process is accompanied by numerous difficulties, and worries and concerns never cease due to unexpected variables,” CEO Koo stated. He expressed his commitment, saying, “Because I understand the hearts of farmers, I will put my heart and soul into making high-quality products.”He continued, “I extend my deep gratitude to the farmers and partner companies who have served as a great pillar of support, helping us overcome adversity and hardship throughout Nongkyung’s 34-year history.” He added,“Moving forward, we will continue to prioritize farmers and insist on using only stable raw materials to consistently dedicate ourselves to producing high-quality potting soil.True to the meaning of the name ‘Nongkyung,’ we will build a company that brings hope to agriculture.”

Chungcheong Today - Yeo Myeong-gu's Fun Fun Story CEO Koo Ja-kyun Advances Potting Soil Manufacturing Technology into Export Technology... A New Model for Agricultural Innovation -Chungcheong Today-

Agriculture is the oldest industry directly linked to human survival, but it is creating new value through convergence with modern technology. In particular, the potting soil industry has established itself as a core sector responsible for the early growth of crops, while solidifying the foundations of agriculture.Potting soil is not merely ordinary soil, but a customized artificial growing medium that provides the nutrients and optimal environment necessary for crop germination and growth, developed using advanced technology and sustainable resources. Korea's potting soil industry is now attracting attention not only domestically but also in the global market, becoming a driving force leading the future of world agriculture through technological innovation and quality control. At the center of this transformation is Nongkyung Co., Ltd.Based on 34 years of accumulated know-how, Nongkyung is leading the industry with a quality-oriented management philosophy and customized product development. Nongkyung Co., Ltd., playing an innovative role in various fields such as smart agriculture, urban agriculture, and the landscaping industry, is redefining the paradigm of future agriculture with the goal of global standardization of potting soil technology.What is the background of the family business succession?While studying abroad in Canada, I earned money for tuition and ran a small-scale media venture with my peers. At the time, we operated a social commerce business; since this was before the introduction of the iPhone, it was a period when people printed out coupons to use. Around the time of graduation, I returned home at my father's request, wrapped up my business, and joined the family business. I was able to naturally maintain a connection with the company by taking on work related to the raw materials my father used to import. I became familiar with the family business from a young age by helping my father with tasks such as unloading raw materials on weekends, and based on this foundation, I began to participate in management in earnest.What is the significance of winning the Presidential Award for Technology Innovation?This Presidential Commendation at the '2024 SME Technology Management Innovation Exhibition' is the result of being recognized for my contributions to agricultural development through the development of potting soil and technological innovation. I believe this award is the result of recognizing my father's achievements in dedicating 34 years to the development of potting soil, rather than being a result of my own or the company's contributions. Korean agriculture has moved beyond the period of relying on imported agricultural products, and thanks to the development of potting soil, domestic production has become possible, thereby enabling economic independence and sustainability. I am very proud to be able to make my father's contributions known to society through this award.What is the difference between potting soil and ordinary soil? Potting soil is not simply natural soil, but an artificial cultivation soil based on natural raw materials such as coco peat (crushed coconut shells) and peat moss.It provides an optimal environment that aids seed germination and early root growth with excellent breathability, drainage, and moisture retention. This lowers the germination failure rate and increases productivity. Potting soil is utilized for various purposes, including urban farming, home gardening, and the cultivation of high-quality crops, and is essential as a basic material for agriculture.What is the secret to Nongkyung Co., Ltd.'s growth?The secret to Nongkyung Co., Ltd.'s success lies in its quality-centered management philosophy and thorough quality control system.Data is managed using barcodes from the time raw materials are received, and production is initiated only after analysis by the laboratory. It started at 6th place in the industry, but after leaping to 1st place in 6 years, it has maintained that position to this day. Based on quality stability and customer trust, it has established itself as the most preferred brand among farmers.The main application areas of Sangto Co., Ltd. are...Sangto is utilized throughout the agricultural and horticultural industries. Demand is increasing not only in nurseries and smart farms but also in urban agriculture (rooftop gardens, veranda gardening) and the landscaping industry (parks, golf courses). High-quality potting soil is an essential material for enhancing agricultural productivity by optimizing the initial growth environment for crops and enabling customized design.Moving beyond the conventional export of potting soil, we aim to provide solutions tailored to the agricultural environments of each country by developing customized soil utilizing local resources. We are entering the global market through technology transfer and the establishment of localized production systems. We are currently forming a cooperation consortium centered on the Southeast Asian region and plan to expand by integrating the region's unique natural resources with our data and technology.How is the connection with smart agriculture projects progressing?Smart agriculture is a core future strategy for Nongkyung Co., Ltd. Recently, we have been implementing a convergence model between urban areas and agriculture by participating in an urban agriculture project utilizing a closed underpass in Daejeon.In addition, the smart agriculture ecosystem is being expanded through various community-based cooperative projects, such as the scallion cultivation smart farm project in Yesan-gun.These collaborations are contributing to the digital transformation and sustainability of agriculture.What is Nongkyung Co., Ltd.'s competitive edge?Nongkyung possesses differentiated competitiveness through customized potting soil manufacturing technology, the use of eco-friendly materials, and a digital quality management system. We maintain stable quality through strict quality control throughout the entire production process and possess the technology to provide optimal growth conditions for various crops. Our customized solutions, based on 34 years of data and know-how, have earned the great trust of farmers.What are your key plans for next year?2025 will be the inaugural year of Nongkyung Co., Ltd.'s overseas expansion. At the same time, we plan to advance smart agriculture-related technologies and maximize potting soil productivity by efficiently utilizing the newly constructed production line. In particular, we plan to expand our R&D workforce and broaden our smart farming solutions in cooperation with local agriculture. Through this, we aim to further strengthen our position in domestic and international markets.Finally, I would like to say thatagriculture is more than just food production; it is a vital industry that maintains the environment and ecosystems and is directly linked to human life. Potting soil is the first step in agriculture and the most basic foundation that helps seeds grow healthily. I have strived to further develop this potting soil, viewing it not merely as a product but as an essential element for agricultural advancement.It was meaningful to be able to share Nongkyung Co., Ltd.'s technological capabilities, philosophy, and future direction through this interview. In particular, I hope that more people will understand the value and role of potting soil. Nongkyung Co., Ltd. will continue to prioritize quality and do its utmost to realize smart and sustainable agriculture based on the trust of farmers and customers.With the belief that "the development of agriculture is national competitiveness," we will promote Korean potting soil technology not only in the domestic agricultural sector but also in the global agricultural market, and contribute to creating a better future. We ask for your continued interest and support. 

