Dalseong County Tackles Decades-Old Illegal Restaurant Operations in Water Dropwort Vinyl Houses
Dalseong County in Daegu is implementing a dual approach to combat long-standing illegal restaurant operations within water dropwort vinyl houses. By combining stringent crackdowns with proactive measures to expand sales channels, the county aims to reform practices that have persisted for decades. These unauthorized establishments, often run by water dropwort farmers, have been a source of contention, drawing criticism from the foodservice industry and complaints from local residents.
For years, particularly during the harvest season from December to February, certain water dropwort farming areas in Daegu, including Dong-gu and Dalseong County, have seen the emergence of makeshift restaurants within vinyl structures. These venues offered a range of items, from meat and alcohol to the seasonal water dropwort itself. This practice has fueled significant backlash. In a notable demonstration of this discontent, the Daegu branch of the Korea Foodservice Industry Central Association held a rally in front of the Daegu Dong-gu Office in March 2024, unequivocally calling for the eradication of these illegal operations.
Previous attempts to legitimize these activities by transforming them into festival formats have largely failed to gain traction. For example, the “Won-dong Water Dropwort Festival” in Yangsan, which had been a yearly event, was effectively canceled this year. Historically, this festival had featured temporary stalls known as “Water Dropwort Town” situated near the plum blossom festival grounds, operating as legal dining establishments. However, this year, the Won-dong Myeon Residents’ Autonomy Committee opted not to apply for the necessary city subsidies, amounting to 35 million Korean won, required to stage the event.
A Comprehensive Strategy: Crackdowns Meet Support
Dalseong County officially commenced its intensive crackdown on these illegal vinyl house restaurants in January of last year, marking a decisive step against practices that had become entrenched over many years. This initiative, however, was met with protest from the affected farmers.
In response to the farmers’ concerns and to foster a more sustainable solution, Dalseong County dedicated the past year to collaborative discussions. These dialogues involved key stakeholders, including the growers’ association and the Hwawon Agricultural Cooperative, with the primary objective of normalizing water dropwort distribution. A multi-departmental effort, involving the Agricultural Policy, Sanitation, and Urban Policy divisions, was established to ensure that crackdowns were complemented by robust support measures. The county put forth proposals for a dedicated water dropwort festival and the establishment of a permanent sales venue.
Despite these efforts, the water dropwort farmers expressed reservations. They argued that one-off events provided only short-term benefits and emphasized the need for more enduring and practical forms of support.
Expanding Horizons: New Markets and Modern Sales Channels
Following extensive discussions and negotiations, Dalseong County and the Hwawon Water Dropwort Growers’ Association reached a significant agreement. This deal facilitates the shipment of “Hwawon Water Dropwort” to the Garak Agricultural and Fishery Products Wholesale Market, a crucial step in expanding sales channels. Furthermore, a substantial 40 million Korean won in logistics cost support was secured to aid in entering the capital region market.
To align with consumer preferences in the capital region, budgets were allocated for packaging formats that are in demand, specifically 4-kilogram boxes and 200-gram packages, as part of the “Agricultural Product Sales Box Support Project.” In a move to bolster online sales, water dropwort was also selected as a featured gift item for the 2026 Hometown Love Donation Program and was listed on the online shopping mall “Cham Dalseong.”
These concerted efforts appear to be yielding positive results. Reports indicate that illegal operations within Hwawon’s vinyl houses have ceased from late last year through January of this year. The region is home to 39 water dropwort farming households.
A representative from the Hwawon Agricultural Cooperative’s water dropwort growers’ association acknowledged the initial concerns regarding potential income loss from the cessation of vinyl house operations. However, they expressed optimism that the expanded market access, particularly through Garak Market and increased online sales, could ultimately present a significant opportunity for growth.
County Mayor Choi Jae-hoon hailed the normalization of what he termed “abnormal distribution practices” for water dropwort as a major accomplishment. He attributed this success to the strengthened self-reliance and proactive leadership of the growers’ association. Mayor Choi further pledged the county’s commitment to actively promoting Hwawon water dropwort, aiming to elevate its national recognition as a premier local specialty.
