The local government of North Jeolla-Province (also known as Jeonbuk), located in the southwest of the Korean Peninsula, has been provided with a governmental project to foster its regional industries and companies and to overcome existing business systems by adapting the information technologies such as big data, networking and artificial intelligence. Jeonbuk Digital Convergence Center, as an affiliated center of Jeonbuk TechnoPark, serves as a mainstay for digital transformation of the province. One of its support programs for digitalization of the farming industry – Software Convergence Cluster Project – led to an astounding leap of participant companies. Following are three of the best companies which achieved great performances.

Poultry-specialized Data Management Solution: EMOTION Co., Ltd.

The South Korean poultry industry is moving forward with digitization. A challenging environment with a tough climate control for poultry production and a decrease in farming population led companies to seek technology to increase their production efficiency.

More companies realised that digital tools to bring this efficient and competitive edge are not only the fabric of the buildings, the concrete and the stainless-steel equipment but specialized data management technology and systems can also provide them a cutting edge.

By applying Big Data and IT technology, EMOTION Co., Ltd developed a solution that enables poultry husbandries to monitor the environment, bird behaviours and growth rate supporting more efficient farm performance. KOKOfarm, which started its development in 2017, provides basic operation programs based on big data analysis for average weight, environmental monitoring, and remote control for each farmhouse.

KOKOfarm can be customized for the best growth environment by analyzing and predicting the average weight of the animals in the relay in real time to determine the optimal release date. The electronic device developed by the company collects Qthe weight data 24 hours a day, analyzes it, and calculates the release date through the average weight forecast and prediction. It also has a four-step alarming system for growth-sensitive factors such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and ammonia level, which will establish a more decent environment for the animal’s growth. IoT systems can enable remote-control of operation devices, such as ventilation fan, feeding system, water supply system and light, in the henhouse with a smartphone.

The collected data is also  easily available through each farm’s website or mobile application with visualized graphs so that anyone can grasp the change in average weight, death rate, output statistics and environment at a glance. Having access to this level of data and using this to make informed decisions will allow producers to improve performance as well as help the sector to become more transparent. Quality improvement and labor reduction can be realized by establishing big data according to the growth of the chicken and sharing optimal growth information through analysis and statistics.

This technology when utilised along with poultry husbandry expertise provides a powerful combination. The KOKO farm system has secured reliability through the operation of three private farms and test beds, and is being installed and finally, in 2019, was operated in 52 breeding buildings of Harim Co., Ltd. which is one of the largest companies engaged in the processing of chicken products. The solution has been successfully distributed in 30 farms in different 150 towns in connection with Jeollabuk-do, a metropolitan government, Iksan, Jeongeup, Gimje, and Buan local governments in 2020. The company is gradually upgrading its technology based on the public project, with the help of related support organizations in the region including Jeonbuk TechnoPark.

The Automated Equipment and System for Easier Beekeeping : DAESUNG Co., Ltd.

Bee is one of the main players not only in producing honey but also in enriching the natural ecosystem. Bees are needed to pollinate plants, which results in reproducing plants such as trees and flowers. Therefore, beekeeping (also known as apiculture) is an industry that contributes to nature and the environment. However, the industry was relatively shunned compared to other agricultural industries such as farming, livestock, and fisheries. Of course, there were less investments, further R&D, or little startups.

DAESUNG Co., Ltd in South Korea has stepped foot on this apiculture business with highly-developed technology. The company launched the automated equipment and system, named SMARTHIVE,  for taking out the honeycomb from the beehive, brushing, and stacking.

When a person collects honey, generally three people are required. When one takes out the honeycomb in the hive, the other brushes the honey and collects it. Another person organizes the hive and puts it back in the hive. Honeycombs full of honey weigh from 3kg to 5kg. It is a burdensome weight for an elderly beekeeper to carry, organize, and put it back in. As agriculture workforces are becoming older, the whole working process is becoming more burdensome.

Using the Hive Controller developed by DAESUNG enables workers to easily take out honeycombs from beehives, to brush bees and to stack honeycombs outside beehives in approximately a minute. As it helps simplify complex work steps and is compatible with various sizes of beehives around the world, even a novice can use it alone to extract honey. Its weight is as light as lifted with one hand. With this automated hive controller, beekeeping farms in Korea could reduce working time by 50% compared to the existing products and also cut back the labor cost. The first version of the SMARTHIVE proved its excellence globally by being honored with the Innovation Awards at the CES 2021.

