Seoul Gangbuk Flower Smart Farm Center Cultivates Eco-friendly Vegetables Using Fish Waste

A space is being operated inside a building in the city center that grows vegetables through advanced technology and provides food and experiences to citizens. The Seoul Metropolitan Government's Gangbuk Flower Smart Farm Center is a multi-purpose urban agriculture platform spanning three floors above ground, producing crops of consistent quality regardless of climate change and contributing to the revitalization of the local economy.

Aquaponics cultivation room where fish waste becomes fertilizer

According to a video on the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs YouTube channel, the aquaponics cultivation room located on the 1st floor of the Smart Farm Center operates on scientific principles that control temperature, humidity, and even rain. In particular, a method of using fish waste as fertilizer has been introduced here. The presenter in the video explained that the facility is operated in a very eco-friendly and clean manner, to the extent that the water only needs to be changed once because fish poop can be used as fertilizer.

In this smart farm system, computers automatically control the growth status of the crops. This allows for year-round production regardless of the climate, and it features excellent productivity as well as the ability to maintain consistent crop quality. In fact, crops such as arugula grown on-site have shown high popularity, even selling out.

Various experience programs and the use of smart farm grown vegetables

The Smart Farm Center goes beyond a simple cultivation facility to serve as a complex cultural space for citizens. On the 1st floor, education rooms and rest areas are provided, and various experience programs that people of all ages can participate in, such as 'Nel-sol Art' which uses special soil, are operated. From elementary school students to seniors in their 70s and 80s, people can use the facilities here through group reservations and more.

The cultivated vegetables are also used in the restaurant within the center. In the video, salads, kimbap, and sandwiches using various types of vegetables grown directly in the smart farm were introduced. The presenter tasted salads containing chicken breast and tofu, mentioning that a healthy meal is possible because they contain various types of vegetables.

In this way, the smart farm is creating a new daily life by supplying safe food in the city through advanced technology and providing citizens with opportunities to directly experience agriculture.