Yulgok Byeolsi: A Community Event for Climate Action

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A Climate Action Event

Yulgok Byeolsi On-Site Review

On Saturday, January 10th, I participated in the 'Yulgok Byeolsi' event held at the Unjeong Happiness Center.

What is 'Yulgok Byeolsi'?

It is a citizen participation program designed for the residents of Paju to learn and practice public values related to climate and the environment, based on the scholarly spirit of the prominent Joseon scholar, Yulgok Yi I.

The event took place in the multipurpose hall and the lobby of the welfare building at the Unjeong Happiness Center.

Despite the cold weather, many parents visited with their children, and citizens of various ages attended!

Although it was labeled as an exam, the atmosphere felt more like a hands-on festival, allowing everyone to participate without feeling pressured.

Outside the exam room in the lobby, various experience booths related to the environment were set up, including making upcycled notebooks and board games focused on carbon neutrality.

Instead of just listening to explanations, participants could engage in hands-on activities, making it especially popular among children.

I participated in the mini wooden necklace-making booth. I drew a piece of paper with an environmental protection practice written on it and illustrated it on the wooden necklace.

The topic I drew was 'Using Handkerchiefs.' Although I hadn’t consciously thought about it before, illustrating it made me realize how each small action in our daily lives connects to the environment.

The event featured Paju's representative mascot, Parangyi! It was delightful to see children happily taking photos with him.

The main event of Yulgok Byeolsi took place in the multipurpose hall for registered participants.

The host, Mr. Kang Byeong-su, lightened the mood with small talk and simple quizzes, easing participants' nerves!

Prizes were awarded to correct answers, which energized the atmosphere even more.

Through this event, I felt how Paju City is contemplating its direction regarding the climate crisis in collaboration with its citizens.

The 'Byeolsi' program was modeled after the Joseon-era examination format of 'Chosi-Boksi-Jeonsi.'

The first round, 'Chosi,' was conducted in an O/X quiz format with various questions related to environmental issues.

Many questions about recycling rates and ESG were more challenging than expected, making the atmosphere more serious.

About 100 participants remained after this round.

The next round, 'Boksi,' featured multiple-choice questions, increasing the difficulty with more specific issues regarding household waste.

Only 33 participants advanced to the final round!

The last round, 'Jeonsi,' resembled a challenge where participants sat one by one to write down eco-friendly ideas.

It was a meaningful time to reflect on actions we can take for the environment rather than just answering questions correctly.

The ideas were graded by Judge Yeom Hyeong-cheol!

This format of the 'Yulgok Byeolsi' exam made environmental issues approachable, allowing citizens to participate naturally and think critically.

A special exam for 13-year-olds, 'Sogwa,' was also conducted, inspired by the historical fact that Yulgok Yi I passed the highest examination at the age of 13!

Through experiences and quizzes enjoyable for both children and adults, it conveyed that climate and environmental issues are public values everyone should consider together.

I hope Paju City continues to advance as a city that practices climate action in daily life through such citizen participation programs.

The best way to learn about the environment is to experience it directly, and this event was a meaningful reminder of that!