34 Years of Sole Dedication to 'Seedling Potting Soil' Production… A Company Enriching Agriculture
Diversifying Products Based on Accumulated Technology
Contributing to Agricultural Development with Artificial Lightweight Potting Soil Product Line
Expanded 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 potting
soil industry, we have researched and developed a diverse range of products
based 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, ultimately
contributing 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, and
is 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.”