[Report] "Agriculture Changes the World"... Opening of the '2025 International Agriculture Expo'

380 Organizations from 25 Countries Gather: K-Agriculture’s Technology, Flavor, and Vision All in One Place
AI, Drones, and Smart Farms Shape the Future of Sustainable Agriculture
"Great exhibits, but... it's too hot": Visitors Voice Complaints About Indoor Heat

On the morning of October 23, at the Jeonnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services in Naju, Jeonnam Province, the opening day of the "2025 International Agriculture Expo" was already bustling with excitement from the entrance. At the site of this global agricultural festival, which brought together more than 380 organizations from 25 countries, cutting-edge technology mingled with the anticipation and interest of visitors.

"These days, it's not people but AI that farms so brilliantly"

A visitor repeatedly expressed amazement while looking at the agricultural machinery. Inside the "Agriculture Future Exhibition Hall," the AI-powered smart farm featured sensors that analyzed crop conditions in real time, and new crop varieties developed to adapt to climate change drew the attention of many attendees.

A visitor is experiencing by directly operating machines such as a high-pressure washer and a snow remover displayed at the 'Agricultural Technology Hall.' Photo by Lee Jungkyung

The autonomous tractor experience also caught the eye of visitors. One farmer, observing the tractors equipped with smart agriculture solutions and a global premium lineup, remarked in astonishment, "Now we're in an era where tractors work on their own."

At the "Agricultural Technology Hall," the progress of agricultural machinery technology was on full display. Demonstrations were held using high-pressure washers for cleaning cars and building exteriors, while multipurpose agricultural machines such as snow removers and large lawn mowers attracted significant attention. Large drones showcased by the Jeonbuk Drone Association were also a popular subject for visitors' cameras.

A marketplace of Jeonnam specialties filled with fragrance and color

The areas that drew the largest crowds were the Agriculture and Food Hall and the Livestock Hall, with participation from 18 cities and counties in Jeonnam. The Hwasun County exhibition booth stood out with its vibrant orange design and promotional staff dressed in dokkaebi costumes. Wearing dokkaebi outfits and wigs, they promoted the region by saying, "Hwasun, the land of dolmens, is now visited by dokkaebi!" while taking photos with visitors, which proved to be highly effective for social media promotion. One visitor commented with a smile, "Taking pictures with the dokkaebi staff is even more popular than the exhibits themselves."

At the exhibition hall in Hwasun County, a promotional staff member dressed in a dokkaebi costume captured attention by taking photos with visitors and bringing smiles to their faces. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

At the Yeosu and Suncheon booths, Dolsan Gat Kimchi and the crunchy "Godeulppaegi" were featured, while Haenam's sweet potato and rice bagels enticed visitors with their sweet aroma. In particular, the "Wando Bread" presented by the Wandoae Cooperative drew special attention. With a crispy exterior and a moist, chewy inside, one visitor gave it a thumbs up, repeatedly saying how delicious it was.

In Wando, loquat wine, loquat tea, and loquat vinegar evoked the image of a "tropical fruit city," while at the Naju pear tasting corner, visitors exclaimed, "This is the real taste of Naju pears." The brown onion sauce made from Muan onions was praised as "the perfect topping for steak."

Shinan's salt ice cream, with its salty-sweet flavor, was a hit among children. Figs from Yeongam, Sansuyu from Gurye, and lemons from Jangseong filled the exhibition hall with their unique fragrances and colors. Jangseong, in particular, promoted its local produce with a sign declaring it "the only lemon-producing region in Korea."

Inside the Agricultural and Food Hall, various specialty products and foods from the Jeonnam region were showcased, capturing the attention of visitors. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

K-Agriculture targets the global market

At the Business Hall, an export consultation event was in full swing, attended by buyers from 50 companies across 16 countries. The organizers stated, "Through this expo, we aim to create an opportunity for K-Agriculture to expand into the global market." The World Food Tech Forum and International Coffee Symposium were also scheduled, raising expectations for further technological exchange and cooperation.

A healing space in the city, crowded with family visitors

The "Healing and Wellness Exhibition" provided urban visitors with a chance to relax. Families strolled through the Garden of Abundance and the botanical garden, taking photos, while hands-on zones where visitors could harvest sweet potatoes and persimmons were bustling with activity. The K-Coffee Promotion Hall and the Pet Culture Playground also continued to attract many guests.

The "2025 International Agriculture Expo," which showcased the future of agriculture, proved that the theme "Agriculture Changes the World" is not just a slogan. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

"The sights and food are great, but... the heat is exhausting"

However, some shortcomings in the operation of certain exhibition halls left much to be desired. Outdoor exhibition halls such as the Agriculture and Food Hall were completely enclosed, preventing any airflow. As midday temperatures rose, visitors fanned themselves and complained, "The exhibits are great, but it's too hot to stay for long." An elderly visitor joked, "I feel like I'm going to ripen before the crops," before quickly wiping away sweat.

The air conditioning was not functioning, and the temperature inside some halls was reminiscent of midsummer heat. Families with children expressed discomfort, saying, "It's difficult to cope with the hot weather."

The portable toilets, which were opened belatedly, and the puddles of stagnant water behind them, were not properly sanitized, causing visitors to frown. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

The issue of portable toilets also became a point of contention. Participants who arrived on-site the day before the event to prepare for the exhibition found the toilets locked, causing inconvenience. They were only opened on the day of the opening, and one company representative confessed, "Finding a toilet was harder than preparing for the exhibition."

Behind the toilets, puddles of stagnant water were not properly sanitized, resulting in visitors being plagued by mosquitoes.

"Agriculture Changes the World"

Despite operational shortcomings, this expo provided a comprehensive look at the future potential of agriculture, including AI, drones, autonomous driving technology, and space crop research. Proving that the theme "Agriculture Changes the World" is more than just a slogan, the challenge of K-Agriculture that began in Naju is now reaching out to the world.