Bonghwa-gun held an international seminar on healing industries. Bonghwa-gun announced that it held an international seminar on discovering a Bonghwa-type healing industry at the Bonghwa-gun Youth Center on the 5th and 6th.
This seminar was held under the theme of ‘New Building in Bonghwa with the Healing Industry’ and was designed to explore ways for Bonghwa-gun to become the center of the healing industry in the future in response to the disappearance of local areas.
The seminar was held with great interest with the attendance of approximately 250 guests, including North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheol-woo, domestic and foreign experts related to the healing industry, media outlets, and local residents.
First, starting with a presentation on ‘Making a way through medical healing in Bonghwa-gun’ by Jeong Seung-pil, head of the Department of Family Medicine at Yeungnam University Hospital, followed by ‘Cases of Revitalizing the Japanese Healing Industry’ by Kenichiro Furuya, Director of International Tourism Strategy, Hokuto City, Japan, and ’Cases of Vitalization of the Japanese Healing Industry’ by Kim Seon-han, former Director General of Southeast Asia at Yonhap News Agency. A total of 5 experts, including ‘Bonghwa-type healing through understanding Vietnam’, Professor Shin Won-seop of Chungbuk National University’s ‘Plan for forest healing in Bonghwa-gun’, and ‘Plan to revitalize regional cooperative healing industry’ by President of the Korean Geographical Society Jeong Seong-hoon, discussed the current state of the healing industry and A presentation was made on the future and direction of development of the healing industry in Bonghwa-gun.
In particular, medical healing in connection with the K-Vietnam Valley Project, which is currently a key project of Bonghwa-gun, and Bonghwa-type healing in connection with Vietnam, became a time for more realistic topic presentations that fit the local situation.
On the second day of the seminar, the seminar ended with a visit to the National Baekdudaegan Arboretum and time to experience and share tourism, forestry, and agricultural healing resources that Bonghwa-gun possesses.
Park Hyeon-guk, mayor of Bonghwa-gun, said, “We are holding this seminar to discover new food sources for Bonghwa-gun. We will do our best to respond to the crisis of regional extinction and lead related industries by discovering new future-oriented businesses called Bonghwa-type healing industries.” “I will do my best,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the 5th, Nonghyup (Chairman Kang Ho-dong) donated 12 million won in donations to the families of children with disabilities after brain tumor surgery using salaries voluntarily collected by executives and employees at Bonghwa County Office.
The donation delivered on this day is a fund created by Nonghyup executives and employees across the country voluntarily raising 900 won from their monthly salaries starting in October 2021.
The father of the patient who received the donation said that it would be of great help in his child’s rehabilitation treatment and expressed his gratitude to the executives and staff of Nonghyup for their great help.
Bae Jin-tae, mayor of Bonghwa County, said, “There are many people across the country who need help, and I am grateful to the executives and staff of the Bonghwa County branch and the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation for helping families with children in the Bonghwa area receive support.”
Nonghyup Community Contribution Manager Son Young-min, who attended the donation delivery, said, “I hope that the sincerity and heart of many executives and employees will be of some help in the rehabilitation treatment of patients, and I hope that Nonghyup, which is loved by the people and will continue to pay attention to needy neighbors across the country, will continue to do so.” “I will do my best to make it happen,” he said.
The Bonghwa-gun Council of the Right Livelihood Movement visited an apple farm located in Pungho-ri, Myeongho-myeon on the 4th to welcome the full-scale farming season and provided assistance in rural areas.
This project to help farmers in rural areas was promoted to help farmers who were having difficulties with farming work due to mobility issues, and 40 members of each town and village committee and the Women’s Association for Living Uprightly attended and shed valuable sweat by helping with the apple harvesting process.
Kim Soon-hyang’s farm expressed its gratitude, saying, “I was worried that I would not be able to harvest in a timely manner due to a lack of labor, but I am grateful that they came early in the morning and helped me as if it were their own business.”
