• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.64-74
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• 2020

The significance of Boseong Tea Agriculture System lies in its harmonious coexistence with the surrounding environment, producing high quality teas and maintaining its biodiversity. Boseong Tea Agriculture System has been inscribed as Korea's Important Agricultural Heritage System (KIAHS) in 2018, but the Aging Society of tea farmers is threatening the conservation and succession of tea farming of the region. The study suggests designation of Boseong Tea Agriculture System as one of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS), objecting conservation and succession of Boseong Tea Agriculture System. The study has reviewed GIAHS, KIAHS, Boseong Tea Agriculture System and surveyed tea farmers of Boseong for 3 months from March to May, 2020. The survey method includes face to face interview, phone interview (ones couldn't be reached for face to face interview) and in-depth interview of community leaders and experts, verifying the Aging Society status in Boseong tea agricultural industry. The survey result includes the following. Average age of Boseong tea farmers is 69.4 years old. Family tea-farming over two generation is 36% (54 household), and 79.4% (119 household) depends on 90% of income from tea production. The in-depth interview shows the aging tea farming society is most serious concern of tea farmers and GIAHS designation will support reliability and recognition of Boseong tea, helping conservation and succession of Boseong Tea Agriculture System. GIAHS designation will enhance and share the value of Boseong Tea Agriculture worldwide and be able to inherit the heritage for our future generation.