Uijeongbu City (Mayor Kim Dong-geun) held the ‘Rice Farming Fall Harvesting Experience Event’ at the Jungnangcheon Rice Farming Experience Center on October 31.
The 50 students from Dongam Elementary School who participated in this day’s event used old traditional methods to cut rice using a sickle, threshing with a foot thresher (a traditional agricultural tool that threshes grain by turning a cylinder with your feet), and carrying and stacking rice sheaves. In particular, I experienced the autumn harvesting customs of rural areas by observing the process of rice being made right on site using a rice milling machine.
The rice farming experience center, where the fall harvest is completed, will fill the rice field with water and return to the form of a sledding hill when the ice freezes this winter. It is planned to be open to the public for free.
Mayor Kim Dong-geun said, “The Jungnangcheon Rice Farming Experience Center evokes nostalgia for old memories for the elderly, and it is a space where children who grew up in the city can learn the value of farming by reproducing traditional farming methods such as rice harvesting, threshing, and milling.” He added, “Citizens will continue to use it in the future.” “We will create opportunities for people to experience various things in this river,” he said.
Meanwhile, Uijeongbu City (Mayor Kim Dong-geun) announced on the 1st that it has recently replaced the existing government grain (Naratmi) with high-quality Gyeonggi rice (Yangjugol rice) to distribute rice to all senior centers in the district to ensure a healthy diet for the elderly.
To this end, the city signed a ’Gyeonggi Rice Grain Support Business Agreement for Senior Citizens’ with Uijeongbu Agricultural Cooperative in September to promote local rice consumption and improve the welfare of the elderly.
Currently, 256 senior centers in the district are providing meals to the elderly for an average of 2.5 days a week, and the city plans to provide an additional 3 to 9 bags of grains to each senior center in the district by the end of this year. In addition, plans are being considered to increase the number of participants in the ‘Dasoon Table’ through employment opportunities for the elderly.
An elderly person at a senior citizen center said, “The mayor prepared meals and we cooked rice with good quality rice, so the food tastes even sweeter today,” and added, “We ask for continued interest in the senior citizen center.”
Mayor Kim Dong-geun said, “We will always give top priority to improving the welfare and health of local seniors, and we will do our best to provide healthier and more abundant meals.”
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Hong-mi / Photo Uijeongbu City
Title: Reviving Tradition: An Interview with Agricultural Expert Dr. Lee Sung-min on Uijeongbu City’s Rice Farming Experience Event
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Lee! Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent Rice Farming Fall Harvesting Experience Event in Uijeongbu City. The event has garnered attention for its unique approach to educating the younger generation about traditional agricultural practices. What is your take on the initiative?
Dr. Lee Sung-min: Thank you for having me! I believe this event is a wonderful way to bridge the gap between urban youth and rural traditions. It’s essential for children to learn where their food comes from and the traditional methods that have sustained generations before them.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! The participation of 50 students from Dongam Elementary School in hands-on activities like using a sickle for cutting rice is fascinating. How do you think this practical experience impacts the children’s perception of farming?
Dr. Lee Sung-min: Engaging in hands-on experiences plays a vital role in how young people connect with agriculture. When children physically participate in harvesting and threshing, they develop a deeper appreciation for the effort and skill involved in farming. This can inspire a sense of respect for the agricultural profession, which is often overlooked in urban settings.
Time.news Editor: The event also included the use of a rice milling machine, allowing students to see the entire process from field to table. Can you elaborate on the significance of showing the complete cycle of rice production?
Dr. Lee Sung-min: Certainly! Understanding the complete cycle—from planting to harvesting to milling—is crucial. It teaches students about food production’s complexities and encourages them to think critically about their food choices. In an era where everything is easily accessible in supermarkets, such knowledge fosters gratitude and encourages sustainable practices.
Time.news Editor: Mayor Kim Dong-geun emphasized the nostalgic value for the elderly and the educational potential for city children. How important is it for urban youth to connect with rural traditions?
Dr. Lee Sung-min: It’s incredibly important. The disconnection between urban youth and agriculture is growing, and initiatives like this help revive those connections. It creates a platform for sharing knowledge and nostalgia about traditional practices that may otherwise be lost. This connection can also cultivate a sense of community and belonging.
Time.news Editor: The Rice Farming Experience Center plans to transform into a sledding hill during winter, making it accessible to the public. What are your thoughts on such multifunctional community spaces?
Dr. Lee Sung-min: Multifunctional spaces are brilliant for community engagement! They allow people to experience agriculture and enjoy recreational activities, creating a keener interest in agricultural heritage. This not only preserves traditions but also generates conversations about sustainability and community involvement.
Time.news Editor: What steps do you think cities can take to promote similar educational initiatives?
Dr. Lee Sung-min: Cities should partner with local schools and agricultural organizations to organize more interactive events. Integrating agriculture into school curriculums, perhaps through field trips to farming centers or workshops that teach traditional skills, would also be beneficial.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your insights! It seems that events like the Rice Farming Fall Harvesting Experience Event can play a transformative role in educating future generations about the value of farming and community.
Dr. Lee Sung-min: My pleasure! It’s encouraging to see initiatives that aim to preserve our agricultural heritage while educating future generations. Let’s hope more cities follow Uijeongbu’s lead!
Time.news Editor: We certainly hope so! Thank you once again for your time, Dr. Lee.