Although one week has passed since Ipchun (February 3), the weather remains below freezing.
However, it won't be long before warm spring temperatures arrive, as the natural order of the seasons cannot be denied.
Seoul's autonomous districts such as Guro-gu, Songpa-gu, and Seongdong-gu are offering weekend farm plots in preparation for spring.
Guro-gu to Lease Weekend Farm Plots in 2025... Applications Open for 540 Plots
Applications for weekend farm plots accepted from the 17th to the 21st... Participation fee is 60,000 KRW
Guro-gu is recruiting residents to operate the 'Weekend Farm' located in Gung-dong from the 17th to the 21st of this month.
The district stated that through operating the weekend farm, it aims to improve the quality of life for residents tired of city life by providing opportunities for health improvement through agricultural experiences and wholesome leisure activities.
The weekend farm to be leased is divided into 540 plots across four zones (Zone 1 to Zone 4) within Gung-dong, Guro-gu, and will be operated as community gardens for residents from March 22 to November 30. Notably, this year, Zone 4 among the four zones will be piloted as an eco-friendly farm without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or plastic mulch. Zone 4 plots will be leased only to those who wish to practice eco-friendly farming methods.
Applicants must be residents registered in Guro-gu, and each household can apply for one plot (16㎡). The participation fee is 60,000 KRW. Those wishing to apply can do so through the Guro-gu Office website. Winners will be announced on the 27th through a computerized random draw.
Songpa-gu Eco-Friendly Weekend Farm Plots Available from the 7th
Songpa-gu Recruiting Cultivators for Eco-Friendly Weekend Farms... 380 Plots of 9㎡ Each Across Two Zones
Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) announced that it will recruit cultivators for this year’s eco-friendly weekend farms for Songpa-gu residents from February 7 to 21.
Since 2009, the district has been recruiting weekend farm cultivators annually to provide residents with healthy leisure activities through urban agriculture. In particular, the farms are operated so that residents can directly grow eco-friendly crops without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, drawing more attention amid rising vegetable prices due to ongoing high inflation.
The eco-friendly weekend farms in Songpa-gu are located at 444-17 Bangi-dong (Zone 1) and 445-7 Bangi-dong (Zone 2), comprising a total of 380 plots. After leasing, residents can use the garden plots until the autumn harvest in December.
The district provides spring and autumn eco-friendly compost twice a year to cultivators, along with farming tool rentals, water facilities, rest areas, and other conveniences. Additionally, for residents inexperienced in farming or eco-friendly cultivation, a 'Beginner Urban Farmer Education' program will be held 12 times annually, covering farming methods, eco-friendly cultivation techniques, seasonal crop cultivation, and organic fertilizer production.
Any Songpa-gu resident can apply for one plot per household during the application period from February 7 to 21. The general lease includes 220 plots in 444-17 Bangi-dong (Zone 1) and 110 plots in 445-7 Bangi-dong (Zone 2), totaling 330 plots. Each plot, including the furrow area, is approximately 9㎡, with an annual rental fee of 80,000 KRW.
Applications can be submitted online through the Songpa-gu website. Lessees will be selected by computerized lottery, and the results will be posted on the district office website at 4 PM on Tuesday, February 25. Mayor Seo Gang-seok stated, “Through the Songpa-gu weekend farms located in the city, residents can directly cultivate eco-friendly crops, care for their family’s health, and have opportunities to connect with nature.”
Seongdong-gu Leasing 393 Plots at Mujigae Garden and 100 Plots at Dasan Farm
Applications open until February 13 for a total of 493 plots: 393 at Mujigae Garden and 100 at Dasan Farm; open to residents and institutions or organizations located in Seongdong-gu
Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jeong Won-oh) is leasing a total of 493 plots, including 393 at Mujigae Garden and 100 at Dasan Farm, until February 13 to provide residents with relaxation and leisure through eco-friendly urban agriculture.
This year marks the 14th year of leasing Mujigae Garden, which consists of 393 plots divided into 347 general plots and 46 special consideration plots. The general plots are offered in L-type (approximately 11㎡ or about 3.3 pyeong) and S-type (approximately 5.5㎡ or about 1.65 pyeong) for single-person households or small-scale cultivators, providing a wider range of choices.
The special consideration plots, totaling 46, are designated for socially vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, families with two or more minor children, national veterans, and low-income elderly living alone aged 65 or older. The leasing fee is 60,000 KRW per L-type plot and 30,000 KRW each for S-type and special consideration plots.
Dasan Farm, located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do, offers 100 plots without type distinction. Each plot is approximately 16㎡ (about 4.8 pyeong), with a leasing fee of 50,000 KRW per plot.
Mujigae Garden is open to Seongdong-gu residents or institutions and organizations located in Seongdong-gu, with one plot allowed per household or institution/organization. However, those who won Mujigae Garden plots last year may apply for Dasan Farm but are excluded from Mujigae Garden leasing. Last year’s Dasan Farm winners may apply for both locations. Mayor Jeong Won-oh expressed hope that “families and neighbors will cultivate these urban gardens together, fostering a healthy and vibrant local community.”
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