Strawberries are known in Korea as the “King of Winter Fruits.” They are harvested in abundance in the winter season.
Strawberry Season and Prices
The climate in Korea is cool with high mountains. Imported tropical fruits are expensive. In contrast, fruits like strawberries can be very cheap in Korea when they’re in season. In 2022, the price range for Korea strawberries was between $9.48 and $9.73 per kilogram, which is ₩10538.73 per kg.
Strawberry Picking Experience
During the season, farms across Korea offer “strawberry picking” experiences. Visitors can pick strawberries directly from the fields. This has become a popular activity for locals and tourists.
Farmer Cho’s strawberries are nourished by his cattle’s manure, used as fertilizer, keeping inputs and outputs tight.
Strawberries require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to produce a bountiful harvest. They prefer well-draining soil high in organic matter.
Unique Strawberry Varieties
Some strawberry growers have secrets that make their strawberries sweeter than others. King’s Berry strawberries, for instance, have a higher sugar content and unique peachy sweetness.
Nonsan is an agricultural city in Korea, known for crops like rice, ginseng, pears, and strawberries. It has picturesque spots such as Daedunsan Mountain and Ssanggyesa Temple. Many family-owned farms offer picking tours. However, due to their small scale, English-speaking guides may not always be available.
Kyoho grapes are another must-try in Korea, known for their sweet and delicious taste.
International Demand and Comparisons
While strawberries from various origins like China have different price brackets, Korean and Japanese strawberries are often priced 4-5 times higher, yet still sell out quickly.
How to Pick Strawberries
- Find a ripe (fully red) strawberry.
- Grasp the stem and pull with a slight twist!
- You’ve got your strawberry!
Best Places for Strawberry Picking
Some top places for strawberry picking in Korea are:
- Chuncheon
- Nonsan
- Gyeongsangbuk-do
The variety affects the taste. King’s Berry strawberries are notable for their sugar content and peach-like scent. The Santa Strawberry has a sweet plum aroma, while the Sancheong Strawberry is also remarkably sweet.
Enjoying Korean Strawberries
In spring, luxurious “strawberry buffets” at hotels include themed cocktails and desserts. It’s a perfect fancy date option.
The recent proliferation of greenhouses in North Korea has increased strawberry production due to Kim Jong-un’s agricultural reforms.
In summary, Korean strawberries, such as the unique King’s Berry, are huge, sweet, and more affordable in season. For an enjoyable "you-pick" experience, head to farms in Chuncheon, Nonsan, or Gyeongsangbuk-do.
FAQ: What are Korean strawberries called?
Strawberries are known in Korea as the "King of Winter Fruits". They are widely celebrated for their sweetness and affordability when in season.