Why do both dates feature the numeral '1' — and what do they mean for food security and a greener Korea?
Forestry Day on Nov. 1 and Farmers Day on Nov. 11 were marked with simultaneous events across the country, the two observances falling roughly 10 days apart in early November. Because Nov. 1 fell on a Sunday this year, many localities held their Forestry Day ceremonies on Tuesday instead.
The dates carry symbolic meaning rooted in the numeral one. Nov. 1 — written with three straight vertical strokes — evokes the shape of a mountain, representing the forestry sector. Nov. 11, the date with the most vertical strokes of any day on the calendar, is said to represent plants growing densely side by side.
About 2.5 million farmers across the country shoulder responsibility for South Korea's food security. The forestry sector, which maintains and develops forests, nurtures timber and puts woodland resources to productive economic use, counts around 500,000 workers — the people building a greener Korea.
In Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon Province, about 300 forestry workers and officials from related organizations gathered Tuesday at Dongsegang Garden's Cheongnyeongpo Garden for the 7th Yeongwol-gun Forestry Day ceremony.
Organized by the Yeongwol-gun Forestry Workers Federation and sponsored by Yeongwol-gun, the event was held under the theme "Forestry workers — hidden heroes of our society and hope for the future," aiming to boost pride among forestry workers and foster unity and communication in support of sustainable forestry development in the county.
Participants included members of the Yeongwol-gun Forestry Workers Federation and the Forestry Successor Association, along with officials from Yeongwol-gun, the Yeongwol National Forest Management Office, the forestry cooperative and other related organizations.
The ceremony opened with a congratulatory performance by a forestry workers' band, followed by commendations and plaques of appreciation for those who contributed to the sector's development, and a reading of the Forest Charter. A community gathering then gave forestry workers a chance to share talents, take part in recreational activities and try their luck in a prize draw.
Booths promoting and showcasing products made by local forestry workers were also set up at the venue, offering visitors a chance to learn about and purchase a variety of forest products and specialty goods from Yeongwol.
Yeongwol-gun said it plans to use the event as a springboard to raise the standing and rights of forestry workers as the core drivers of local forest management, promote the value and importance of forestry and mountain villages, and continue providing support for stable incomes and sustainable forest management.
Wednesday brought the 48th Yeongwol-gun Farmers Day ceremony, an event to honor the hard work of local farmers and reaffirm commitments to the growth and development of agriculture in the county.
About 1,200 farmers and officials from related organizations attended to celebrate the occasion and strengthen community bonds.
Before the main program, a ritual ceremony was held to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and pray for the well-being of Yeongwol residents. A solo daegeum performance by musician Hong Seok-yeong opened the formal proceedings.
The ceremony then honored 30 farmers, civil servants and staff from agricultural cooperatives and related organizations who contributed to the development of Yeongwol's agricultural sector, presenting them with commendations and merit awards. A promotional video on the theme "Yeongwol agriculture dreaming of hope" was also screened.
A range of side events and promotional and exhibition booths offering a look at the present and future of Yeongwol agriculture drew considerable attention from attendees.
Meanwhile, Fishers Day falls on April 1, marking the point in spring when fishing activities begin in earnest.
abc@heraldcorp.com
