Volunteer at a permaculture project in Cholla-nam-do, South Korea

Details

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  Description

  The long-term goal is to design and build an inspiring permaculture project that demonstrates on a small scale how to create a resilient life style coexisting with nature. It is a challenging aspiration as the reality of construction material costs have risen drastically and finding affordable skilled labor in natural earthen building is increasingly difficult. The volunteers have helped immensely to develop this project forward.
  Last year, I bought a small land in a remote village and started renovation on an old house originally built in 1957. It is a hanok house, traditional Korean wood and earth architecture, and includes a kudeul room, radiated earthen floor through a wood fired flue system that is unique to Korea. Most of the renovation is finished. Remaining work within the house is interior wood work and detailing of the kitchen. Future aspirations include demonstration gardens, outdoor kitchen, earth oven, compost toilet, outdoor shower/ bath, new water system piping spring water from the mountains on to the land. Slowly the dream is being manifested. The masterplan design for this small project is still in progress.
  Recently just started seedlings and design for a new garden space that can be constructed in the spring. Hoping to grow a variety of veggies, salad greens and herbs with a farm to table concept in mind.
  The main help needed at the moment is carpentry and decorative work, design build of the kitchen and interior spaces. I am looking for strong people who can handle physical work and have some skills with carpentry tools or a higher interest in woodworking. The secondary work is preparing the garden spaces for spring planting. I receive alot of requests from those interested in gardening but please message me only if you have a serious interest and some experience is a plus.
  If you’re keen on permaculture, this place is waiting for you!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve

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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Travelers can learn about permaculture in the local korea context. esp about the wild mountains greens foraged in these high mountains which is why the regional Cholla-nam-do food is famous. they can experience the local life and famous history of the jirisan mountains. There are many beautiful temples, hikes and scenic sunset viewpoints high in the mountains overlooking the samjigang river.
  The owner of the project is Korean-American, born in Cholla-nam-do, Korea and raised in the US. She returned to Korea as an adult and decided to settle here. She is managing the work alone without a partner or nearby family which has its challenges. The numerous volunteers who have come through last year, not only gave valuable support but have taught her about the universal connections and struggles and joys in life. They have become her transient community. This project has evolved immensely through their enthusiastic help and has been such a blessing.
  She is a fellow wanderluster herself, curious about other cultures and ways of life. Her extensive travels around the world have often been more an inner journey to expand deeper understandings and shared connections into our humanity.

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  Help

  If you are highly motivated and can take self initiative on creative projects with interests in sustainable living, natural farming, natural building, alternative energy, water systems, permaculture land design, handcrafts, farm to table - cooking directly from the garden, alternative education, foraging wild edibles, etc. then this might be a good fit for you!
  Please keep in mind, this is not an established project, it is in progress and on a very small scale.
  
  The work varies from day to day based on the weather and needs. Please specify which skill sets you can offer, work experiences you have so far gained and what interests you would like to develop or learn.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Korean: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  Depending on the time of volunteering, accommodations are either dormitory style large room or private small room for two. It has traditional Korean style sleeping on the floor so there are no beds, just yoga mat or floor futons with blankets. If you have your own sleeping bag, good to bring. Facilities are modern with hot water and heated floors.
  
  But if you prefer the outdoors and have your own tent, there is space to camp out under the stars nearby!
  
  *there is no internet here, wifi is only available through my phone hotspot which has limited data. Nearby within 5-10 mins walk, there are afew cafes with high speed Wi-Fi internet and the village center around the corner also has free Wi-Fi.
  For those who need constant internet and for their own convenience I recommend to have a data plan set up on their phones before they arrive as there is nothing within walking distance to a phone shop.

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  What else ...

  The landscape is stunning and there is much to explore if you are a nature mountain lover. Depending on the work at the time, volunteers will have afternoons or mornings free and certain free days to explore the area as they wish. There is a local bus nearby that runs hourly. If we have time, we can also see some other projects or scenic sites by car!

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  There is free high speed internet Wi-Fi available at the village center and cafes nearby within 5-10 mins walking distance.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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