🌿 July 6 Declared as “Therapeutic Farming Day” – A Vision for Healing Through Agriculture
Agriculture is no longer just about food production. It’s evolving into a new kind of public service — one that heals people, restores communities, and fosters sustainability.
On July 5, Dongyang University’s Center for Therapeutic Farming made a historic move by officially declaring July 6 as “Therapeutic Farming Day”, the first of its kind in South Korea.
📌 What is Therapeutic Farming?
Therapeutic farming refers to a multidisciplinary industry that utilizes agricultural and rural resources to help people recover, maintain, and enhance physical and mental health.
It also creates social and economic value by connecting agriculture to wellness, education, and employment.
🎉 Event Highlights
- 📍 Date/Location: July 5, Seminar Hall, Dongyang University
- 👥 Participants: 60+ attendees including therapeutic farming practitioners, students, and local citizens
- 📜 Key Events:
- Proclamation of “Therapeutic Farming Day” on July 6
- Reading of a value declaration promoting healing through farming
- Workshop for the development of therapeutic farming
🗣️ Key Presentations and Discussions
At the workshop, academic and medical experts presented the future of therapeutic farming and its potential societal impact.
- Prof. Sung-Gun Jeon (Dongyang University)
→ Emphasized the importance of local government support and institutional policies. - Dr. Hee-Young Lee (Yeongju Red Cross Hospital)
→ Explained how therapeutic farming could become a nature-based mental health solution, particularly for stress and depression.
💬 In the expert panel discussion, several forward-looking policy proposals were suggested:
- Establishment of therapeutic farming-focused elementary, middle, and high schools
- Promotion of carbon-neutral agriculture through local food systems
- Development of healing tourism hubs nationwide
- Expansion of therapeutic farms to support mental health and chronic illness
- Integration of big data in farm-based therapy and potential health insurance coverage
🌱 Dongyang University Leading the Way
Dongyang University has been a pioneer in this field since 2016, when it launched South Korea’s first CEO program for therapeutic farming.
Since 2022, it has also served as a certified training institution for level-2 therapeutic farming specialists in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, now operating its 4th cohort.
💬 A Word from the Director
“We believe in a world where nature and people thrive together.
Therapeutic farming represents hope, healing, and human connection.”
– Prof. Yeon-Woong Hong, Director, Dongyang University Center for Therapeutic Farming
As South Korea confronts major challenges like rural population decline, youth unemployment, and mental health crises, therapeutic farming is emerging as a powerful alternative industry — one that reconnects people with land, life, and community.
Let July 6, now officially “Therapeutic Farming Day,” be a reminder of the healing power that nature holds for us all.