On-site Inspection on the 15th
Ripple Effects Expected, Including Revitalization of Rural Tourism and Economy
Uljin County in North Gyeongsang Province has begun full-scale preparations for the on-site inspection, which is the final step toward having the National Important Agricultural Heritage No. 7, the "Uljin Geumgang Pine Forest Agricultural System," designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). This system is located in Jeongok-ri and Sogwang-ri in Geumgangsong-myeon, as well as Ducheon-ri in Buk-myeon.
The on-site inspection, which is a procedure to verify the facts stated in the written application submitted by Uljin County, will be conducted by Catherine Tucker, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) GIAHS, who is an economic and environmental anthropologist, on May 15-16.
The schedule includes visits to the Geumgangsong Ecorium, the Sogwang-ri Geumgang Pine Tree Habitat (Hwangjangbong Boundary Stone), and a local farmhouse in Sogwang-ri to inspect the mountain agricultural system (Botdorang) and the cultivation of wild vegetables including Hanbong. There will also be tours of the Jeongok-ri slash-and-burn farmer's house site and experience center (with demonstrations of traditional foods), as well as a site showing the management of the Geumgang Pine Forest (village Songisan).
Additionally, the itinerary includes a visit to the Ducheon-ri Jumak Village to introduce and experience daily tools made from Geumgang pine, and to explain the culture of itinerant merchants. The program will also feature a Deunggeumjaengi performance to reenact the old Sibiryeong trail once used by ancestors, and a presentation of Geumgang pine traditional architecture at Bulyeongsa Temple, concluding with a meeting with local residents.
This GIAHS designation carries significant meaning beyond simply preserving agricultural heritage, as it enhances global value and brand image, and represents worldwide recognition of traditional knowledge.
In particular, after the GIAHS designation, various ripple effects are expected, including the revitalization of rural tourism and the economy, as well as academic and educational utilization of traditional livelihood systems.
The decision on whether to designate the site as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System will be made at the next SAG meeting, along with the announcement of the results of the on-site inspection.
County Governor Son Byeongbok stated, "I hope this FAO on-site inspection will serve as an opportunity for Uljin's traditions to reach the world," adding, "Since we have prepared thoroughly through several advisory meetings and revisions, we expect a positive outcome. We will do our utmost to actively promote the tradition and excellence of Uljin Geumgang Pine to the evaluation panel so that it can be listed as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System."
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