In June, at the threshold of summer, the loess fields of Gochang in North Jeolla turn a dark crimson. The star behind the dark crimson hue is "bokbunja." Bokbunja belongs to the rose family and the Rubus genus. It is commonly known as a wild blackberry, but in recent years it has become a specialty product whose quality has been enhanced through systematic cultivation by local farms.
Bokbunja is harvested from June to July. Its flavor and nutrition peak in the hottest season. Bokbunja has thin skin and abundant juice, and is characterized by a sweet yet tangy taste.
Gochang is adjacent to the West Sea, where sea winds blow, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. The soil is loess and rich in minerals. It is regarded as offering optimal conditions for growing bokbunja. In the early 2000s, aggressive crop-specialization policies by the central and local governments helped Gochang become the largest bokbunja cultivation area in the country. As of 2026, Gochang County's bokbunja cultivation area exceeds 300 ha. The number of farming households engaged in cultivation also reaches about 1,700.
Bokbunja is good enjoyed fresh, but it has long often been processed into infused liquor or juice. This is partly because the consumption window for eating bokbunja fresh is short. Even if refrigerated after purchase, it is recommended to eat fresh bokbunja within two days.
Bokbunja wine, along with pungcheon eel, another specialty of Gochang, is singled out as an ingredient considered good for men. That sentiment is reflected in the name. In bokbunja, bok is "overturn bok (覆)" and bun is "chamber pot bun (盆)." The idea is that the urine stream becomes strong enough to overturn a chamber pot. However, the interpretation of the name in Dongui Bogam by Heo Jun is slightly different. Dongui Bogam states that bokbunja helps strengthen kidney function and cures frequent urination, so a chamber pot is no longer needed and is left overturned.
In fact, bokbunja is rich in potent antioxidants such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and vitamins C and E, and is said to help strengthen kidney function and recover from fatigue thanks to its excellent effects on improving blood circulation, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. It is ideal as a fruit for restoring energy in the easily tiring summer months.
More recently, studies have also found that it has positive effects on women's health, not just men's. Early this year, the Gochang Food Industry Research Institute said that in preclinical research on bokbunja and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), some extract-administered groups showed a significant reduction in ovarian enlargement. The reproductive hormone imbalance resulting from PCOS also tended to improve after bokbunja administration. Based on these research results, Gochang County is considering fostering bokbunja as a functional agricultural product for women's reproductive and endocrine health.