Gangjin-gun, Traditional Hand Rice Planting in the National Important Agricultural Heritage Area

Community Council, Over 50 Participants Including Teachers and Students of Byeongyeong Elementary School

[Gangjin=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su] The National Important Agricultural Heritage Preservation Council of Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do, held a reenactment event of traditional hand rice planting today (26th) in the Naegi-ri area of Jakcheon-myeon to carry on traditional culture and pray for a bountiful harvest.

About 50 participants, including council members, teachers, and students from Byeongyeong Elementary School, took part in the event, planting rice seedlings by hand in a 300㎡ paddy field over two hours.

In particular, alongside the hand rice planting, participants sang traditional farming songs called Deulnorae, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

A student who participated in the hand rice planting said, "I had only seen planting rice seedlings by hand, which is our staple food, in textbooks, but today I experienced it firsthand and realized the importance of agriculture."

Moon Young-ho, principal of Byeongyeong Elementary School, expressed, "It was a great opportunity for students to directly experience hand rice planting and recognize the importance of labor in agriculture."

The Gangjin-gun Agricultural Heritage Residents' Council was formed mainly by local residents to register the Gangjin-gun Yeonbangjuk Ecological Circulation Canal Agricultural System as a National Important Agricultural Heritage, and it is carrying out activities for the preservation, management, and succession of agricultural heritage.

Song Yong-baek, president of the organization, stated, "The rice seedlings planted by participants can be observed growing throughout the year," adding, "We plan to link this with experiences of rice harvesting and using the Garae tool."

The Gangjin-gun Yeonbangjuk Ecological Circulation Canal Agricultural System was created in 1417 due to the relocation of Byeongyeong Fortress and a shortage of rivers to supply agricultural water to the Handeul Plain. Last year, it was registered as the 16th National Important Agricultural Heritage and as a World Irrigation Facility Heritage.

Gangjin=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su