“Although it was a short period of time, I felt greatly rewarded by being able to provide some help to farmers who were having difficulties with farming,” said Shin Jin-gi, chairman of the Bonghwa-gun Council of the Living Right Movement. “We will continue to strive to help the local community through continuous volunteer service.” He said.
Economy Queen reporter Choi Hana photo Bonghwa-gun
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Interview: The Future of Healing Industries in Bonghwa-gun
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Today, we’re delving into an exciting topic: the emerging healing industry in Bonghwa-gun, which recently held a significant international seminar aimed at exploring new avenues for revitalization. With us is Professor Shin Won-seop from Chungbuk National University, who presented at the seminar. Welcome, Professor!
Professor Shin Won-seop: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss the future of healing industries in Bonghwa-gun.
Editor: The seminar attracted around 250 attendees, including experts and local residents. What do you think drove such high interest in the healing industry?
Professor Shin: The concept of the healing industry resonates deeply in today’s society, especially as many regions face challenges such as depopulation and economic decline. Bonghwa-gun recognizes the potential of this industry not just as a means of economic revitalization but also as a way to enhance the quality of life for residents. The theme ‘New Building in Bonghwa with the Healing Industry’ highlights that vision.
Editor: Among the various topics discussed, you presented on forest healing. Can you elaborate on that concept?
Professor Shin: Absolutely! Forest healing refers to the therapeutic benefits of interacting with forested environments. It has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and even enhance physical health. In Bonghwa-gun, we have rich natural resources that can be integrated into healing practices. The idea is to develop programs that can attract visitors while benefiting the local community, creating a symbiotic relationship.
Editor: That sounds promising! Can you share any insights from the international experts, like Kenichiro Furuya?
Professor Shin: Kenichiro shared fascinating case studies from Japan, where healing tourism has been successfully integrated into local economies. By learning from their approach, we can tailor similar strategies that suit Bonghwa-gun’s unique characteristics, particularly with our connection to the K-Vietnam Valley Project. This could be a significant asset as we develop our Bonghwa-style healing culture.
Editor: It’s interesting to note the connection with Vietnam. How does this international collaboration enhance the potential of Bonghwa-gun’s healing industries?
Professor Shin: The collaboration allows us to explore cross-cultural healing methods and approaches. Through understanding Vietnam’s healing practices, we can adapt and innovate tailored programs that resonate with both local and international audiences. This opens doors for partnerships, tourism, and even investment, ultimately benefiting the entire community.
Editor: The seminar also involved community engagement through a visit to the National Baekdudaegan Arboretum. How important is local involvement in these initiatives?
Professor Shin: Local involvement is crucial. Community members are the backbone of this initiative. By engaging them, we ensure that the programs developed are not only commercially viable but also culturally appropriate and supportive of residents’ needs. Their perspective can guide us in creating services that reflect the essence of Bonghwa-gun.
Editor: Mayor Park Hyeon-guk emphasized the importance of discovering new food sources linked to healing industries. How do culinary aspects fit into this vision?
Professor Shin: Food plays a vital role in health and wellness. By emphasizing local ingredients, we can develop culinary experiences that align with healing concepts. Think of farm-to-table dining experiences, workshops on healthy eating, and even herbal medicine. This can create new economic opportunities while enhancing the community’s connection to their heritage.
Editor: It seems like there’s a lot of optimism surrounding the seminar’s outcomes. What are the next steps for Bonghwa-gun in this healing journey?
Professor Shin: The next steps involve creating actionable plans based on the insights gathered at the seminar. Continuous collaboration among local government, experts, and residents is essential. We also need to look at funding and marketing strategies to promote Bonghwa-gun as a healing destination. It’s an exciting time, and with commitment, we can truly transform the region.
Editor: Thank you, Professor Shin, for your insights! It’s clear that Bonghwa-gun is on the cusp of something transformative in the healing industry.
Professor Shin: Thank you for having me! I’m excited about the journey ahead and the positive impact it can have on the community.