Wishing for the return of honeybees, the Daecheongho “Buzzing Bee Restaurant” has opened. (Photo provided by Energy Transition Haeyou)
DAEJEON, July 15 (Korea Bizwire) — In response to the alarming decline in bee populations due to the climate crisis, residents near Lake Daecheong have joined forces with the Korea Water Resources Corporation and the Energy Transition Haeyou Cooperative to launch a community-driven ecological initiative known as the “Daecheongho Buzzing Bee Restaurant.”
The project involves cultivating perilla fields—rich in nectar and a favorite food source for bees—across five villages in Lake Daecheong’s protected water source area. The initiative, announced on July 14, aims to create a pollinator-friendly environment while contributing to South Korea’s broader carbon neutrality goals.
According to organizers, the perilla flowers are expected to bloom in autumn, attracting large numbers of bees. The harvested perilla seeds will be processed into “Savory Perilla Oil from Bees Visiting Daecheong Lake,” a product certified under the RE100 initiative, as it is produced using solar-powered renewable energy.
The five bee-friendly fields span approximately 8,600 square meters, with additional space contributed by individual residents. Funded by Korea Water Resources Corporation, the project has also hired local managers to oversee each site.
“Last year, a beekeeper in our village lost more than half of his 100 hives,” said field manager Ha Jong-dae. “This year, it feels meaningful to grow crops that help bring the bees back.”
The Buzzing Bee Restaurant project reflects a growing recognition in South Korea that combating biodiversity loss and climate change can go hand in hand through locally led, sustainable agriculture.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
