The traditional fishing culture of 'garaechigi' in Gangjin County's Byeongyeong-myeon was revived on November 13, attracting around 250 residents and visitors to the Junggo Reservoir. This event brought back the warm scenes of rural community life that are fading away.
The event, which ran from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., allowed participants to experience the traditional fishing methods that have been passed down for over a century, fostering community bonds through shared laughter and memories.
Garaechigi involves using a traditional tool called 'garae' to catch fish in the reservoir, a practice that naturally developed within the lives of rural residents. It reflects a communal way of life where residents would gather to fish and share the joy of their harvest, showcasing the region's history and cultural practices.
During the event, participants caught fish using the garae, experiencing the traditional fishing techniques firsthand. Unexpectedly large catches drew significant attention, with Cha Gwi-jin from Sinji Village catching a 5.1kg catfish, winning first place in the weight category, while Kim Jeong-geun from Jungga Village caught a 40.5cm carp, taking first place in the size category.
For participants, the significance lay not in the quantity of fish caught but in the shared experience of engaging with a long-standing tradition. Seniors reminisced about their childhood memories of fishing with neighbors, while younger generations and visitors expressed interest in the traditional fishing methods that are rarely encountered today.
One participant remarked, "Experiencing the traditional fishing methods I only heard about from elders was fascinating and meaningful. It was special not just for the fun of catching fish but for experiencing the region's long-standing traditions."
This event highlights the efforts of residents to preserve rural traditions that are gradually disappearing due to industrialization and changes in living environments, transforming it into a cultural event enjoyed across generations.
Kim Dong-sin, chairman of the Gangjin Federation Ecological Circulation Water Conservation Council, stated, "Garaechigi is a valuable tradition that our community has preserved together, embodying our cultural heritage. I hope it serves as a time for seniors to reminisce and for younger generations to learn the wisdom of our ancestors."
Gangjin County plans to develop tourism content that connects the garaechigi tradition with the natural environment of the ecological circulation waterway, aiming to preserve traditional culture while promoting tourism.
By engaging residents and visitors in experiential programs, the county expects to achieve both cultural preservation and tourism revitalization.
Gangjin County Mayor Gang Jin-won emphasized, "Preserving our traditional culture is about remembering our roots and passing on valuable legacies to future generations. We will continue to create various programs for residents to take pride in their local culture and foster intergenerational connections."
Meanwhile, Gangjin County is exploring ways to enhance tourism by linking local cultural practices like garaechigi with ecological resources in Byeongyeong-myeon, aiming to promote cultural values and stimulate the local economy through increased visitor engagement.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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