Sharing Local Agricultural and Livestock Lunchboxes
with Young People through Food Culture
Gokseong County, South Jeolla Province (Governor Cho Sangrae), announced on July 12 that it had recently held the "Gokseong Social Dining Heeroaerak Table Tasting Event" at Songjeonggwan in Simcheong Story Village, successfully sharing the achievements of the social dining program, which ran for about three months, with the local community.
At this tasting event, held under the theme of "Heeroaerak" (joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure), carefully prepared lunchboxes featuring local Gokseong agricultural and livestock products were presented, including pork and kale ssambap, tomato marinade, potato corn salad, and stir-fried beef with vegetables. The ingredients for the lunchboxes were sourced through "Gokseong Mall," contributing to the revitalization of the local economy and adding value to sustainable consumption. Onggi pottery works crafted by the students themselves were also displayed, creating a warm food culture space that blended cuisine and pottery.
This program involved 16 students in their 30s to 60s, who learned to cook simple dishes using Gokseong ingredients and experienced a community-centered food culture. Notably, some graduates are hoping to find employment or start their own businesses, and Gokseong County is currently recruiting participants for follow-up support programs until July 15.
Governor Cho Sangrae encouraged the participants, saying, "I hope these lunchboxes, infused with the emotions of Heeroaerak and made with Gokseong's fresh ingredients, will become a warm starting point that conveys the sincerity of our residents."
On the day of the tasting event, about 50 young people in their 20s and 30s who had come to Gokseong from Seoul and Gyeonggi Province for a workation also participated, tasting and evaluating the lunchboxes. The young participants responded positively, saying things like, "The fresh ingredients make me feel healthier," and "I can feel the warmth and sincerity; it's easy on the stomach," adding to the friendly atmosphere of the event.
The students also shared the changes they experienced through the program. One student said, "I was exhausted by my repetitive daily routine, but learning to cook has brought new energy to my life." An aspiring entrepreneur expressed determination, saying, "I want to widely promote the appeal of Gokseong ingredients."
A county official stated, "This tasting event goes beyond a simple completion ceremony and will lead to sustainable consumption using local ingredients, community strengthening, and job creation. We plan to continue developing resident-participatory food culture projects to further invigorate the local economy."
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