E2024-G075

Specialties of Mudeungsan Mountain, Shaped by Nature and People

Narrative

The specialty products of Mudeungsan Mountain are the result of the mountain’s natural environment combined with the hands of those who have lived and worked there. Mudeungsan Watermelon, grown on the slopes of the mountain, reflects the area’s soil and climate. Unlike ordinary watermelons, it has a solid dark green rind without stripes and is therefore also known as “Puraengi,” literally meaning “deep, solid green.” In the past, it was presented as a tribute to the king, and today it can be purchased at local farmers’ markets or in department stores.

Chunseol Tea, produced at Samae Tea Farm, is known as the tea that the painter Heo Baek-ryeon (1891-1977) served to guests at Chunseolheon House, his residence and studio. Samae Tea Farm was originally a tea field cultivated for offerings at Jeungsimsa Temple, and the tea tradition continued after Heo Baek-ryeon took over the farm. He also contributed to agricultural education by founding Gwangju Agricultural Technology High School to train rural leaders.

Both Mudeungsan Watermelon and Chunseol Tea are mentioned in Jeonnam Teuksanga (Song of Jeonnam’s Local Specialties), a poem written by Yi Eun-sang (1903-1982). The poem was composed and presented in 1952 when Honam Newspaper hosted an exhibition to promote specialty products of Jeollanam-do. As the newspaper’s president at the time, the poet Yi Eun-sang wrote the work to help introduce and deepen understanding of the region’s distinctive local products.