SK Telecom uses AI and drones to restore Andong forest

SK Telecom is utilizing artificial intelligence and drone technology to restore forest areas in Andong, South Korea, which were damaged by large-scale wildfires last year. In collaboration with Yuhan-Kimberly, the Peace Forest association, and the startup Invelab, the initiative aims to rehabilitate 4.4 hectares of land.

To date, the partnership has planted 10,000 trees, including species such as wild cherry, oriental raisinberry, and maple. To reach steep or inaccessible terrain, SK Telecom and Invelab used AI to analyze topography, sunlight, and water flow before deploying drones to disperse 10,000 seed balls containing native seeds mixed with nutrients.

The project also incorporates AI-based monitoring to track vegetation changes, tree growth, and the distribution of invasive species. This data-driven approach will help refine future forest management and identify areas requiring additional planting. This effort is part of a broader ESG cooperation between SK Telecom and Yuhan-Kimberly.