The Yongdure: Saving Parched Fields with Traditional Korean Water Pumps and Songs

To save their parched seedbeds, a mountain uncle and nephew pull an emergency tool called ‘parae’ (yongdure) from the shed. Discover the structure of this traditional swing-like water-pumping tool and the origins of the rhythmic songs that echoed across the drought-stricken fields.

Scorched Seedbeds and an Emergency Tool in the Shed

Even with the start of winter just around the corner, the autumn sun was uncommonly fierce. In Jeojeon Village, Bukhu-myeon, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the fields lay parched and cracked like a turtle’s back, untouched by a single drop of rain. As even the carefully tended seedbeds began to turn a sickly yellow, the farmer Deokgu felt an agonizing knot in his stomach.

"Uncle, at this rate, everything’s going to dry up and die in a few days," young Sundol stammered, swallowing hard. Unable to meet his uncle’s eyes, he stared anxiously at the dirt floor. Though they rarely had reason to use such equipment in this mountainous village, Deokgu knew he could no longer afford to just wait and stare at the empty sky.

"Sundol, let’s head to the back of the shed. The seedbeds are practically burning up—this is an emergency. We need to break out the parae."

In the Gyeongsang region, people called the yongdure a "parae." Though rarely needed in daily farming, it was an indispensable emergency tool used to scoop water from lower ponds during severe droughts. Shaking off thick layers of dust, the two dragged a large wooden trough and support frames out into the courtyard.

The Elm Pivot and a Clumsy First Step

Carefully carrying their heavy gear, the pair descended the steep bank toward a nearby pond. The parae consisted of three main parts: an elongated trough to hold and lift water, a pivot mechanism that suspended the trough like a swing, and a sturdy support frame to hold it all together.

"Sundol, take a close look at this pivot arm," Deokgu instructed. "Here in Jeojeon Village, we carve these pivots out of tough, resilient elm wood. It has to be strong enough not to snap under the weight of a full trough of water."

Deokgu fitted the sturdy elm pivot into the tripod stand and securely tied the trough’s ropes. However, having sat unused for so long, the apparatus let out a heavy, groaning squeak when he gave the trough a gentle nudge.

"Uncle, you know my strength—leave this to me! Let’s start pumping!"

Anxious to get moving, Sundol eagerly grabbed the handle ropes and jerked them downward toward the pond. The trough wobbled violently, and Sundol’s feet slipped right out from under him in the muddy bank. With a startled "Whoa!", he tumbled straight onto his backside, while the elm pivot shrieked sharply in protest.

Finding the Rhythm to Raise the Water

"Ouch… Uncle, this thing has a mind of its own. Are the ropes going to snap or is this elm wood going to break?"

Sundol whimpered, dusting off his pants. Instead of scolding him, Deokgu chuckled warmly and pulled his nephew to his feet.

"Pumping water isn’t about brute strength, boy. A parae has to be swung smoothly back and forth like a playground swing to catch the water. Since there’s quite a height difference between the pond and the fields, rushing will only tip the trough and spill everything."

After steadying the rocking trough, Deokgu handed the opposite rope to Sundol.

"Now, match the rhythm to my lead and pull when I call out. Got it?"

Clearing his throat, Deokgu pitched his voice into a steady chant:

"Heh-ya, let the parae draw the water in!"

Catching his breath, Sundol listened closely to his uncle’s call. Feeling a bit self-conscious, he cleared his throat and chimed in with the response:

"Heh-yeo, let the trough turn round!"

The call-and-response melody began to echo softly across the edge of the pond.

A Refreshing Stream Quenching the Parched Fields

As if by magic, their arms and shoulders began to move as one in time with the song. The elm pivot stopped shrieking, swinging smoothly back and forth in a graceful semi-circle. As the front lip of the trough skimmed the surface of the pond, it scooped up a full, sloshing load of clear water.

"All right, lifting now! Put your weight into it, but push smoothly without jerking!"

At Deokgu’s signal, Sundol let out a long breath and pushed the rope upward. The moment the swing-like trough soared past the ridge of the field, a generous stream of water gushed out with a rushing sound onto the dry earth.

"It went in! Uncle, the water is pouring right into the paddy!"

Though Sundol’s face was streaked with sweat and mud, a bright smile spread across his lips. The lifeline of water sank straight into the cracked soil, soothingly wrapping around the roots of the scorched seedbeds.

"That’s it. That’s how we call and respond. You don’t have to rush—just swing to the rhythm, and before you know it, the field will be full."

Wiping the sweat from their brows with their sleeves, the two resumed their melodic parae chants. At last, even amidst the severe drought, the path along the Jeojeon Village ridges was filled with the refreshing sound of running water.