From rest areas to Coupang… Anseong City and Seonjin expand the use of hind leg meat

Research on livestock tenderizing technology jointly conducted by Anseong City and Sunjin Co., Ltd. is leading to menus and processed products utilizing pork hind leg meat. Following the introduction of specialized menus at highway rest areas, sales channels have been expanded to the online distribution market.

Anseong City announced on October 21 that it is expanding the commercialization of products developed based on the results of joint research with Seonjin. This research, which has been underway since 2024, focused on increasing the utility of hind leg meat, which is low in fat and rich in protein but has limited consumption expansion due to its relatively dry texture.

Both parties pursued improvements in texture by combining meat processing technology with a meat tenderizing method utilizing natural enzymes. Through industry-academia collaboration with Chung-Ang University's Anseong Campus, they have also verified the technology's field applicability, nutritional functionality, and storage stability.

Menu development utilizing local agricultural specialties was also carried out in parallel. Anseong honey, pears, and grapes were combined with meat processing technology, and based on this, Anseong Honey Pear Bulgogi, Spicy Stir-fried Pork, and Kimchi Stew were introduced at the Anseong Matchum Rest Area (Jecheon-bound).

Recently, two types of Sunjin Pork Han-don products, ‘Animal Welfare Soy Sauce Bulgogi’ and ‘Animal Welfare Spicy Pork Stir-fry,’ which utilize Sunjin’s meat processing technology, were launched on Coupang. As the scope of commercialization expands from rest stop menus to online sales products, the consumer reach for hind leg meat has also increased.

Anseong Mayor Kim Bo-ra stated that this research served as an opportunity to promote the consumption of local livestock products and enhance the brand value of Anseong's food. She added that she would expand win-win models to secure stable sales channels for local small and medium-sized livestock farms and revitalize the local economy.