DJ party in the rice fields: Young people's experiment connects rural and urban areas

In a paddy field in Seosan, South Korea, the rhythmic beats of electronic music mingled with the sounds of laughter and splashing water as participants engaged in a unique rice-planting event called 'Nonewave.' This wasn't just a party in a rice field; it was an experiment designed to bridge the gap between rural and urban life, fostering a connection between people and nature.

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We started with the hope that people would experience the rice paddy with diverse senses and make it a familiar space.

The event, organized by the Agricultural Food Youth Group, aimed to make the often-distant rice paddy a more familiar and accessible space for people to experience through various senses. "We started with the hope that people would experience the rice paddy with diverse senses and make it a familiar space," said Moon Jae-hyung, the representative of the group.

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The 'Nonewave' event was a great opportunity to enjoy and converse with people interested in agriculture. Although it was my first time visiting this village, it feels closer today because of the memories made.

Attendees, ranging from children holding their fathers' hands to young farmers from nearby regions and urban youth, worked side-by-side, planting rice seedlings to the DJ's beat. The day also included a book talk with Kim Dong-gyu, author of 'Introduction to Aesthetics,' who discussed ways to enjoy Korean rice more, and a tour of a permaculture farm managed by Jeon Tae-hee, a young farmer from the host village. Jeon explained the principles of permaculture, a sustainable farming method, and the village's commitment to local food cycles and land preservation.

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To solve the problems of agricultural decline and the disappearance of rural villages, it is important to create contact points that connect cities and rural areas.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to address rural decline and foster 'relational populations' – individuals who, while living elsewhere, maintain a sustained interest and involvement in a specific region. Similar to efforts in Japan, where 'relational populations' have helped revitalize local festivals, 'Nonewave' and related programs like the 'I Love Nong' academy aim to create engaging experiences that draw urban dwellers to rural areas, fostering deeper connections and support for agriculture and farming communities.

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Permaculture may have lower profitability than conventional farming methods. As a transitional village, we are striving to revitalize our land and practice a local cycle where village food sustains our tables.