Ulsan City Hall's Rice Paddy Garden Faces Scrutiny Amidst Lack of Public Squares

Ulsan City Hall's plaza is currently home to a functioning rice paddy, a 'rice paddy garden' established in 2024 by the previous administration. The project, intended to evoke nostalgia and emphasize the importance of food, involves annual rice planting and harvesting. Former Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom's administration promoted the initiative, showcasing officials participating in planting and harvesting, and even highlighting the presence of egrets as a sign of an 'eco-friendly attraction.'

The rice grown is named 'Cheongnyeom-mi' (Integrity Rice), with the harvested grain and added rice used to make 'Hwahap-tteok' (Harmony Rice Cakes). However, the current administration, led by Mayor Kim Sang-wook, expresses skepticism. "I want to pull it out right away, but pulling it out also costs money. It's frustrating to look at, but changing it costs money again," Kim stated, questioning the project's ongoing financial burden.

The article argues that the rice paddy garden is a contradiction in an industrial city like Ulsan, where agriculture is a low priority. It points out the absurdity of public officials worrying about herons eating the fish introduced for eco-friendly farming and checking on duck families each morning. The project's cost, estimated in the hundreds of millions of won, is deemed difficult to justify, with a lack of a clear vision for the plaza's development leading to disorganized and escalating expenses.

Furthermore, the article touches upon the limited public space for expression in Ulsan. While the city hall is technically open to the public for recreation, it restricts press conferences and protests. Civic groups have been forced to hold their events outside the plaza, on sidewalks or near bus stops. The lack of a central public square where diverse opinions can converge is seen as a significant issue, potentially pushing away 'unpleasant' voices. The recent move by the new administration to ease access to the city hall during business hours might be a step towards restoring the plaza's role as a public forum.

“

I want to pull it out right away, but pulling it out also costs money. It's frustrating to look at, but changing it costs money again.