Korea Island Promotion Agency Draws Attention with 'Rural Labor Assistance' Visiting Island Villages

The Korea Island Development Institute (KIDI) drew attention by helping with farm labor in island villages facing difficulties such as population decline and aging.

Korea Island Development Institute (KIDI, President Oh Dong-ho) announced on the 10th that on the 7th, it conducted a volunteer activity to assist with farm labor in an onion farm located in Bunmaeri, Aphae-myeon, Aphaedo, Sinan.

Fifteen executives and employees listened to the opinions of island residents and, after learning the onion harvesting methods, helped with all tasks from harvesting to packaging and distribution.

This labor assistance was organized to support island village farms facing economic difficulties such as aging population, rising labor costs, and falling agricultural product prices.

In particular, May and June are the peak seasons for harvesting garlic and onions, and Jeollanam-do Province and Sinan County have designated this period as a focused time for labor assistance.

The farmer who received help expressed gratitude, saying, "Labor costs have risen and there was a shortage of workers, so we were very worried about not being able to finish the harvest," and added, "Thanks to the active help from the Korea Island Development Institute staff, we were able to complete the harvest without major problems."

Oh Dong-ho, President of the Korea Island Development Institute, said, "I am glad to be able to offer even a small help to island residents during the busy farming season when labor is needed," and added, "We will continue to discover various community contribution programs and work to expand ESG management by cooperating with local communities."

Meanwhile, as part of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management, the Korea Island Development Institute is carrying out various social contribution activities such as the ‘Island Ssudam Walk’ and environmental conservation campaigns, accompanying traditional markets, opening the office rooftop, and visiting welfare facilities.