Chungbuk Regional SME and Venture Agency Outstanding SME Entrepreneur Award

Nongkyung Co., Ltd. is a women-friendly partner company that strives to actively recruit female talent and create a favorable working environment and corporate culture for female employees.

Dec. 4, 2024 Awarded the Minister of Employment and Labor Award for Agricultural Job Creation

[Reporter Han Ik-hwan] On the 18th, Koo Ja-kyun, CEO of Nongkyung Co., Ltd., visited the Jincheon County Office with his wife, Executive Director Shim Yoon-hee, and donated 1,200 kg of rice (worth approximately 4.2 million won).CEO Koo stated, "I hope this rice donation will be of at least some help to rice farmers," adding, "I hope that such small actions by individuals and companies will become the driving force for mutual prosperity with marginalized neighbors."Meanwhile, CEO Koo Ja-kyun of Nongkyung Co., Ltd. received the "Presidential Commendation" in the Technology Innovation category at the 2024 SME Technology and Management Innovation Exhibition (K-INNO SHOW 2024) held on the 14th.CEO Koo expressed his sentiments, saying, "We will continue our happy journey together through the practice of sharing with the local community, and Nonggyeong will strive to consistently carry out corporate social contribution activities." Nongkyung wasselected as an "Outstanding Company for Job Creation in Jincheon County" as it has grown from a 34-year-old homegrown agricultural materials company into a new innovative enterprise.Through this, continuous job creation is taking place in the local community. 

[ Chungcheong Today Reporter Kim Jin-ro] Nongkyung Co., Ltd., which has established itself as an industry leader by exclusively manufacturing "potting soil"—a critical agricultural material—for over 30 years, has laid the groundwork for a leap forward. According to Nongkyung on the 25th, a completion ceremony for its new factory was held this morning in Deoksan-eup, Jincheon-gun, under the slogan "30 Years of Pioneering, 50 Years of Leaping Forward" to mark a new era of growth. Nongkyung hasestablished itself as a leader in the potting soil industry by manufacturing and selling potting soil for rice, horticulture, and specialized soils for various crops.Not content with this, Nongkyung embarked on the construction of a new factory to develop optimal potting soils for an even wider variety of crops.The newly completed factory, built as an integrated facility, was constructed on a 99,000 cubic meter (30,000 pyeong) site in Deoksan-eup, Jincheon-gun, North Chungcheong Province.This factory is drawing attention because it has established production lines for environmental improvement and digital transformation aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. This is interpreted as reflecting Nongkyung's management philosophy of striving to create the highest quality and a new corporate innovation transformation based on ESG management guidelines.At the completion ceremony, Nongkyung CEO Koo Ja-kyun stated, "For 34 years, Nongkyung has walked alongside farmers as an industry leader, manufacturing only 'potting soil,' the most basic and essential agricultural material." He added,"By capturing the preciousness of this land and connecting nature and people, Nongkyung has not merely sold potting soil but has delivered the dreams and values ​​of agriculture to farmers."CEO Koo continued, "We will discard the old clothes we have worn and put on new ones to build a sustainable company for over 100 years to come." He expressed his aspirations, saying,"Nongkyung will strengthen R&D to create new sources of revenue and devote its full efforts to developing new products. In particular, we dare to boast that our potting soil technology is the best in the world, andwe want to create a new paradigm of exporting technology."Since its founding in 1991, Nongkyung has been a homegrown agricultural materials company that has walked a single path driven solely by the passion to create the best potting soil in Korea.For the past 33 years, we have produced potting soil for rice cultivation, horticultural potting soil, compost, etc., providing the highest quality products and services in the country.As a result, our flagship product, potting soil, has ranked first in domestic production and sales nationwide since 2015.

