Auctioneers inspect dried peeled persimmons, known as “gotgam,” in Hamyang, a town in South Korea’s southeast province of South Gyeongsang, on Dec. 7, 2023, as they take part in this year’s first auction for the Korean delicacy.
HAMYANG, Dec. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – Hamyang dried persimmons, known as “gotgam” or dried peeled persimmons, once praised by King Gojong as a delicacy, have made their inaugural appearance at an auction.
Renowned for their exquisite taste and historical significance as offerings to various kings during the Joseon Dynasty, they were affectionately dubbed “Gojongshi,” signifying Emperor Gojong’s fondness for these sweet persimmons.
Originating from Hamyang-gun, Gyeongnam, these dried persimmons undergo natural drying processes facilitated by the refreshing winds from the deep valleys of Jirisan and Deokyusan.
Celebrated for their high sugar content and tender flesh, they have become a coveted winter delicacy. The premiere auction of the year took place at a persimmon auction center in Hamyang.
On the afternoon of November 16, Gojongshi dried persimmons, also known as “Gojong’s favorite delicacy,” are air-dried at a farm in Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam.
During the auction, the average price for 1 jeob (equivalent to 100 dried persimmons) reached 76,800 won. This figure significantly surpasses last year’s average auction price of 37,300 won at a comparable time, reflecting a noteworthy increase.
The highest bid for a single Gojongsi reached an impressive 153,000 won.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
