“Smiles Bloom with Flowers”… Goryeong County Launches Full-Scale Rural Care Service

Goryeong County in North Gyeongsang Province has launched a nature-based integrated service program for neighbors in need of emotional care.

An emotional healing program using flowers and agriculture as mediums has officially begun operation.

Goryeong County operates a rural care service. Photo by Goryeong County

This year, Goryeong County successfully launched the "2025 Rural Care Service Activation Support Project," a public offering project by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

This project provides care services through floriculture and agricultural activities for those in need of emotional support, such as seniors with mild dementia and multicultural families. The aim is to strengthen community solidarity and help participants regain psychological stability.

The organization selected to carry out this project is Hwaryeohanoneul, led by Seo Hyejeong. The total project budget is 30 million won, and the program is held regularly every two weeks. The main activities focus on floriculture experiences such as herb cultivation, flower gardening, and flower arrangement. Participants interact with nature through agricultural activities, finding moments of emotional comfort.

The first session was held on June 18 at the Hwaryeohanoneul facility. Despite the hot weather, participants actively planted and tended to flowers themselves, engaging in lively conversations with one another.

One participant shared, "I couldn't help but smile while touching the soil and flowers with my own hands," adding, "Even a small flower brought me great comfort."

County Governor Lee Namcheol said, "I hope this project provides meaningful emotional support to residents in need of care," and added, "We will continue to expand community-tailored services to achieve welfare without exclusion."