Mapo-gu (district mayor Yu Dong-gyun) has launched an education program at the Mapo Smart Farm Experience Center (10 Poeunro 6-gil) where residents can observe and take part in crop cultivation using smart agriculture technology.
Built above the Mangwon 1-2 public parking lot, the center is a future-oriented urban farming space that integrates information and communications technology, giving visitors hands-on exposure to cutting-edge agricultural methods in an everyday setting.
The program consists of three tracks — facility tours, a children's experience course and adult education — all offered free of charge.
Facility tours run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding the lunch break from noon to 1 p.m.
Visitors receive an explanation of how the smart farm operates and the cultivation techniques it uses, then walk through the smart greenhouse to observe the system in action.
Drop-in visits are welcome without a reservation; groups should book in advance through the Seoul Metropolitan Government's public service reservation system.
A children's program called "Green Future Farm" is also available.
It runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., from July through December.
Participants tour the facility, learn the principles behind crop cultivation and take part in hands-on activities — cooking with freshly harvested produce, making pressed-flower journals and assembling moisture-sensor plant pots.
Applications are accepted through the Seoul Metropolitan Government's public service reservation system; those wishing to join the following month's sessions should register the month before. Mapo-gu residents receive priority booking, with remaining spots opened to the general public afterward.
A special program for families with young children, elementary school clubs and childcare groups will run during the August summer vacation from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis from July 10 through July 19, with Mapo-gu residents given priority during the first five days of registration.
In October, the center will offer "Dreaming Future Farmer," a program for adults and middle and high school students.
The five-week course covers the concept of smart farming, the future of agriculture and crop management techniques in depth. In the final session, participants build their own mini smart farm, putting what they have learned into practice.
Applications will be accepted through the Mapo-gu website in September; Mapo-gu residents will be given priority, with final participants selected by lottery.
"Smart agriculture is not a difficult or unfamiliar technology — it is a future industry that can be found close to our daily lives," district mayor Yu said. "I hope the smart farm experience center gives everyone an easy and enjoyable way to explore advanced agricultural technology."
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