Park Ji-won Urges Adjustment of Rice Cultivation Area and Designation of Cheongsan Gudeuljang Paddy Field as Cultural Heritage

Budget of 200 Million Won Cut...
Criticism Over Insufficient Government Explanations and Measures

Park Jie-won, a member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Haenam, Wando, and Jindo in South Jeolla Province), urged the government to provide clearer explanations regarding the rice cultivation area adjustment policy and called for the designation of the Cheongsan Gudlejang Nonbaemi in Wando as a cultural heritage site during the Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting on the 26th.

Park pointed out, "Farmers on the ground are experiencing significant confusion and difficulties regarding the rice cultivation area adjustment policy," adding, "The government needs to provide not only clear explanations but also concrete measures, such as ensuring income compensation for alternative crops and a solid strategy."

Democratic Party lawmaker Park Jiwon

Park also demanded that the government offer clear explanations and prepare income compensation measures for alternative crops, emphasizing the confusion and challenges faced by farmers regarding the rice cultivation area adjustment policy.

In response, Song Miryeong, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, replied positively, stating, "We are currently holding explanatory sessions in each region."

In particular, Park pointed out that government support for the Gudlejang Nonbaemi in Cheongsan-myeon, Wando County, which has been designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, has been discontinued. He said, "The government had provided a budget of 200 million won annually for the past two years, but this support has now stopped," and requested Choi Eungcheon, Administrator of the Cultural Heritage Administration, to designate it as a national cultural heritage for preservation.

Emphasizing the value of the Gudlejang Nonbaemi in Cheongsando, Park explained, "In the past, our ancestors, facing water shortages, farmed by placing stones on small plots of land in a manner similar to laying Gudlejang stones for ondol heating. When you visit, you can see that this is science." In response, Choi Eungcheon answered, "I will visit Cheongsando as soon as possible."