Damyang County: "Become an Owner of the World Heritage 'Bamboo Grove'"

Crowdfunding Campaign Launched
to Protect the "Living Gold Field"
of Damyang Bamboo Grove

Damyang World Important Agricultural Heritage 'Damyang Bamboo Grove' Crowdfunding Pamphlet. Provided by Damyang County

Damyang County in South Jeolla Province (Governor Jung Chulwon) announced on September 2 that it will launch the "Damyang Bamboo Grove Crowdfunding" project as part of an initiative to protect the "Damyang Bamboo Grove," which is both a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) and Korea's fourth National Important Agricultural Heritage.

The Damyang Bamboo Grove, with a history spanning a thousand years, has long been called a "living gold field" for its vital role in supporting the livelihoods of local residents. It was designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in 2020 in recognition of its ecological value and unique landscape.

However, due to the aging rural population and the risk of regional depopulation, the workforce available to manage the bamboo grove has drastically decreased, making it increasingly difficult for local residents alone to maintain it.

In response, the county decided to promote crowdfunding as an alternative that enables both local residents and urban citizens to participate in the preservation of the bamboo grove. Crowdfunding is a method of raising small amounts of capital from the public to invest in projects or businesses. This project will be conducted through the "OhmyCompany" funding platform until September 25.

The funds raised will be used for the following purposes: restoration and preservation of the bamboo grove, emergency maintenance of damaged areas, operation of exchange programs between farmers and urban residents, and provision of agricultural product packages.

Those who contribute 30,000 won or more to the crowdfunding will receive a package including a bamboo grove farming diary, bamboo products, bamboo leaf tea, rice, and other agricultural goods. In addition, selected participants will be invited to a "Bamboo Grove Farm Party" through a drawing.

Yoon Jaehwi, head of the resident council "Daedanhan Damyang Daebat," which was formed to preserve the Damyang Bamboo Grove, said, "I hope this crowdfunding initiative will become more than just a one-time fundraising event and will serve as a new model in which cities and rural areas work together to preserve regional heritage."