단양, 마늘 향기 가득한 농촌의 변화와 포용의 가치를 더하다 > K-wave Trends

Danyang County is currently taking all-out measures to overcome the manpower shortage, a chronic problem in rural areas. As the aging of the rural population accelerates, the public and private sectors are joining hands to solve the labor shortage problem that recurs every harvest season. In particular, the ‘Public Foreign Seasonal Worker Project’, which was ambitiously introduced this year, served as a decisive opportunity to quench the thirst of small-scale farmers for securing a stable workforce by assigning 30 workers from Laos to farms. With the addition of various support measures such as Chungbuk-style urban farmers, mobile labor support teams, and agricultural work agency services, productivity in agricultural fields has further increased, and an environment in which farmers can focus solely on farming activities is being created.

Helping out in rural areas goes beyond the economic meaning of simply supplementing labor; it also creates a sense of cultural solidarity where cities and rural areas coexist. The sight of about 1,000 members of the Seoul Saemaeul Women's Association, led and invited by the Bukdanyang Agricultural Cooperative, visiting the garlic harvesting site can be said to be an exemplary example of private exchange. Their visits every year not only revitalize rural areas, but also serve as public relations ambassadors to promote the excellence of Danyang garlic nationwide. This trend of public-private cooperation is expected to continue with the ‘20th Hanji-style Danyang Garlic Festival’ to be held in July, and will go beyond simple agricultural product sales and establish itself as a core axis of the local economy combining local culture and tourism.

Danyang-gun's efforts are not limited to the agricultural sector, but are expanding with a warm focus on social integration. The ‘Experience Education on Empathy for the Visually Impaired’ recently held in Danyang-eup is a good example of the inclusive value that the community should pursue. This event, where disabled and non-disabled people experienced the walking environment together and directly experienced the inconveniences in their daily lives, was a place for practical education to learn practical etiquette and ways to be considerate, rather than simply forcing theoretical understanding. The sight of participants walking the streets relying on Braille blocks suggests that our society is breaking down invisible walls of prejudice, understanding each other's differences, and moving toward true community integration.

In the midst of these changes, political efforts are also being made to secure administrative continuity and professionalism. As the 10th Danyang County Council is newly launched, it is very encouraging to see a practical-oriented orientation being conducted for elected officials. Training on parliamentary operating procedures and overall legislative activities provides a foundation for first-time lawmakers to reduce trial and error and quickly focus on developing policies for residents. In particular, the local community's attention is focused on whether the 10th National Assembly, which is composed of various members such as the People Power Party, the Democratic Party of Korea, and the independents, will be able to engage in cooperative legislative activities to promote the future of Danyang and the welfare of the residents, regardless of party affiliation.