Jinsamga, Home of 9-Times-Steamed, 9-Times-Dried Premium Red Ginseng, Named a 100-Year Small Manufacturer

[Financial News] Jinsam Co., Ltd., a Busan-based company known as the home of premium red ginseng made using nine steaming and nine drying cycles, has been newly named a 100-Year Small Manufacturer by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, which selects local companies with the potential to thrive for 100 years, and recognized for its unparalleled technological prowess.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups said on the 13th that it had newly designated 300 100-Year Small Businesses in 2026—150 Baeknyeon Stores and 150 100-Year Small Manufacturers—to foster and promote successful small-business models that have contributed to their communities through long experience and technical expertise.
The 100-Year Small Manufacturer designation aims to foster technology-based businesses capable of operating for 100 years or more, grounded in skilled craftsmanship and an artisan spirit—not simply businesses that have been around for a long time.
A 100-Year Small Business is a small business that has operated for an extended period, contributed to community development, and is expected to continue growing on the strength of its accumulated experience and expertise.
Among these, the “Baeknyeon Store” designation is for small businesses that have built trust by operating restaurants, wholesale or retail businesses, and other enterprises for at least 30 years.
The “100-Year Small Manufacturer” designation is awarded to small-scale manufacturers that have operated in manufacturing for at least 15 years and sustained skilled craftsmanship and an artisan spirit.
Since 2018, the ministry has designated and fostered 100-Year Small Businesses representing their regions. With this latest round of designations, the nationwide total has grown to 2,598: 1,545 Baeknyeon Stores and 1,053 100-Year Small Manufacturers.
A total of 747 companies nationwide applied in this round, resulting in a competition ratio of approximately 2.5 to 1.
Small businesses outside the Seoul metropolitan area, which have long supported their local economies, account for 62.7% (188 companies) of all designated businesses. They are expected to contribute further to revitalizing local economies and promoting balanced regional development.
Applicants were selected after document reviews, on-site assessments, and a comprehensive review by a selection committee. They were evaluated not only on their years in business but also on management sustainability, the competitiveness of their products and services, and their contributions to the community.
Newly designated businesses will receive certification plaques for “Baeknyeon Store” or “100-Year Small Manufacturer,” as well as storyboards describing their history and business philosophy.
They will also receive various preferential benefits, including favorable terms for small-business policy funding and additional points when applying for the Strong Small Business Growth Support program and small manufacturer support initiatives.
The ministry is strengthening public-private partnerships with Lotte Wellfood, the Korea Expressway Corporation, KORAIL Retail, and others to expand consumer awareness of the “100-Year Small Business” brand.
It is pursuing various initiatives to broaden sales channels, including setting up dedicated stores, helping businesses join online and offline platforms, and holding special promotions for outstanding products in conjunction with the Donghaeng Festival.

■ What kind of company is Jinsam Co., Ltd., newly designated a 100-Year Small Manufacturer?
Jinsam Co., Ltd. (CEO Kim Myeong-beom), headquartered in Jeonggwan-eup, Gijang County, Busan, where it also operates a production plant, began localizing products in the ultra-precision electronic and electrical controller sector in 1984 and has accumulated 27 years of technical know-how.
Over the past decade or so, the company has invested close to 10 billion won in research and development (R&D). It is known as a specialist manufacturer of premium red ginseng made using nine steaming and nine drying cycles, and holds 13 patented technologies related to the world’s first fully automated machine for steaming and extracting red ginseng through nine steaming and nine drying cycles.
Drawing on its superior technological capabilities, the company produces premium products with ginsenoside levels five to ten times higher than those of existing products, or more. Recently, its products have become sought-after gifts among chairpersons and CEOs of leading companies in the region.
Jinsam Co., Ltd., funded entirely with domestic capital, has earned recognition for its technology and products. It was named among the top 100 companies in the 2023 Korea-UAE Economic Delegation and included in the 2026 Korea-China Economic Delegation, making it a member of presidential economic delegations for the second consecutive time. Its outstanding products have also helped bolster the pride of Korea, the home of Goryeo ginseng.
The company is also focusing on developing new products. It has developed a healthy red ginseng energy drink and is preparing to launch it overseas through a global distributor in the United States. Jinsamga Red Ginseng Latte is also being supplied after major coffee franchise companies in Korea proposed discussions.
Jinsam Co., Ltd. is also seeking to actively expand distribution through a partnership with Hong Kong’s Watsons, which operates Asia’s largest retail and drugstore chain.
 
[email protected] Byeon Ok-hwan Reporter