Yenda Won: A New Healing Landmark in Gochang
Yenda Won Green Tea Farm Cafe
Organic beliefs cultivated over two generations, becoming a new healing landmark in Gochang.
Located in Banam-ri, Asan-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Yenda Won is a secret green garden that operates according to nature's timetable with minimal human interference.
For nearly 20 years, Yenda Won has distanced itself from herbicides and chemical fertilizers, trusting in the honesty of the land. It has transformed from a simple tea-growing farm into a "sanctuary of healing" where nature, people, and culture coexist.
The landscape of Yenda Won resembles a traditional Korean ink painting. The tea fields, shaped like a refreshing V, stretch westward beneath the Hwasa Bong peak (403.6m).
In contrast to the tightly arranged Boseong green tea fields, Yenda Won unfolds naturally along the gentle slopes, reminiscent of the breathtaking scenery of the Wolchulsan tea fields in Gangjin. The overwhelming wave of green, covering approximately 30,000 pyeong, refreshes the heart just by looking at it.
Yenda Won's history dates back to 2003 when the founder, Lee Cheol-woo, began planting tea trees in the hills of Gochang with the sole aim of producing tea that his family could safely enjoy.
At that time, organic farming was perceived as a "reckless challenge" or "unprofitable stubbornness" among farmers. However, he never resorted to herbicides or chemical fertilizers for nearly 20 years. The honest time spent weeding by hand and researching microbial methods has created the healthy soil we see today.
The father’s noble stubbornness has been passed down to his son, Lee Seung-yeon, who has modernized the foundation laid by his father with a story that resonates with the MZ generation.
As a passionate young farmer, Yenda Won was selected as a star youth agricultural ambassador in 2023 and is recognized as a model for young agriculture in Gochang, participating in the 2022 Tourism Dure program that promotes coexistence with local residents.
Yenda Won offers a healing walking trail that awakens the five senses, changing its attire with each season. Particularly in autumn, the pink muhly grass and silver pampas grass create a stunning view among the green tea fields.
It has gained a reputation on social media as a "viewing hot spot" where visitors can capture life-changing photos. The photo zone framed toward the tea fields is particularly beautiful from September to November when the pink muhly blooms, creating a fantastic contrast between green and pink.
The true charm of Yenda Won lies in the joy of walking. The cypress forest trail, designed to embrace the 30,000 pyeong tea fields, is a hidden gem. Upon entering the forest path, the rich phytoncide aroma from thousands of cypress trees tickles the nose.
The subtle earthy scent underfoot and the rustling of leaves purify the weary body and mind. A leisurely 20-30 minute walk around the tea fields becomes a deep meditation in itself.
Yenda Won exemplifies the value of the "sixth industry" and "tourism dure." It is not merely a picturesque location but a model showcasing the future of rural Korea. This can be understood through the keywords "rural convergence industry (sixth industry)" and "tourism dure." The sixth industry creates new added value by utilizing tangible and intangible resources from rural areas.
The sixth industry involves: 1st (production) × 2nd (processing) × 3rd (service) = 6th industry. 1st: Organic green tea cultivation and production, 2nd: Manufacturing and processing organic matcha, green tea, and black tea from freshly harvested leaves, 3rd: Operating a green tea farm cafe and offering forest walking trails and tourism experience programs.
Yenda Won does not stop at merely selling tea leaves; it processes them into high-quality branded products, combining beautiful landscaping and cafe services to attract visitors, making it a prime example of a certified sixth industry business.
Moreover, the tourism dure is a project supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, where local residents operate tourism businesses utilizing local resources. Yenda Won, as a 2022 tourism dure business, collaborates with local farms and develops content that reflects Gochang's unique characteristics, playing a pivotal role in revitalizing the local economy.
Ultimately, Yenda Won is more than just a beautiful cafe or expansive green tea fields. It embodies a "living cultural space" that combines a commitment to organic farming established 20 years ago with the creativity of a young farmer who has reinterpreted it with a modern sensibility.
After a pleasant walk, visitors often find themselves at the Yenda Won cafe, facing a serene lake. The highlight is undoubtedly the second-floor terrace and outdoor seating, where one can enjoy both "water gazing" and "green tea gazing" at the same time. Sipping tea while watching the shimmering reflections in the breeze provides a perfect escape from the urban noise.
The cafe menu is also special, featuring organic matcha, green tea, and black tea cultivated and processed directly by Yenda Won, highlighting the deep flavors of the ingredients without artificial additives.
Especially, the freshly baked pastries harmonize fantastically with the bitter yet clean taste of organic tea. A cup of tea infused with the natural flavors offers visitors a true sense of "rest." Yenda Won's green space, created over 20 years without conquering or damaging nature, whispers to us to walk slowly and surrender to the flow of nature. How about taking a break from the hectic routine this weekend and visiting Yenda Won in Gochang?
The sound of the wind in the cypress forest, the tranquility of the lakeside terrace, and a rich cup of matcha shaped by 20 years will warmly soothe your weary heart.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jbgokr/224189550408
No comments yet.
