Gyeongdongwon Contributes to Air Quality Improvement with 'Ingongtoyang'

Development of Artificial Soil 'Paraso' Using Perlite Technology
Enhancing Farm Efficiency with Nutrient Solution Cultivation 'Paramate'

Sejong Government Complex, registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest rooftop garden, Yeongdeungpo Times Square, Yeouido The Hyundai, and Magok Central Plaza Park. Besides being representative landmarks with indoor and outdoor gardens, they share one more thing in common. They all created their gardens using the artificial soil 'Paraso.' Paraso was developed by Kyungdongwon, the parent company of Kyungdong Navien, to create green spaces in urban areas.

On the 25th, Kyungdongwon announced that Paraso is actively used in rooftop gardens and indoor artificial garden creation and is widely recognized as a synonym for artificial soil. According to Kyungdongwon, Paraso weighs only one-sixth of regular soil, minimizing building load, and has strong support even with a shallow soil layer, making it suitable for rooftop garden construction. Its excellent water retention ability allows plant growth with only natural rainfall, eliminating the need for separate irrigation facilities. Since it is processed at high temperatures, it also prevents weeds and pest infestations.

Rooftop Garden of Sejong Government Complex Using Artificial Soil Paraso

Kyungdongwon made the artificial soil using 'Perlite (jinjuam).' This is a non-flammable mineral formed when lava rapidly cools as it flows into surface lakes or seas. It is a pure inorganic material that does not affect humans or the environment, to the extent that it has been approved as a food additive. Artificial soil also has air quality improvement effects. According to the Korea Forest Service, urban green spaces contribute not only to improving air quality but also reduce the average midday summer temperature by about 3 to 7℃ and decrease average power consumption. It mitigates the heat island effect and is effective in noise reduction. A Kyungdongwon official said, "Through urban green spaces made with artificial soil, we are improving air quality and contributing to creating a pleasant global and living environment."

Kyungdongwon is also increasing the efficiency of crop cultivation with 'Paramat,' a dedicated substrate for hydroponic cultivation specialized in growing fruits and vegetables. Hydroponic cultivation is a method where crops are fixed in a solid substrate, and a nutrient solution containing the necessary nutrients for growth is supplied to cultivate the crops. Paramat is made by rapidly expanding perlite at high temperatures, eliminating risks of pests and invasive plant species contamination. Like Paraso, it has excellent drainage and aeration, promotes root establishment, and increases the surface area for nutrient absorption. While the lifespan of soil made from crushed coconut shells, used by most farms, is only about two years, Paramat can be used for 4 to 5 years. This is why the Watermelon Research Institute under the Chungcheongbuk-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services has introduced Paramat and is researching various technologies to increase watermelon yields.