Residents learn the value of nature and community spirit through fermented food culture, seasonal celebrations and traditional cultural experiences
Seoul's Gangdong-gu will run a series of hands-on programs centered on nature, tradition and fermented food culture at its Urban Agriculture Farmix Center through November, open to local residents.
The programs are designed to welcome participants across generations — from adults to elementary and middle school students — fostering intergenerational connection while offering opportunities to learn about the district's natural environment and traditional culture in everyday settings.
Offerings include "Gangdong Table for the Earth," "Seasonal Table and Play," the Charming Garden Cooking Class, Charming Garden Aromatherapy Healing, a field experience program titled "Learning Nature and Tradition," and a hangul calligraphy class.
"Gangdong Table for the Earth" focuses on domestic ingredients and traditional fermentation practices, with activities such as making pickled vegetables and fermented liquids. Participants deepen their understanding of fermented foods and learn how to build healthier eating habits.
"Seasonal Table and Play" pairs seasonal food-making with traditional games, allowing participants to absorb Korea's seasonal customs and communal culture naturally.
The Charming Garden Cooking Class reflects the character of the local area, offering hands-on sessions in preparing healthy dishes using seasonal ingredients and fermented foods. The Charming Garden Aromatherapy Healing program complements this with healing activities that blend herbs and natural scents, giving participants a moment of rest and calm amid daily life.
The field experience program "Learning Nature and Tradition" is tailored for students and includes dyeing fingernails with garden balsam and fabric dyeing with marigolds, giving participants direct exposure to Korean traditional culture. The program is particularly expected to help first-grade elementary school students and middle schoolers develop a nature-friendly sensibility and a deeper appreciation of traditional culture.
"I hope this program becomes a place of learning about nature and tradition for children, and a time for adults to find leisure and joy in their daily lives," said Gangdong-gu District Mayor Lee Su-hee. "We will consistently introduce programs that allow generations to come together and share the cultural values of our community."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
