A production facility at Gyeongbuk Science University's food factory. [Gyeongbuk Science University]
A production facility at Gyeongbuk Science University's food factory. [Gyeongbuk Science University]

The food factory operated by Gyeongbuk Science University ranked first in sales among all university-run enterprises nationwide in fiscal year 2025, topping both four-year universities and two-year colleges.

According to university disclosure platform Daehak Allimi, the factory posted sales of 14.13 billion won ($10.5 million) in fiscal year 2025, making it the top-earning university enterprise in the country.

The factory had already claimed the top national ranking last year, and in June it surpassed $3 million in cumulative exports.

Founded in 1996, the factory has commercialized traditional food products — including persimmon vinegar — based on university research, supplying them through its own distribution network and to major food companies.

Nearly three decades of manufacturing expertise have translated into a strong track record in original equipment manufacturing and original design manufacturing.

Key partners include Kwangdong Pharmaceutical, IL Dong Pharmaceutical, Yuhan, Sempio, Lotte Chilsung Beverage, Nonghyup Hongsam, CJ Wellcare and HK inno.N, for whom the factory produces hangover-relief drinks, health functional foods, and red ginseng and vitamin beverages. In 2023, it began OEM production of Kwangdong Pharmaceutical's Vita500 and Heotgae Power lines.

The factory received a specialized health functional food manufacturing license from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2004 and the following year was designated the country's first liquid-formulation facility to receive Good Manufacturing Practice certification for health functional foods.

It holds GMP certification from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, ISO 9001:2015 certification, FDA food facility registration, and HACCP certification, along with eight food patents and patent applications covering persimmon vinegar production methods and fermentation strains.

Last year, the factory steadily expanded its export reach — shipping its persimmon vinegar drink Gamsikcho Fiber to Vietnam, Japan, China and the United States in January, exporting Cham Hongsam and Cham Dongchunghacho via ODM to Vietnam in March, and sending its hangover-relief drink Zero One to Vietnam through ODM in November.

Gamsikcho Fiber, the factory's flagship product, has established itself as a health drink containing 2,500 milligrams of dietary fiber, built on 30 years of accumulated manufacturing expertise.

"The persimmon vinegar fermentation technology and liquid-formulation production capabilities we have built over 30 years have earned the trust of leading domestic companies," said Kim Jae-gyu, president of the Gyeongbuk Science University food factory. "On the strength of rigorous quality control and a stable production system, we have surpassed $3 million in exports, and we will push beyond Southeast Asia to open up the North American market."

University President Jeong Eun-jae said the school would continue to strengthen a virtuous cycle in which sustained growth and revenue from its university enterprise contribute to the institution's finances, with the proceeds reinvested in student education, scholarships and community development so that the university and the region can grow together.


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com