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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

A Day in the Blackberry Harvest: Rural Labor Pains and Hopes

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • A writer describes their experience working as a temporary laborer harvesting blackberries in a rural area.
  • The article highlights the physical demands of the harvest, the farmer's dedication, and the challenges of finding sufficient labor, especially in the countryside.
  • It suggests improvements for rural labor support systems, including better public transportation and more accessible agricultural machinery for female farmers.

The author recounts a day spent harvesting blackberries, detailing the meticulous process of picking only the ripest fruit and the farmer's constant worry about weather and labor shortages. The work is described as physically demanding, requiring careful attention to avoid damaging the delicate berries, each representing a year's worth of the farmer's effort. The farmer, despite physical limitations, works tirelessly to complete the harvest before the rainy season, facing difficulties in finding workers, including foreign seasonal laborers.

The narrative shifts to the communal aspect of the harvest, with the farmer providing meals and snacks for the workers, who are a mix of relatives, acquaintances, and temporary hires like the author. The farmer expresses a plea for continued help, underscoring the persistent labor shortage in rural areas, a problem mirrored in urban settings but exacerbated by a lack of available people in the countryside.

If the condition is bad, it can be returned as a return even after it reaches the consumer. But there are things that cannot be helped no matter how carefully we harvest. Especially after it rains, the sugar content can drop and the shape may not be good.

— FarmerThe farmer explains the difficulties in maintaining berry quality after harvest, especially following rain.

The article touches upon government initiatives like seasonal worker programs and agricultural machinery rentals aimed at alleviating rural labor issues. However, the author shares personal difficulties in securing farm work through official channels, often finding them full or requiring specific qualifications like owning a car. The author also notes that even when accessible, rural jobs can be far from public transport, making commutes long and arduous.

Reflecting on feedback from female farmers, the author points out the need for training on using agricultural machinery and the availability of smaller, more manageable equipment for women. The piece concludes by emphasizing that policy effectiveness hinges on understanding and considering the needs of the users, suggesting that improved rural public transport and tailored machinery support could significantly enhance the viability of agricultural work.

Please come and help me when you have time. Even if it's hard, I ask for your help.

— FarmerThe farmer pleads with the author to assist with the harvest when available, highlighting the ongoing labor shortage.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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