Opening the Future of Agriculture and Rural Communities through Change and Inclusion

The 68th National Convention of the Korea Saenghwal Gaehsonhoe (Home Economics Improvement Association) held at Pohang Stadium on Nov. 5–6 
Operation of policy promotion booths on Gyeongbuk’s "Food Hallyu" and agricultural transformation, alongside exhibitions of specialized processed goods 

A total of 15,000 female farmers from nine provinces across the country gathered in Pohang. The Gyeongsangbuk-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services announced that it held the 68th National Convention of the Korea Saenghwal Gaehsonhoe under the theme, "Change and Inclusion! Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Communities Led by Women," from November 5 to 6 around the Pohang Stadium area.

The convention served as an occasion to look back on the 68-year history of the Saenghwal Gaehsonhoe and reaffirm the commitment to leading rural changes through the leadership of female farmers.

During the opening ceremony, government awards—including medals—and certificates of appreciation were presented, followed by a vision performance by the Saenghwal Gaehsonhoe. Park Byeong-ae, Policy Vice President of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Federation, received the Industrial Medal in recognition of her achievements in discovering field-centered policy tasks such as the "Rural Family Birth and Childcare Mentoring" to overcome low birth rates, practicing family management agreements, and fostering successor human resources.

An academic conference on "Ways to Strengthen the Representation of Female Farmers," co-hosted with the Nongchon Yeoseong Sinmun (Rural Women's Newspaper), was also held. Participants discussed ways to expand women's social participation and strengthen their roles. Exhibition halls featuring outstanding agricultural and specialty products from cities and provinces nationwide served as a venue for regional information exchange.

The province operated policy promotion booths introducing Gyeongbuk’s "Food Hallyu," agricultural transformation, and agricultural research achievements. Premium export grapes "Gloristar," apples, Andong soju, persimmon wine, and melon gochujang (chili paste) were introduced, alongside tasting and sampling events.

On the final day of the convention, in connection with the vitalization of Post-APEC tourism, participants toured APEC-related attractions from 2025, as well as healing farms, farm-to-table restaurants, and tourism resources within the province. The province anticipates effects such as the promotion of agricultural product consumption and revitalization of the local economy.

Attendees at the ceremony included Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo, Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Council Chairman Kim Hee-su, Pohang Mayor Park Yong-sun, National Assembly Member Lee Sang-hwi, provincial council members, and heads of agricultural organizations.

Governor Lee Cheol-woo stated, "I extend my deep respect and gratitude to the members of the Saenghwal Gaehsonhoe who have led the change and development of South Korea's rural communities over the past 68 years," adding, "This convention is a meaningful occasion to jointly open up a future of sustainable agriculture and rural areas."

He continued, "The global K-food craze is a golden opportunity for our agriculture to take a leap forward," and asked for "interest and support so that the 'Food Hallyu' initiated in Gyeongbuk can spread to the world and become a new growth engine for South Korean agriculture."

Meanwhile, the Korea Saenghwal Gaehsonhoe originated in 1958 as the "Saenghwal Gaehsonhoe Club," a learning organization for female farmers. Comprising 78,000 members across 1,783 branches nationwide, the association takes the lead in improving the rights and interests of female farmers, enhancing farming conditions, fostering successor agriculturalists, and engaging in local community volunteer work.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]