Gangjin 'Yeonbangjuk Ecological Circulation Water Agricultural System' Registered as World Irrigation Facility Heritage

Recognition of Value from the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) Following Designation as a National Important Agricultural Heritage

5 Federal Porridges and Handeul Plain ⓒ Asia Economy

[Gangjin＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su] The Yeonbangjuk Ecological Circulation Canal Agriculture System, National Important Agricultural Heritage No. 16 in Gangjin, which has wisely overcome the unfavorable agricultural environmental conditions of vast farmland for hundreds of years, has been recognized for its value by a global organization.

According to the county on the 8th, the "Yeonbangjuk Ecological Circulation Canal Agriculture System" was designated as a World Irrigation Structure Heritage by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) on the 4th.

It is the seventh agricultural heritage site registered in Korea following Gimje Byeokgolje and Suwon Chukmanje (2016), Dangjin Hapdeokje and Suwon Manseokgeo (2017), Goseong Dumbreung (2020), and Wando Cheongsando Gudeuljang (2021). The registration certificate and plaque will be awarded at the 72nd ICID World Congress to be held in Morocco on the 26th.

The ICID's World Irrigation Structure Heritage registration system was established in 2012 to designate, preserve, maintain, and promote irrigation facilities that have historical, technical, and social value.

The conditions for registration as a World Irrigation Structure Heritage include irrigation facilities with a history of over 100 years, milestones and turning points in the development of irrigation agriculture, contributions to improving farmers' economic conditions, agricultural development, and increased food production. Additionally, other registration requirements set by ICID must be met.

The Gangjin Yeonbangjuk Ecological Circulation Canal Agriculture System was constructed by building Yeonbangjuk canals throughout the farmland of the Handeul Plain, the second largest farmland area in Jeollanam-do excluding reclaimed land, to supply agricultural water after the relocation of Byeongyeong Fortress in 1417 and the shortage of rivers. It stored, preserved, and reused water to overcome unfavorable agricultural conditions, creating a double-cropping agricultural environment for rice, garlic, onions, and more.

Starting from Suinsan Homgol and flowing into Byeongyeongcheon in Byeongyeong-myeon, hundreds of weirs were installed in the area to supply water to every village alley (Hangolmok stone wall street).

The water was used as household water, then flowed down to be used as agricultural water, and was retained in the moat of Byeongyeong Fortress, serving military purposes as well. It was also sent to the nearby Yeonbangjuk (Hagoje) to be reused as agricultural water, establishing a dual and triple circulation system. This system is still partially in use.

Furthermore, five Yeonbangjuk canals in Jakcheon (Yongdongje, Dolyaje, Yodongje) and Byeongyeong (Junggoje, Hagoje) have a system that allows mutual water supply through canals from neighboring Yeonbangjuk canals during water shortages. After the farming season ends, freshwater fish such as crucian carp, carp, and snakehead fish are caught, festivals are held, and the traditional community event of Garaechigi, sharing goodwill with neighbors, is promoted.

Gangjin County expects that the registration of the Yeonbangjuk Ecological Circulation Canal Agriculture System as a World Irrigation Structure Heritage will enhance Gangjin's value and brand awareness, as well as serve as a stepping stone for developing tourism resources, revitalizing the local economy, and advancing Gangjin as an international city.

Gangjin＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su kys86120@asiae.co.kr

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