S. Korea to promote local heukdon pigs in meeting demand for premium pork

South Korea will supply 400 heukdon pigs to 20 farms across the nation to meet the rising demand for premium pork products.

Heukdon is a black-colored pig breed standardized in South Korea in 2015, which is more fatty and savory than other domestic pigs.

According to the Rural Development Administration, with the local demand for premium pork products increasing and pushing imports of black Iberico pork, it became necessary to promote the local breed.

The pigs can reproduce to reach 50,000, more than a quarter of the 190,000 black pigs raised in the country.

Currently, 87 percent of the black pigs are of imported breeds.

The organization said the heukdon pigs could generate a wealth of around US$14.8 million when they replace Iberico pork.