Gwanongsocho(Book Advocating the Improvement of Farming Methods)

Myeoncheon-gun Administrator Bak Ji-won (pen-name: Yeonam) submitted this book in response to the King Jeongjo’s instruction on the collection of farming books in 1798 (the 22nd year of King Jeongjo’s reign). At that time, Bak Ji-won lamented the fact that there was not a single good book on farming methods which he believed should be improved to enable the rational management of farmland. The book pointed to the necessity of adopting farming methods that fit the local natural environment, improving the quality and efficacy of farming tools, using manure as a fertilizer, improving irrigation techniques, and promoting the equal distribution of farmland.