Gwangyang FEZ Authority Assists with Plum Harvest During Busy Farming Season

About 50 Employees Participate
Putting Community Coexistence into Practice

The Gwangyang Free Economic Zone Authority (headed by Koo Chung-gon, hereafter referred to as Gwangyang FEZ Authority) launched a volunteer program to assist farms struggling with labor shortages due to population decline and aging. The initiative took place over two days starting from June 4, 2025.

On site, about 50 employees of the Gwangyang FEZ Authority, including the head of the Administrative Development Headquarters, participated in the volunteer work. They visited farms in three areas?Okgok-myeon and Daap-myeon in Gwangyang, and Agyang-myeon in Hadong-gun?to help with plum harvesting and sorting.

About 50 employees of the Gwangyang Free Economic Zone Authority visited farms in Okgok-myeon and Daap-myeon in Gwangyang, as well as Agyang-myeon in Hadong-gun, to assist with plum harvesting and sorting. Provided by Gwangyang Free Economic Zone Authority

This activity was specifically organized both to provide practical assistance to rural communities suffering from aging populations and labor shortages, and to enhance communication and bonds with local residents.

Ko Younghwan, a resident of Jikgeum Village who participated in the volunteer work with the Gwangyang FEZ Authority employees, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We were worried about the labor shortage ahead of the plum harvest, but thanks to the employees coming to help despite the hot weather, the workload was greatly reduced."

Sun Yanggyu, head of the Administrative Development Headquarters, stated, "It was a meaningful time to work directly with employees in the fields and engage with the local community. We will continue our efforts to strengthen ties with local residents and grow together with the community through ongoing rural volunteer activities."

The Gwangyang FEZ Authority has been consistently supporting local farms every year to address labor shortages, and through these activities, it is establishing a practical model of mutual growth with the community.