A promotional graphic highlights Nongshim Baeksansu’s gold quality award in the water category at the 2026 Monde Selection in Belgium. Courtesy of Nongshim
Nongshim’s bottled water brand, Baeksansu, has been awarded the Grand Gold prize at the Monde Selection in Belgium for the fourth consecutive year, the company announced on Sunday.
The Monde Selection, established in 1961, serves as a global arbiter of consumer product quality. A panel of more than 80 experts — including chefs, sommeliers and scientists — evaluates entries on a four-tier scale ranging from Bronze to Grand Gold. In its citation this year, the institute described the Korean mineral water as a "crystal-clear and silky mineral refreshment."
The company attributed the accolade to the water’s distinctive provenance and its rigorous production standards. According to data from the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Baeksansu originates in the crater lake atop Mount Baekdu. The water undergoes a four-decade journey, traveling approximately 45 kilometers through volcanic bedrock to the Naeducheon spring, a process that provides extensive natural filtration.
To maintain the purity of the source, Nongshim utilizes an automated "smart factory" that manages the entire production chain, from extraction and packaging to logistics. Company officials stated that the unmanned system is designed to eliminate the risk of external contamination.
"The consecutive Grand Gold recognitions underscore the consistent quality of Baeksansu," a Nongshim official said, adding that the company intends to position the brand as a premium offering for both domestic and international markets.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
