Something that never ceased to fascinate me in Korea were the tiny gardens that seemed to pop up just about anywhere there was dirt or even gravel. These gardens were not on property owned by families or individuals, but simply small plots of public land. The people tending them were the elders, those who lived through the Korean war and knew all too well about food insecurity.
For example, one could be riding down the highway and spot a tiny garden just up the embankment next to a grove of bushes or trees. This area, hardly noticed by anyone, provided a small plot of earth to grow vegetables. Another popular spot was a small 4' x 8' area of gravel next to one of the walking paths near us. Gravel would be shoved aside and spring onions would be popping through.
Every now and then we would spot the gardeners - old men and women carrying a bucket of water up from the nearby stream to tend their precious garden. They wore straw hats and mismatched bright patterned clothes.
For awhile in a nearby neighborhood, there was quite a large plot of undeveloped land that had clearly evolved into a community garden. We used to enjoy watching all the gardeners squatting down and taking such care for their plants. Then one day the gardens were wiped out and bulldozers were poised to begin building new apartment buildings.
Sadly, this was a bit of a sign of things to come. Notice that none of the gardeners were young and none of the plots were owned. I am fairly certain that within a generation, this sign of a tenacious, scrappy Korea who still remembers what it is to live intertwined with nature will be gone along with those who have tended them.
Photos by © Brenda Brayko. All rights reserved.
