Duregi

Duregi (Korean: 두레기) is a traditional Korean agricultural cooperative system. It refers to a communal labor exchange and mutual aid organization prevalent in farming villages. The duregi system emphasizes cooperation and shared effort, particularly during peak agricultural seasons like planting and harvesting.

Key characteristics of the Duregi:

• Communal Labor: Duregi members work together on each other's fields on a rotational basis. This ensures that all members benefit from collective labor, especially when tasks require significant manpower.
• Mutual Aid: Beyond labor exchange, duregi also provided a system of mutual support during times of hardship, such as illness or natural disasters. Members would assist each other with various needs, fostering a sense of community resilience.
• Hierarchical Structure: Duregi often had a designated leader or leadership structure to organize work schedules, resolve disputes, and manage resources. This leadership role typically rotated among members.
• Social and Cultural Significance: Duregi was not solely an economic arrangement. It also served as a social and cultural institution, reinforcing community bonds through shared work, celebrations, and rituals. Music, dance, and communal meals were often integrated into duregi activities.
• Decline: With modernization and the rise of individual farming practices, the prevalence of duregi has significantly declined in modern Korea. However, its historical importance in shaping Korean agricultural practices and community spirit remains significant. Some rural communities may still practice modified forms of duregi.