PHOTOS: Highland harvest in full swing

Workers harvest cabbage at a highland field in Daegwallyeong in Gangwon Province, Sept. 16. Yonhap
SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - The hills of Daegwallyeong, South Korea's largest production base for prized highland vegetables, are typically a scene of bustling harvest activity as the nation prepares for the major fall holiday, Chuseok.

The annual harvest of goraengji baechu (highland cabbage) and goraengji mu (highland radish) is in full swing. These vegetables are distinct because they are exclusively grown in regions situated 1,000 meters or more above sea level, giving them a unique texture and flavor highly sought after for traditional meals.

For the farmers in this high-altitude region, the current harvest season is proving to be a difficult one. Crews are working tirelessly to gather the crops, but the yields are noticeably down, hit by a severe drought and a heatwave this year.
 A highland cabbage field in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Sept. 25/ Yonhap Highland cabbage fields in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Sept. 25/ Yonhap Workers harvest cabbage at a highland field in Daegwallyeong in Gangwon Province, Sept. 16. Yonhap Harvested highland radishes in a field in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Sept. 25/ Yonhap Farmers harvest highland radishes in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Sept. 25. Yonhap Highland cabbage and radishes at a Seoul supermarket, Sept. 22/ Yonhap
Cho Bo-hee 부장 jobo@ajupress.com