CULTURE: Sikmok-il, National Tree Planting Day

𝙎𝙞𝙠𝙢𝙤𝙠-𝙞𝙡, 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙏𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙮 🌳

Just like the National Tree Planting Day in Australia, there is 𝗦𝗶𝗸𝗺𝗼𝗸-𝗶𝗹 (식목일) in Korea on the 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹. Arbor Day is a significant annual observance dedicated to the importance of trees and environmental conservation. The word "Sik-mok-il" literally translates to "tree planting day," and originates from 1910 when King Sun-Jong planted a tree during the ‘Agriculture Festival (친경제)’. Arbor Day was officially designated as a public holiday in 1948 until 2006.

🌲 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 🌲

After the Japanese colonisation and the Korean War, Korea experienced significant deforestation, resulting in the loss of much of its forest cover. Recognising the importance of restoring these vital ecosystems, the Korean government placed a high priority on reforestation efforts and raising awareness about the significance of trees.

Sikmokil has evolved into a day of nationwide tree-planting activities, educational programs, and environmental campaigns. Schools, communities, government organisations, and environmental groups actively participate in various initiatives aimed at increasing green spaces, combating deforestation, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

Sikmokil in Korea now represents a collective effort to promote environmental sustainability, preserve natural resources, and instil a sense of responsibility towards the planet. It serves as a reminder that individual actions, such as planting a tree, can have a profound and lasting impact on the environment for future generations.

To learn more about Korean culture, register to one of AKBC’s upcoming training. AKBC runs regular “Fundamentals of doing business in Korea '' training to help our stakeholders better understand the cultural differences in Korea before their delegation. Contact info@akbc.com.au for more information. 🇦🇺🇰🇷