South Korean regions implement geothermal smart agriculture

South Korean regional governments in Gyeongsangnam-do and Boeun-gun are implementing low-carbon smart agriculture projects to reduce energy costs for farmers.

Gyeongsangnam-do announced a 6 billion won project in Geochang-eup to establish low-carbon energy communal use facilities. Having secured 4.2 billion won in national funds, the province plans to install geothermal heating and cooling systems across 4 hectares of strawberry and tomato cultivation facilities between 2027 and 2028. This initiative is linked to a smart agriculture promotion zone designed to lower the initial entry barriers for young farmers.

In Boeun-gun, authorities are investing 8.7 billion won into a smart agriculture core district. Following a successful bid for national funding, the county will utilize geothermal energy to provide heating and cooling for a 5.8-hectare rental smart farm and a communal seedling nursery. This project is part of a larger 48.5 billion won development aimed at integrating production, seedling, and distribution facilities to support the stable settlement of young agricultural workers.