[Reporter Kim Hyun-sook] Nongkyung Co., Ltd. has completed the construction of a new factory, introducing a new production line by implementing a smart factory through digital transformation for the first time in the industry.Located on a 99,000 m³ (30,000 pyeong) site in Deoksan-eup, Jincheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Nongkyung has established a new integrated factory. For 34 years, the company hasbeen a leader in the industry, manufacturing only "potting soil," a fundamental agricultural material, and has been loved by farmers. Since its founding in 1991, Nongkyung has been Korea's premier homegrown agricultural materials company,providing top-tier products and services by producing potting soil for rice, horticulture, special soils for specific crops, and compost. Having built this facility through a significant capital investment for a small and medium-sized enterprise , the company is establishing the highest quality and driving a new corporate innovation transformationby implementing environmental improvements for carbon neutrality based on ESG management guidelines and reconstructing production lines through digital transformation . Following Chairman Koo Chang-hoe, who founded Nongkyung Co., Ltd., the second-generation CEO Koo Ja-kyun stated, "I will cast off the old clothes I have worn for 33 years, put on new ones, and establish a sustainable company capable of lasting another 100 years," and expressed his ambition to "develop the company into the world's best potting soil company and create an agricultural materials platform for advanced agricultural nations."

The Chungbuk Branch of the Korea Association of Technology Innovation in SMEs (hereinafter referred to as the InnoBiz Association Chungbuk Branch) held its 17th Regular General Meeting and the launch ceremony for the "K-Digital Platform Project."The event, held on the 3rd at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Plaza Cheongju Hotel,was attended by approximately 200 guests, including invited dignitaries such as Chungcheongbuk-do Governor Kim Young-hwan, Chungcheongbuk-do Provincial Council Chairman Hwang Young-ho, Chungcheongbuk-do Superintendent of Education Yoon Gun-young, and Cheongju University President Cha Cheon-soo, as well as member companies. The "Chungbuk-type K-Digital Platform Project" is a joint initiative between the InnoBiz Association Chungbuk Branch and Cheongju University, running for five years starting in 2023.A platform space will be established within the Cheongju University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation (Future Creation Hall) and opened to local residents.Additionally, the project plans to organize education and training programs in "AI, Cloud, and Aviation Drones" and recruits participating companies and job seekers.Notably, awards for meritorious service in technological innovation were presented at the event.The recipients are▷ The Minister of SMEs and Startups Award was presented to CEO Ahn Byeong-man of Ju Geon-ju, CEOPark Gyu-sik of Bugang ENS, and CEO Gu Ja-gyun of Nongkyung. ▷ The Governor of Chungcheongbuk-do Award was presented to CEO Jang Yeon-suk of Daeil Mulsan, CEO Lee Yun-jeong of Myeongjeon Bio, CEO Nam Geon-woo of SG EMD Co., Ltd., CEO Kim Min-ki of Hyein Electric, Research Director Park Chan of KIS, Director Hong Yang-hee of the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation of Cheongju University, Secretary GeneralKang Jin-ah of the Chungbuk Branch of the InnoBiz Association, and Chief Ham Ji-ho of the Chungbuk Institute of Science and Technology Innovation.Following this, the following individuals received awards: ▷Chungbuk Provincial Council Chairman's Award: CEO Lee Ho-gyu of Beunique, CEO Jang Seok-won of BI-LAND Co., Ltd., Research Director Lee Chang-ho of Changmyung Control Technology Co., Ltd., Manager Jeong Chang-il of Beauty Cosmetics, and AssistantManager Kim Hyo-jin of Geumjin; ▷Cheongju Mayor's Award: CEO Lee Kyung-hee of Korea Pulp, CEO Kim Ui-tae of DSC, and CEO Jang Bu-sik of CNA Biotech; ▷Chungbuk Regional Small and Medium Business AdministrationDirector's Award: CEO Kim Tae-young of N-Light Co., Ltd., Vice President Han Jong-pil of Blue Mount Technology, and Head of Division Yoon Ja-kyung of JBcom. In addition, the following received awards:▷Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office Cheongju Branch Director's Award: CEO Choi Jae-il of Sanjeon Precision; ▷Chungbuk Regional Public Procurement Service Director's Award: CEO Oh Mi-soon of Design Pencil;▷INNOBI Association Chairman's Award: Department Head Jeong Hwan of the Korea Human Resources Development Service Chungbuk Branch, Professor Hong Seong-woong of Cheongju University, and Senior Researcher Cho Jung-man of Cheongju University .