DAESUNG prepares the future for a better life through the development of apiculture with consistent efforts to beekeeping research and development under the brand SMARTHIVE. To that end, the company does not shirk a challenge by providing additional equipment such as a Hornet Trap and Hornet Guard for effective and easy maintenance. It is expected that systematic management developed by DAESUNG will help improve the quality and quantity of the apiculture industry.

Digitalization Made a Milestone for Growth: NJ Company 

NJ Company manufactures and sells disinfectant, deodorizing and peracetic acid products with its own ingredients. By producing alkaline ionized water of the highest quality, the company is leading the disinfectant chemical industry in South Korea.The company continues to research and develop our unique ingredients such as ixeris polycephala extract and alkaline ionized water. The pure alkaline ionized water of pH12.5 is a highly effective cleanser with antibacterial properties. Furthermore, the ixeris polycephala extract is a safe and effective ingredient which is extracted from wild ixeris polycephala and can be used in cosmetics and soap.

The COVID-19 pandemic made global demand for disinfectant soar, which was good news for the company. Unfortunately, the supply could not meet the demand. At that moment, the company posted record monthly production of 5 tons. By adopting digital technology, its monthly production increased by 10 times. This achievement lies in the collaboration with Samsung Electronics and the South Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS). The public support program designed by MSS helped link SMEs with conglomerates. Thanks to the collaboration, the NJ company could make a phenomenal transformation from manufacture to distribution. Now the company is expected to pave the way for even greater growth at the expense of digitalization.

Technopark(TP) system in South Korea started as a networking hub for invigorating local industries, by making synergy among the nurturing enterprises, the central government, and other regional innovative institutions. Each center in different 19 provinces mainly aims to increase the wealth of its community by promoting technological development and the competitiveness of its associated businesses and knowledge-based institutions.

Established in 2010, Jeju TechnoPark, a later starter than most other centers which started in the 2000s, has achieved rapid growth over the past decade. Jeju Technopark aims to improve the industrial development in Jeju-si through technological innovation especially small and medium-sized but highly-potential enterprises. Its main goals are to strengthen R&D support to foster future industries and new businesses which utilize specialized natural resources.

Designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, Jeju Island is full of diverse natural resources of scientific value. Jeju Island is known to be a habitat for about 9,000 species.

Moreover, lava seawater is being used for diverse industries. It is a unique underground water resource of Jeju, which is produced by natural filtration through the volcanic bedrock since the beginning of the Island. It also contains rich minerals and nutritive salts with almost no organic material or pathogens. Through research and development of long hours, its commercial value has been proven.

The technopark is particularly supportive of promoting Biotechnology industries using these unique resources of Jeju Island — from new enterprise initiation, marketing to professional manpower training. Through patent registration and application, it fosters industries such as health functional foods, beverages and cosmetics using resources. Three different certification systems are introduced to construct a brand image made of natural resources, lava seawater, and natural herbs in Jeju Island.

The IT and energy industry are also largely supported by the technopark  — such as Smart Grid, intellectual tourism industry, and electrical vehicles. Smart Grid is a new kind of electric grid, which is built from the bottom up to handle the groundswell of digital and computerized equipment and technology dependent on it. It enables automation and management of the increasing complexity and needs of electricity as an unprecedented opportunity to bring reliability, availability, and efficiency that will contribute to our economic and environmental health.

Here below are companies recommended by the Jeju TechnoPark. They are specialized in manufacturing goods using the natural resources derived from Jeju Island.

Leading Innovation Company in the Solar Energy Industry: Nanoom Energy Inc.

Solar as a natural resource can be an energy for power by converting sunlight into electrical power either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. This energy can be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage. While public interest in renewable energy is growing,  the problem is that the barriers to entry to renewable energy use are very high because installation processes are difficult for individuals to understand and quite time-consuming.

Some companies developed systems that allow ordinary individuals to simulate the construction of solar energy production over the Internet. However, existing-solutions were inaccurate and were not programmed to find the way and recommend to users how to maximize electrical energy production.

In order to deal with these limitations, Nanoom Energy Inc. developed a machine learning solar estimation platform which can calculate more accurate power generation and profits using artificial intelligence. It provides a predicted calculation of azimuth and slope angle which is optimized to produce maximum energy generation. It also gives a predicted calculation of power generation based on existing power generation data, weather data,  and on-site installation conditions.

The company also designed a solar balancing control system which can effectively control solar power systems in real time. It maximizes power generation efficiency and minimizes predicted loss and risk. Nanoom Energy Inc. is expected to draw attention from the globe and to contribute to the development of the solar energy market by providing accurate and detailed analysis. It enables more power plants to be built by maximizing UI/UX-based convenience and securing reliability for solar energy.

