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Wild Vegetable Academy Sprouts Hope in Rural Korea
🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Wild Vegetable Academy Sprouts Hope in Rural Korea

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Young people are revitalizing the rural Korean village of Gurye by establishing a "Namul Academy" to cultivate expertise in wild vegetables.
  • The initiative aims to create jobs and sustainable livelihoods in the face of severe depopulation, with Gurye being one of the least populated areas in South Jeolla Province.
  • The project, led by Moon Jun-ho, seeks to build a model for youth settlement in mountainous regions, focusing on the cultivation, processing, and branding of wild vegetables.

In the face of rural depopulation, a group of young people in Gurye, South Jeolla Province, are cultivating a new future by establishing the nation's first "Namul Academy." The academy, nicknamed "Namul-lier," aims to train individuals in the cultivation, branding, and distribution of wild vegetables, a trend that has gained significant traction among South Korea's younger generation.

The aroma is much deeper," "This one has a sweetness because it received less sunlight.

— Young peopleDescribing the taste and quality of freshly picked wild vegetables.

The initiative is spearheaded by Moon Jun-ho, CEO of Kkumeosi Co., Ltd., who saw potential in Gurye's mountainous landscape, despite the region's critical demographic challenges. Gurye, with 78% of its area covered by forests, is one of the least populated counties in South Jeolla Province, recording zero newborns in one sub-district last year. Moon, a former city dweller, was inspired to create opportunities for young people in the region after realizing the lack of community and information sharing among them.

Moon's vision extends beyond mere cultivation. He aims to create a sustainable ecosystem where young people can build lives and careers in the mountains. The "Namul Academy" is central to this plan, offering not just training but also programs that connect forest life with daily living. These include forest walks, local history and culture learning, traditional music performances, and workshops on processing forest products. The project has gained national recognition, being selected for a government initiative to support youth settlement in rural areas.

The most difficult thing was meeting information and people.

— Moon Jun-hoRecounting his initial challenges upon moving to Gurye and starting community initiatives.

The academy's success is already evident. An experiential event held in April attracted over 40 elementary school students and their parents, who actively participated in harvesting and cooking wild vegetables. The positive feedback from participants underscores the program's appeal. Moon hopes to foster a virtuous cycle where graduates become foresters, build their own brands, and eventually mentor new trainees, transforming Gurye into a hub for premium wild vegetable distribution nationwide. He draws a parallel to historical acts of generosity, stating, "We will open the forest to young people who lack opportunity."

We will open the forest to young people who lack opportunity.

— Moon Jun-hoExpressing his vision for the Namul Academy and its role in empowering youth in rural areas.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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