The Chungbuk Branch of the InnoBiz Association (Chairman Lim Hyung-taek) held a donation ceremony on the 4th at the Jinggeumdari Happiness Sharing Center to deliver 500kg of rice and "Three Families Under One Roof: Bread of Love" to vulnerable local groups.Chairman Lim Hyung-taek stated, "It is meaningful that the Chungbuk Branch of the InnoBiz Association and Jinggeumdari could come together," adding, "I hope we can become a stepping stone for the region and provide at least some small help to the vulnerable."The 500kg of rice donated on this day consists of products from companies participating in the "Donghaeng Festival," organized by the Chungbuk Regional Office of SMEs and Startups, and is scheduled to be delivered to vulnerable local groups.

<Anchor>Since the story of the family with twins was reported on CJB News, a wave of support has continued to pour in.The couple expressed their gratitude once again, promising to raise their twins well.Reporter Ahn Jeong-eun reports.<Report>Governor Kim Young-hwan visited Chungbuk National University Hospital, where the couple with twins is staying. He cameto check on the health of the mother undergoing rehabilitation and to cheer on the couple.Chungcheongbuk-do Province, with the cooperation of the Korea Population and Health Association, raised 8.31 million won in donations, delivering the sentiments on behalf of 73 sponsors.<Interview> Kim Young-hwan / Governor:"With the belief that if you give birth to children, the state will raise them, I am renewing my resolve to focus on care and create a province that is good for having and raising children."The twins' father's workplace and the Nonghyup Chungbuk Headquarters also delivered donations, wishing for the family's happiness.<Interview> Koo Ja- kyun / CEO of Nongkyung Co., Ltd.: "Our company will work hard to support you in every way possible, just like family. Please never lose hope, complete your rehabilitation well until the end, and become wonderful parents. "<Interview> Hwang Jong-yeon / Head of NongHyup Bank Chungbuk Headquarters: "Our Chungbuk NongHyup employees have collected donations to deliver this. We pray for the mother's speedy recovery and ask for the participation of many organizations and institutions."<Silk>With inquiries for sponsorship pouring in from across the country, the fundraising for the family of twin doubles has been transferred to the Chungbuk Community Chest, and plans are underway to open a designated donation account soon.<Interview> Lee Ye-won / Father of Twin Doubles: "Thank you for your immense love and support. We will do our best to recover quickly so we can be back with our children as soon as possible."The entire village is empathizing with the pain of this family, gathering warm hearts little by little to convey great hope.This is Ahn Jeong-eun from CJB.

NH NongHyup Bank Chungbuk Headquarters (Head Hwang Jong-yeon, third from the left in the front row of the photo) selected Nongkyung Co., Ltd. (CEO Koo Ja-gyun, second from the left in the front row), a local agricultural materials company, as an "Outstanding PartnerCompany" and pledged its partnership. On the 15th, the Chungbuk Headquarters visited Nongkyung in Deoksan-eup, Jincheon-gun, and held a plaque unveiling ceremonyfor the "Outstanding Partner Company." The Outstanding Partner Company designation is a system designed to support the growth of local businesses by strengthening financial support for companies that do business with NongHyup Bank and have contributed to the regional economy.Nongkyung opened its doors as Nongkyung Industrial Co. in 1991 and has achieved continuous innovation for over 20 years. In particular, it has contributed to agricultural development by supplying high-quality farming materials, such as topsoil for rice and horticulture and compost,under its own brand "Dubaena" to Nonghyup Economic Holdings and regional agricultural cooperatives nationwide.CEO Koo Ja-gyun stated, "We will be reborn as an eco-friendly company that contributes to improving agricultural productivity and leads a culture of safe and wholesome food."