Rich programs including Yeongsae mustard leaf experiences, reproduction of local foods, and community harmony programs prepared
Samcheok City will hold the "Hajang Yeongsae Mustard Leaf Experience and Community Harmony Festival" on Friday, October 16 at the former Yeokdun Branch School playground in Yeokdun-ri, Hajang-myeon, to increase consumption of "Yeongsae mustard leaf," a specialty product of the Hajang region, and boost farm household income.

"Yeongsae" is a local dialect referring to the boundary where the Baekdudaegan mountain range splits to divide Yeongdong and Yeoseo. "Yeongsae mustard leaf" refers to the specialty mustard leaves grown in the deep mountain valleys of Hajang along this Baekdudaegan ridge. This event has been arranged to widely promote local agricultural and specialty products, including Yeongsae mustard leaf, and open up new distribution channels.

The event is hosted by the "Resident Committee for Regional Development and Environmental Preservation." It is an event organized entirely by local villagers, with the Saemaul Women's Association in charge of operations and food, and the Yeokdun Agricultural Corporation in charge of selling specialty products. Around 800 residents and tourists are expected to visit.

At the venue, hands-on mustard leaf experiences such as harvesting and pickling mustard leaves, and making mustard leaf dumplings will take place. Traditional local foods that revive the old flavors of Hajang—such as oat dumplings, rolling mustard leaf jeonbyeong (crepes), and mustard leaf green onion pancakes—will be reproduced, alongside harmony programs for residents and visitors to enjoy together, including throwing shoes, bursting gourds, and a fishing game.

An official from Samcheok City stated, "We hope this event will go beyond a mere experience and serve as a starting point leading to the development of various processed and culinary products utilizing Yeongsae mustard leaf," adding, "We will actively support it so that it can establish itself as a resident-led community festival created and enjoyed together by the residents."

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