Making Jang and Sharing Affection...

Seoul Gangseo-gu Launches 'Gangseo Jangdokdae Project with Neighbors'... Traditional Jang Making Program with Residents... Completed Jang Shared with Vulnerable Local Residents

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] A savory aroma of jang (fermented paste) is spreading in Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Noh Hyun-song).

The district announced that it will promote the 'Gangseo Jangdokdae Project with Neighbors,' where residents can make traditional fermented foods such as doenjang (soybean paste) and ganjang (soy sauce) themselves.

The purpose is to raise awareness of the excellence of our traditional foods and to spread the perception of healthy eating through the jang-making experience.

The Gangseo Jangdokdae Project will be held on the rooftop of the Gonghang-dong Community Center's 4th floor and will be operated through three sessions of theoretical education and practical training until December.

Starting with preliminary education on how to make and separate jang, the program proceeds with ▲March 'Jang Making' ▲June 'Jang Separation,' where matured jang is divided into doenjang and ganjang ▲November 'Jang Sharing.'

Through this, participants will experience the entire nine-month fermentation process of meju turning into doenjang and ganjang.

In addition to the basic course, participants can manage their own jangdokdae by joining programs such as jangdokdae cleaning and decorating held every Monday from May to October.

Once the jang is made, a safety inspection is requested from the Health and Environment Research Institute. If the results are favorable, each participating resident can take home 2 to 3 kg of doenjang and 700 ml of ganjang on the jang sharing day in November.

Furthermore, the jang made together by residents will be delivered to vulnerable households such as low-income families and elderly living alone in the community.

The Gangseo Jangdokdae Project is open to all Gangseo-gu residents. About 60 participants will be recruited on a first-come, first-served basis until March 2, with a small personal fee for materials.

Residents wishing to participate can apply by phone to the Medical Department of Gangseo-gu Public Health Center. However, depending on the COVID-19 situation, the schedule and method of education and practice may change.

A district official said, "We hope this project will increase interest in traditional jang and provide an opportunity to reflect on the value of our food," adding, "We will actively strive to spread consensus on healthy eating."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.