At various places throughout the city of Uijeongbu, Korea there will be an empty lot turned into a vegetable garden. At first, this was a different sight to see, but the more I travelled the more common it became.
Some say that this area simply grew so fast that the cultural norm of agriculture and making use of every piece of land is a reason for these gardening. And, when you think that during the 1950’s this city of over 400,000 was a little more than a village, it is easy to understand the indigenous culture tied to their agricultural roots. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Uijeongbu was formerly the market center for agricultural products grown in the surrounding area and much of the growth in the area was originally due to the military bases in the area.
It is still interesting tome to find little patches of gardens planted around the city. Some of these gardens are community gardens, it seems as multiple families work a different strip on the garden. This concept was emphasized to me by the establishment of a community garden outside Uijeongbu Station, the largest subway station in the area transporting high volumes of people into Seoul each day.
The community garden by Uijeongbu Station is a well-maintained community garden that families marked off their plot and then care for their little garden plot. Many of the tools needed are provided for them in a nearby shed. It is a very interesting and unique part of this culture, I am happy to see that even the prominent areas, people are encouraging this practice.
Blanchard Curry says
Chaplain Andrews I enjoy your daily Dusty Flies and your Sunday sermons. I especially like the pictures of Korea. They are hard for me to comprehend. I was station in Seoul in 1959-1961 and it was nothing like your pictures of today. I was also station at Camp Humphrey in 1979. It was a lot better but not as up to date as you pictures.
I was in the 196 ASHC in 1969 and enjoy your 196 web site.
SGM Blanchard Curry, USA , Ret