Review of the Wanju Gosan Native Seedling Market
On May 2nd, Saturday, the 'Native Seedling Market' organized by the Seed-Receiving Farmers Association was held in front of Wanju Gosan Agricultural Cooperative (77 Gosan-ro).
From 8 AM to 4 PM, seedlings grown from native seeds gathered under the spring sunshine. This market is a special event that can only be found in Gosan, Wanju at this time of the year.
About 40 types of native seedlings, including 'native pepper seedlings' and 'native rice', were sold at the market. These are not the common varieties found in stores or agricultural supply shops, but true natives that farmers have cultivated and handed down over many years.
The seedlings were grown directly from seeds collected by the Seed-Receiving Farmers throughout the year in Gosan.
In addition to seedlings, there were plenty of attractions and food available.
- Exhibition of 6 types of native red beans (shared among seedling buyers)
- Sale of 10 varieties of native rice
- Exhibition of solar and EM products (9 AM to 12 PM)
- Exhibition of books and guides related to native crops
- Sale of native soybean tofu, black sesame snacks, and traditional drinks
- Sale of traditional tools
- Traditional music performance at 11 AM
It's only available for purchase one day a year here.
As I entered the market, I heard the voices of volunteers explaining the seedlings to passersby.
"These seedlings were grown from seeds. Seedlings bought from nurseries can only be harvested for one year and cannot produce seeds again, but these native seedlings can be harvested and replanted next spring."
After hearing the explanation, the native pepper seedling I held felt different. While regular seedlings end after one harvest, native seedlings allow you to collect seeds in the fall and replant them the following spring.
The seeds continue on.
At the Seed-Receiving Farmers' market, which produces over 40 varieties through small-scale, diverse production, today is the only day of the year when you can buy these seedlings.
A letter from a farmer was displayed at the market, handwritten by the Native Seedling Farmers Association.
The letter shared the journey from seed to table, detailing how they nurture the plants through droughts, floods, and pests to harvest fruits. It emphasized the meticulous work of preserving native seeds.
A line that stayed with me was that growing over 40 types of native seedlings was "not an easy task"—a reminder that this is not just about farming but a continuous effort every year.
At the end of the letter, it wished for deep inspiration, joy, and happiness from seed to table this year.
I hope this message reaches everyone who visited the market.
If you didn't manage to buy native seedlings at this market, don't be too disappointed. If you're interested in native seedlings or seeds, I recommend contacting the Seed-Receiving Farmers directly. It may not be too late.
The traditional music performance by local children energized the atmosphere, and I hope that such performances and our native seedlings continue in Wanju.
For the market to be held again next year, our interest, participation, and purchases are essential. Every packet of native seeds or seedling supports this valuable activity.
The Native Seedling Market is not just a place to buy and sell seedlings; it is a gathering of those who protect and continue the legacy of seeds. In an era where many things are quickly consumed and disappear, the hands that prepare for the next season by collecting seeds again resonate deeply.
I hope these small movements continue for a long time, and I look forward to seeing more people at this special native market next spring.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/wanjugun/224289868190
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