"The Miracle of Residents’ Dedication"... Bukpyeong-myeon, Haenam Wins Prime Minister’s Award at 'Happy Farming Village' Contest

Silver Award at the Happy Farming Village Contest: 15 Million Won Prize
Bukpyeong Stars’ Inspiring Performance Sets Model for Public-Private Cooperation

Bukpyeong-myeon in Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-Do, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Integrated City, achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Silver Award, the Prime Minister's Award, at the 13th Happy Farming Village Contest hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

According to Haenam-gun on September 11, Bukpyeong-myeon received high praise for its resident-led community revitalization efforts at the finals of the contest held on September 9 in Cheongju, Chungbuk, earning both the Silver Award and a prize of 15 million won.

Bukpyeong-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, received the Silver Prize, the Prime Minister's Award, at the 13th Happy Rural Community Making Contest hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Provided by Haenam-gun

The Happy Farming Village Contest is an annual event organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to identify and promote outstanding cases of rural transformation and community revitalization led by residents, spreading these best practices nationwide. Bukpyeong-myeon advanced to the national finals after passing rigorous preliminary rounds, including reviews at city, county, and provincial levels, as well as on-site evaluations.

At the finals, Bukpyeong-myeon leader Byunggil Lee and operations committee member Seungho Oh took the stage as presenters. They authentically conveyed the resident-centered development process, in which administration and inhabitants have worked together to solve village issues and harness local resources for vitality, deeply resonating with the judges.

Notably, the performance team “Bukpyeong Stars,” made up of local residents, stood out. Despite their busy schedules with farming and other work, they practiced diligently during their days off to present a performance on the national stage. With coordinated movements, energetic expressions, and powerful lines, they expressed Bukpyeong-myeon's transformation and strong community spirit, deeply moving the audience.

This award is the result of close collaboration among Haenam-gun, Haenam-gun Rural Agreement Support Center, and Bukpyeong-myeon residents. It is especially meaningful because it represents nationwide recognition of the community’s capacity for self-reflection and action in shaping its future.

Center director Jinsook Ham stated, “Based on this achievement, we will widely share Bukpyeong-myeon’s case of resident-led rural revitalization,” adding, “We will continue to pursue sustainable rural development projects centered on community participation and local solidarity in the future.”

An official from Haenam-gun emphasized, “Winning the Prime Minister’s Award is a valuable achievement made possible by the dedication and passion of each resident of Bukpyeong-myeon. We are grateful to everyone who prepared together.” The official continued, “We will take this award as a new starting point to actively create a vibrant and happy rural community where residents take the lead and the administration provides solid support—a place anyone would want to visit.”

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