[Photo] Geumcheon-gu Opens Ecological Rice Paddy with Snails and Mudfish

Opening of Ecological Garden near Geumcheon Bridge on the 5th... Mini Pond with Traditional Sotdae and Various Aquatic Plants Created for Attraction

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yu Seong-hoon) newly established an ecological rice paddy within Anyangcheon and opened it to residents on the 5th.

At the opening ceremony held at 11 a.m. that day, Mayor Yu Seong-hoon, directors of public and private daycare centers, and others participated in activities such as ‘Five-colored Ribbon Jangseung Installation for a Bountiful Harvest,’ ‘Rice Planting,’ and ‘Release of Loaches and Rice Snails.’

The original plan was to invite children and residents to experience traditional rice planting together and hold the event in the atmosphere of a neighborhood festival that evokes nostalgia for hometowns. However, due to practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the event was held on a small scale with only related personnel participating.

The ecological rice paddy, measuring 120㎡, was created next to Haan Bridge on Anyangcheon (towards the Geumcheon Bridge riverside) at 340-2 Gasan-dong.

Along with the rice paddy, two mini ponds were constructed to harmonize with the surroundings. Traditional Sotdae poles were erected, and plants such as iris, Korean chrysanthemum, sea aster, forget-me-not, water lily, and horsetail were planted, providing a unique urban attraction alongside the ecological rice paddy.

A resident in their 50s, A, who reportedly comes almost daily to walk along the Anyangcheon riverside, expressed amazement, saying, “I think we will be able to see rice growing and ripening even in the heart of Geumcheon-gu from now on,” and added, “I look forward to frequently visiting the rice paddy with my children.”

Mayor Yu Seong-hoon stated, “I hope that not only the residents of Geumcheon-gu but all citizens will overcome the COVID-19 crisis with one heart and one mind, and that during the autumn harvest event in October, we can celebrate together with music resonating throughout.”