Paju Jangdan soybeans connect an old region, crop breeding and border farming

“Jangdan” refers to the historic farming region divided by the border, not simply to one present-day township or one soybean variety. Paju identifies Jangdanbaekmok as Korea’s first officially encouraged soybean variety, but the regional brand Paju Jangdan Soybean may include products, varieties and processing routes that require separate verification. Farming near and inside the Civilian Control Zone also involves permits, wildlife damage, labor shortages and the history of residents who lost or regained access to land. Festivals, exhibitions and restaurants expand markets for farmers, yet a sales venue is not automatically the place of production. Read origin and ingredient labels, distinguish variety from geographical brand, and never enter or photograph controlled farmland without permission.