{"id":2203610,"date":"2024-01-24T17:46:19","date_gmt":"2024-01-24T08:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2203610"},"modified":"2024-01-25T19:06:28","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T10:06:28","slug":"why-young-south-koreans-rural-dream-meets-harsh-farming-reality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/01\/why-young-south-koreans-rural-dream-meets-harsh-farming-reality\/","title":{"rendered":"Why young South Koreans\u2019 rural dream meets harsh farming reality"},"content":{"rendered":"
In South Korea, a trend known as \u201cgwinong\u201d signifies a shift from urban to rural living, driven by individuals seeking a departure from fast-paced city life. However, this transition often confronts newcomers with the realities of rural economics and agriculture\u2019s inherent challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n Hwang\u2019s case illustrates this trend. After moving to the countryside with his wife to engage in farming, he quickly encountered the direct impact of national policy changes on his agricultural business.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cEach time the central government adjusted its national policies, it directly affected my farming business,\u201d Hwang told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>. \u201cThese changes often led to an increase in livestock feed costs or a decrease in meat prices. I had no choice but to give up farming and return to the city.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMany people who move to rural areas end up returning to the city after facing the harsh realities of farming,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n Hwang\u2019s situation exemplifies the broader predicament faced by many urban dwellers who seek rural life only to find themselves at the mercy of volatile agricultural markets.<\/span><\/p>\n The appeal of rural living extends beyond farming, as described by Jung Jin-hee, a director of a farming and rural life school in Gapyeong, which is about 30 miles away from Seoul. She observes that individuals are drawn to the countryside, not necessarily for agricultural pursuits but for a change in lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBecause Gapyeong is a rural area that is still relatively close to Seoul, people come here to enjoy rural living more than farming,\u201d Jung said. \u201cSome people move here to start small gardens and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n