"I'm Sorry This Is My First Time Attending the Geumsan World Ginseng Festival"
"I Will Lend My Support to the Hosting of the 2030 World Ginseng Expo"
Jung Chungrae, Representative of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized, "I will lend my support to the hosting of the '2030 World Ginseng Expo' and will do whatever I can to help the development of Geumsan."
On the evening of the 19th, Representative Jung made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the 43rd Geumsan World Ginseng Festival, held at the Geumsan World Ginseng Expo Square in Geumsan-eup, Geumsan County, Chungcheongnam-do.
Taking the podium for his congratulatory speech, Representative Jung introduced himself as a native of the region, saying, "I was born as the youngest of ten siblings at 115 Seokmak-ri, Jinsan-myeon, Geumsan County, Chungcheongnam-do."
He continued, "I've attended many local festivals, and it's not just because this is my hometown, but this festival is truly high-quality and spectacular. Although this is the 43rd Geumsan World Ginseng Festival, I must admit, and I apologize, that this is actually my first time attending."
Representative Jung said, "Until middle school, I lived in Geumsan and made a living with my father by farming ginseng. People often ask me, 'How do you manage such a busy schedule and still have so much stamina?' I always answer that it's because I eat ginseng and stay healthy."
He added, "I understand that a lot of preparations are underway for the Geumsan World Ginseng Festival to host the upcoming '2030 World Ginseng Expo,' and I will also do my part to support it. I believe that, rather than being divided by political parties, we are all part of the 'Geumsan Party' working for Geumsan's development. If there is anything I can help with, I am always willing to assist, so County Governor Park Beomin, as a fellow member of the 'Geumsan Party,' please feel free to ask me for help. I will do my utmost to support you and the development of Geumsan."
The opening ceremony of the 43rd Geumsan World Ginseng Festival was held under the theme "Children, I Love You," focusing on local residents. The event featured performances by about 130 members from three local groups: the Geumsan Philharmonic Orchestra, the Geumsan Boys and Girls Choir, and the Geumsan Insamgol Choir, all part of the Geumsan Darakwon Arts Group, showcasing the unique character of Geumsan.
In particular, a diverse array of celebratory performances spanning trot and popular music, featuring Jin Haesung, Kim Yeonja, HYNN (Park Hyewon), Ali, Kwak Youngkwang, and Bin Jongnam, attracted a crowd of about 10,000 fans and tourists.
Attendees included Myungsun Hwang, Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party (Nonsan, Gyeryong, Geumsan), Park Beomin, County Governor of Geumsan, Kim Kiyoon, Chairman of the Geumsan County Council, Lee Myungsoo, former National Assembly member (current President of the Osong Advanced Medical Industry Promotion Foundation), Moon Jungwoo, former County Governor of Geumsan, Park Heejo, Mayor of Dong-gu, Hwang Inho, former Mayor of Dong-gu, Ahn Gijeon, former Chairman of the Geumsan County Council, and Kim Kyunghoon, former Senior Secretary for Political Affairs of Daejeon City. Daejeon Mayor Lee Jangwoo sent a congratulatory message.
In his congratulatory speech, National Assembly Member Myungsun Hwang said, "Geumsan is a place with very strong energy and vitality. In the history of Korean political parties, two party leaders have come from Geumsan. One was Yu Jinsan, who was the leader of the opposition party, and now Jung Chungrae has become the party leader of the current ruling party. So, two leaders have emerged from here."
He continued, "Both of them are healthy and have great stamina. I believe that is thanks to the love of the people and to ginseng."
Assemblyman Hwang emphasized, "For the development of our country and our region, there is no division between the ruling and opposition parties. We will work together to secure budgets and national and provincial funding so that we can ensure the lives, safety, and better future of Geumsan residents."
He added, "I will do my utmost as a National Assembly member to make sure the Ginseng Festival develops further into the World Ginseng Expo, to attract young people to Geumsan, to transform it into a carbon-neutral city, and to bring in companies that create jobs, all in cooperation with you."
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in his congratulatory video message, said, "I sincerely congratulate you on the opening of the 43rd Geumsan World Ginseng Festival this year. Geumsan ginseng, with cultivation methods that have continued for 1,500 years since the Baekje era, was designated as a national agricultural heritage in 2015."
He continued, "On July 7 this year, the California State Assembly adopted a resolution establishing October 23 each year as Korean Ginseng Day, the K-Ginseng Festival. For the sustainable future of Geumsan ginseng, we need to develop varieties and improve cultivation environments to adapt to global climate change, and prepare scientific and systematic countermeasures."
He added, "I hope Geumsan ginseng will continue to contribute to the health and happiness of us all."
Kim Taeheum, Governor of Chungnam Province, also delivered a congratulatory video message, saying, "Due to my schedule, I must greet you via video. The Geumsan Ginseng Festival is a representative festival of Korea, blending 1,500 years of Korean ginseng history with modern technology. Every year, it brings more than 100 billion won in economic benefits to the region and achieves about 15 billion won in investment and export results."
He continued, "This year, you can experience the future of the ginseng festival by combining ginseng and artificial intelligence technology. I will actively support the Geumsan World Ginseng Festival and lead the '2030 World Ginseng Expo' to success."
From the left, Park Beomin, County Governor of Geumsan, Kim Kiyoon, Chairman of Geumsan County Council (Photo by Mo Seokbong)
In recognition of the California State Assembly's adoption of a resolution on July 7 this year establishing October 23 each year as Korean Ginseng Day, the K-Ginseng Festival, honorary Geumsan County citizenships were awarded to three individuals, including Sharon Quirk-Silva, a member of the California State Assembly.
Meanwhile, the festival will be held from the 19th to the 28th at the Geumsan World Ginseng Expo Square and throughout the Insam Herbal Medicine Street area.
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