1. Tell us about ‘OBFW’.

As the company that developed Gamseonok, OBFW (Of, By, For the Works) is a dedicated team dealing with everything about works at the local level. We engage in reinterpreting and creating all locally produced resources. Starting with ‘Sancheong gotgam (dried persimmon)’, we seek to promote the value and potential of regional specialties of the eight provinces in Korea, and strive to set forth high-end Korean delicacies that the world can enjoy.

2. What is the origin story of Gamseonok?

A few years ago, a close acquaintance was looking for something Korean as a holiday gift for VIPs all around the world. Although Sancheong gotgam was considered a candidate, the acquaintance ultimately chose well-known high-end western sweets. At that moment, I realized we need a high-quality Korean item that could compete on the global stage. That was the inception of Gamseonok, and we pride ourselves on creating a high quality product and brand that lives up to such expectations.

3. What aspect did you pay the most attention

to while developing Gamseonok? Many have complimented Gamseonok’s aesthetic impression and branding. Yet, only by tasting Gamseonok can you actually realize the best quality of Gamseonok. I believe the essence of food is taste. Until we reached the final product and launched Gamseonok, we went through dozens of trials, selecting and changing the mix of ingredients and conditions. It took us a full year to reach the final mix. And, it took us longer to reach the point of deciding on degree of drying, color, and size of the gotgam and producing them in that specification.

4. What was the most challenging part of making Gamseonok?

It may seem ironic and obvious, but the gotgam was the most challenging item. Gotgam is produced during winter, and is very sensitive to temperature and humidity. It is ideally produced in Korea’s cold and dry weather. As a result, temperature and humidity control is crucial throughout the production, sales, and distribution process. Especially with the unusually hot weather, the importance of establishing a cold-chain system for production and distribution during summer has become vital.

5. What was the most memorable moment in your journey to winning the grand prize?

Because Gamseonok is a frozen product, we delivered it on the day of each evaluation day from Sancheong to Seoul by bus to ensure the product was in its best condition. As it happened, the onsite evaluations were held during the summer heat of June through August. While transporting the goods in the sweltering heat was definitely a challenge, I was more concerned that they would melt. Fortunately, the contest result proved that the hard work paid off, and I am glad I put my best effort into every step of the process even though it was physically demanding.

6. As the grand prize recipient, could you share your future plans?

Gamseonok is a product that has just taken its first step forward. We aim to preserve our initial mindset and identity of creating ‘the best Korean F&B product that can compete in the global market’. Furthermore, we will work towards building a brand and making products that honor the value of Korean specialties as well as the pride and will of our farmers who produce them. We will focus on diversifying our sales channels and content to reach to larger markets.