Smart Farm Development Leading Future Agriculture on the 1st Floor of Mapo-gu Office

Creating an Educational Platform to Foster Future Talent Through Smart Farms and Lead Eco-Friendly Healthy Dining

Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Gang-su) announced that on the 7th, it will establish a smart farm (plant cultivator) incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in a small space on the first floor of the government office building and hold an opening ceremony for the 'Mapo-style Pollution ZERO Smart Farm.'

The opening ceremony on September 7th coincides with the UN commemorative day 'World Clean Air Day for Blue Skies,' which was proposed and adopted by South Korea. Mapo-gu chose the 7th as the smart farm opening day to reflect on the importance of blue skies and to practice carbon neutrality.

On this day, 5-year-old children from the Mapo-gu Office daycare center, representing future generations, will also participate to tour and directly experience the smart farm.

Amid climate and environmental changes and various environmental pollutions threatening our food supply, smart farms that can grow crops in an optimal state 24/7, 365 days a year, in a low-carbon and eco-friendly way regardless of external conditions, are emerging as an alternative for future agriculture.

Mayor Park Gang-su has emphasized the need for public officials to understand and prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution by conducting competency training on how to utilize core Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as smart farms, AI, and drones in the public sector since last April.

Accordingly, Mapo-gu plans to promote the smart farm project to citizens visiting the district office by installing next-generation agricultural technology smart farms and provide children with opportunities for experience and education about the Fourth Industrial Revolution to nurture future talents.

The smart farm, utilizing a small space of about 10㎡, currently grows fresh leafy vegetables such as lettuce, butterhead, romaine, and basil in three tiers and two rows. Mapo-gu plans to operate it on a trial basis until September to cultivate crops and start full-scale experience and education programs from October.

Mayor Park Gang-su stated, “An urban agriculture manager will professionally manage the smart farm, increase productivity, and be responsible for children's education,” adding, “The smart farm, equipped with advanced technology, will be a great educational venue where children can see and experience it firsthand.”