Seafood Caught by ‘Hanyeo’: MANJE Fisheries CO-OP

Located in Gimnyeong and famous for its beautiful ports and clean seas, Manje Fisheries CO-OP is a seafood processing distributor. They carefully handle and process the delicious fish caught in Jeju’s clean ocean, including mackerels, silver hairtails, hanchi, as well as the shellfish caught by Korean ‘mermaid’ divers (hanyeo).

Manje Fisheries CO-OP provides delicious and fresh products from Jeju at the cheapest rate.

I can proudly say the shellfish caught by our hanyeos are top tier in terms of freshness and taste.

It is Manje Aquaculture’s greatest pleasure to contribute to your healthy diet. We’re committed to providing the freshest seafood from Jeju’s clean sea.

Enjoy Fresh Jeju Food: Samda Inc.

Samda Inc. is a food company which aims to lead the healthy food culture by supplying Jeju food across the nation and giving happiness to its customers. The company sells various Jeju specialities such as Jeju black pork bellies (‘Samgyeopsal’, ‘Ogyeopsal’, and ‘Suyuk’), Jeju silver-hairtail, mackerel, tilefish, cham-gulbi, hanchi/squid, and shrimp.

In order to supply stable prices and high-quality products, Samda Inc. operated its own processing centers for the first time in Jeju Island, and adopted a Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) system to thoroughly manage hygiene and quality. The centers are equipped with lines for grilling and automatic packaging. Samda Inc. acquired technology to manufacture various HMR products, too.

Samda Inc. promises its global customers to provide Jeju’s taste by providing trust and by alchemizing the accumulated know-hows.

Promising Global Exporter of Omegi Rice Cake: SAMDA OMEGI

Starting in 2016, SAMDA OMEGI earned the majority of its profits in the domestic market by selling omegi rice cake which is the traditional food in Jeju Island. Tourists from the peninsula and overseas were the main consumers. However, the company had a tough time when the number of tourists reduced and faced production process and distribution problems.

A breakthrough into the export market saved the company and created a second chance. The company diversified its production line and improved its production process with governmental support. By participating in the global networking program operated by Jeju technoPark, SAMDA OMEGI could achieve successful export profits.

Now, omegi rice cakes produced by the company are being sold globally: China, Canada, and Vietnam.  It now contributes to the rising global brand value of Jeju Island and its traditional food.

Keep Skin Healthy with Skin Care Product Made of ‘Scoria’: Jeju Scoria Co., Ltd

Jeju Scoria Co., Ltd have researched about the premium Jeju volcanic scoria over the past year, since it was established in 2000.

Volcanic scoria is a natural resource in Jeju Island. It is a highly vesicular, dark-colored volcanic rock. It contains crystals phenocrysts so that it is usually called brown diamond. It is strictly managed by the environment management policy of Jeju local government. Only companies with permission to sell conservation resources can produce and supply raw materials. So, as acquired a preserved natural resource trading license, Jeju Scoria Co., Ltd processes scoria into ingredients and components for skincare products and dyeing products.

Jeju Scoria Co., Ltd always strives to convey the value of scoria safely and effectively to consumers. The company launched its own brand, “BETTER SKIN”. It manufactures and consistently develops products such as shampoo, maskpack, and cleansing foam using scoria. Jeju Scoria Co., Ltd promises its consumers to keep their skins healthy with its products.

Good Looking and Tasting snacks: Eco J Food

A cute pig shaped snack and Jeju’s representative dessert bread. Eco J Food is the first HACCP certified dessert, soup, and dressing producer in Jeju. The goal of Eco J is to supply customized products through 1:1 meetings with customers and to produce products made of clean local ingredients with proper systematic hygiene management. Its main product, Jeju Dormon (meaning “run” in Jeju dialect), was developed fusing a luxurious french dessert, finance, with fresh hallabong and savory peanuts.

Enjoy Omegi Rice Cakes: EMOM Co., Ltd

The fusion of Jeju’s healthy ingredients and  omegi rice cakes made with love and sincerity. Omegi rice cake, a local Jeju food, originates from omegi alcohol. When food was scarce, omegi rice cake was treated as a fine snack while making alcohol. The pre-existing, rugged, traditional snack was redefined into a premium snack by Omeome. 

There are a total of 14 flavors including Hanrabong, Jeju tangerine, Jeju organic green tea, and so on. Due to the nature of Jeju Island, manufacturing plants are not permitted, so our business had to start from scratch. Our products are handmade with love and passion.

As a luxury brand of Jeju Island, we aim to grow into a perfect food manufacturing industry that produces healthy and safe food, and we will put our promises and beliefs first.

Kayla Hong

Asia Journal