Ham Dong-sik, the head of Mojeon Village in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, has been plowing fields with a plow for 56 years. Accompanied by his son, Young-il, he’s currently farming 3,000 pyeong of rice fields and raising cows. Ham values the idea that agriculture is the great foundation of the world, a principle he’s lived by since he started farming at 15.
In 2019, Ham lost his faithful 15-year-old companion, Yellow, and has since been plowing fields with his seventh ‘plowing comrade’, An Soon-yi. Selected from among the 20 calves she raised, Ansuni was reborn as a clean-up following three years of training. With her perfect structure, Ansuni excels at plowing. Ham emphasizes the need to start setting a foundation at a young age, allowing the calf to play its role like a clean sweep. Ansuni is trained to stand on her own if she gets hit by a stone while plowing and will find her way if she veers off with just Ham’s guidance.
Ham insists on plowing his fields with Ansuni, as it is a small practice to save nature. He believes that using a tractor may seem quick and convenient, but its use results in the destruction of nature through the return of machine parts and oil back into the world.
Ham and Ansuni make an exceptional team. As they plow the fields, the smell of soil spreads, and the field wakes up in the spring with the rattle of Ansuni’s bag. It’s a beautiful moment that Ham cherishes.
56 years of insistence on plowing Ham Dong-shik, head of Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, and ‘Ahn Soon-i’
Village chief Ham Dong-sik leads Ilso ‘Ansuni’ by the reins, and his son Yeong-il follows behind while plowing. Reporter Park Jong-shik anaki@hani.co.kr
“Wow~ Wow~ Wow~ geez geez~.” Village chief Ham Dong-sik (71) held the reins in his hand and slowly drove Ansuni. His son, Young-il (42), followed with his plow driven at an angle into the field. As if familiar with Chief Ham’s commands, Ansuni went forward at ‘Irya’, stopped at ‘Wa’, turned to the right when she pulled the reins, and turned to the left at ‘Jeojjeo’. After repeating “Wow, wah, wah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah,” was repeated several times, the dry soil was overturned to reveal the moist inner soil.
Chief Ham Dong-sik is driving Ahn Soon-i. Reporter Park Jong-shik
Ham Dong-sik, head of Mojeon Village, Hongdong-myeon, Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, has been plowing the fields with a plow for 56 years. Yijang Ham, who started farming at the age of 15, has been living by cultivating 30,000 pyeong of rice fields and raising cows, keeping in mind the ‘Great Book of Farmers’ (Agriculture is the great foundation of the world). He leaves ‘Yellow’, who has been with him for 15 years, in 2019, and is cultivating a field of 3,000 pyeong with his seventh ‘plowing comrade’, An Soon-yi. Among the 20 calves she raised, Ansuni was selected and reborn as a clean-up through three years of training. With his straight horns, rounded hooves, and straight backbone, Ansuni was perfect for a smirk. “You have to set the foundation at a young age so that you can play your role with a clean sweep.” If Ansuni got hit by a stone while plowing, she would stand on her own, and even if she took the wrong path while plowing, she found her way with only two words of ‘Wah, Wow’ from Mr. Ham.
Village head Ham Dong-sik is cutting straw to feed An-soon. Reporter Park Jong-shik
For Chief Ham, plowing with Ansuni is one of the small practices to save nature. “Plowing the fields with a ‘tractor’ is quick and convenient, but machine parts and oil return to the world and destroy nature.” After a short break, Mr. Ham put Ansuni in front once more. As the plow cut the field, the smell of soil spread in all directions. Ansoon was waking up the field in spring with the rattle of the bag hanging around her neck.
technology has taken over the agricultural industry, Ham Dong-sik’s commitment to traditional plowing methods is truly remarkable. For 56 years, he has been cultivating his fields using a plow and his faithful companion, Ansuni. Their synchronicity and bond are evident in every step they take, turning the dry soil into moist, fertile land.
Moreover, Ham’s dedication to preserving nature by avoiding the use of machinery is a testament to his love and respect for the environment. His small practices to save nature serve as an inspiration for us all to take better care of our planet.
Ham’s story is a reminder that no matter how advanced we become, some traditions should never be forgotten. His insistence on plowing with a plow and faithful companion, Ansuni, is a beautiful ode to our cultural heritage and a perfect example of how we can make a difference by sticking to our roots.
