Gwangju Seo-gu Prepares for 'Seochang Eulalia Festival'... First Eulalia Cutting Work Underway

Published 07 Mar.2024 11:49(KST)

Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Kim Ikang) announced on the 7th that it has carried out the first silver grass cutting work to improve the growth environment of the water silver grass habitat along the Yeongsan River, the venue of the annual autumn ‘Gwangju Seochang Eoksae Festival’.

Seogu conducted the first silver grass cutting work to improve the growing environment of the water silver grass habitat along the Yeongsan River, the venue for the annual autumn 'Gwangju Seochang Silver Grass Festival'.
[Photo by Seogu]

Water silver grass, which naturally occurs in the Yeongsan River, is a perennial grass. If old silver grass is left unattended, its vitality decreases, leading to a gradual decline in the number of plants and the formation of sediment layers, which raises concerns about water quality deterioration. Cutting the silver grass promotes the growth of straight and tall new shoots, significantly improving the growth environment.

Accordingly, Seo-gu conducted ecological environment cleanup work on the silver grass fields from Byeokjin-dong 510 to Byeokjin-dong 802, reflecting expert opinions.

In particular, to prevent fire risks and carbon emissions, instead of burning, Seo-gu adopted a silver grass cutting method inspired by the excavator mowing technique used annually at Taehwagang National Garden, crushing the silver grass stems.

The 9th Gwangju Seochang Eoksae Festival is scheduled to be held in early October along the Yeongsan River in Seo-gu (from Geungnakgyo to Seochanggyo).

Following last year’s survey results that received favorable reviews, Seo-gu is making thorough preparations to establish the festival as a representative autumn event of Gwangju by organizing themed silver grass walking paths, Big Table Zone, emotional busking, ESG classic concerts, as well as new programs such as the National Sunset Photo Contest and resident participation programs.

Lee Hyunsun, Director of the Culture and Arts Division, said, “Starting with this silver grass cutting, we will make every effort until the end of the festival so that all residents can enjoy the Seochang Eoksae Festival, a representative ecological environment festival of Gwangju.”