From History,

• In an agriculture book of 1825, Joseon Dynasty, there is a statement saying “Rice from Icheon has good quality.”
• In 1490, the King Seongjong tasted Icheon rice while staying here for visiting family’s graves, and after then Icheon rice became the presenting rice to kings. (Written by the government official, Bok Seungjeong).
• In folk songs of Icheon, “Banga Taryeong” and “Jajin Banga”, there are lyrics that go “The special land for cultivating rice for kings. This area started cultivating the early-ripening rice long time ago and the rice was presented to kings because of the high quality.

Regional Conditions

With all the natural advantages, Icheon is the area of producing rice with the high quality. (Written by Prof. Gwangho Kim and 3 others from Konkuk Univ.)

Climate

Wile remaining the level of appropriate climate, the temperature is lower than other areas with the large amount of sunlight and the wide daily temperature range. They are all contributors to the quality of rice.

Soil

Moderately coarse texture with a good balance of clay and sand, perfect for taking nourishment

Water

88% of the farmers use clean underground water containing Mg, which improves the taste of rice.

Characteristics

In the ancient geographical history book at the time of the King Seongjong, Donggukyeojiseungram, Icheon was mentioned as a famous place for rice with the natural advantages. So, due to those advantages, If the same variety of rice is planted in Icheon and other area, the rice in Icheon tastes better usually. The reasons are as follows.

• First, Clean water. Approximately 88% of the farmers use clean underground water for farming. The quality of water in Icheon has been proved as most of the breweries and soy sauce factories are located in Icheon. (OB Beer, Jinro Soju, Haetae Drinks, Saempyo Soy Sauce)
• Second, Climate advantageIcheon is located in a basin, the center of the inland Korea. Because of the wide daily temperature range, the rice from this region has a high quality. Also the large amount of sunshine during the fruiting season makes Icheon a perfect place for rice.
• Third, Fertile soil. The secret of Icheon rice lies on its fertile soil. Because of grayish brown clay from granite gneiss and sand soil, it is easier to control the water and provide enough nourishment until the late stage of growth and development.

Details

Also, Icheon Rice contains less calorie, fat, protein which all degrade the taste, while containing a relatively higher amount of thiamin, niacin, vitamins and essential amino acid which improve the taste. Therefore the taste of rice is much better than other varieties from other regions, even until March or April in the next year.

Continuous awards winning rice

2001~ 2003

Recognized as the most popular brand from the brand power survey in the exhibition by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Imgeumnimpyo Icheon rice won the honorable prize, “Prime Minister Prize”, for two years in a row.

2004

Excellence Award from Korea Regional Innovation Contest (by the Minister of the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry) Ranked in the first place of Korea Brand Olympic Rice (The Institute for Industrial Policy Studies) * Corporation Category - Samsung * Banking Category - KB Bank * Rice Category - Icheon Rice

2005

Grand Prize of National Brand (Economic Review)

Brand Power No.1 “Imgeumnimpyo Rice”

According to survey of 1,000 households in Seoul about the consumer preferences about rice quality by the Agrarian Development Office, Icheon’s “Imgeumnimpyo Rice” has the highest level of popularity among consumers. (released by Hankook Daily, February 25, 2003)

Where to buy Icheon Rice

You could buy Icheon Rice of good quality and taste here.