▲ Harvest Scene     ©Jenny Yoon

Gangwon State to Lead Future Apple Cultivation Amid Climate Change

[GJC-Jenny Yoon] Yanggu County, Gangwon State, has been selected as one of the four sites nationwide for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ prestigious 2025 “Smart Orchard Specialized Complex Development” project. With this selection, the county will secure a total project budget of 4.3 billion KRW over three years, including 1.4 billion KRW in government funding.

The program, designed to tackle challenges posed by climate change and an aging agricultural workforce, aims to transform 20 hectares of land into a cutting-edge smart orchard. The initiative will introduce innovative farming methods such as two-axis and multi-axis flat tree structures, which simplify cultivation and enable mechanization to alleviate labor shortages. Additional measures include disaster-resilient apple varieties and infrastructure to protect against extreme weather conditions like hail and heatwaves.

A Competitive Selection Process

Seven regions across South Korea vied for the coveted project through a rigorous two-stage evaluation that included document reviews and presentation assessments. Yanggu County’s comprehensive proposal and readiness to innovate earned it a spot among the final recipients.

“We are thrilled by this opportunity to position Gangwon State as a leader in future apple cultivation. This project represents a significant step forward in addressing climate challenges and strengthening our agricultural sector,” said Seok Seong-gyun, Director of the Agricultural Policy Bureau of Gangwon State.

▲ Automatic Opening and Closing Multipurpose Net     ©Jenny Yoon

Transforming Agriculture Through Smart Technology

The project, which will run from 2025 to 2027, outlines a detailed roadmap for establishing the Smart Orchard Specialized Complex:

Development of water sources and production infrastructure. Installation of ICT systems and disaster prevention facilities. Introduction of shared-use equipment like mechanical pruning tractors. Consulting on modern cultivation techniques, including flat-tree training. Promotion and marketing of new apple varieties.

In 2025, the focus will be on laying the groundwork by creating a detailed implementation plan, recruiting participants, and offering specialized training. By 2026, infrastructure development will be in full swing, while 2027 will emphasize the promotion of new apple varieties.

Rising as a Hub for Apple Cultivation

Climate change has led to a northward shift in apple-growing regions, with Gangwon State’s apple cultivation area expanding dramatically from 144 hectares in 2005 to 1,679 hectares in 2023—a 1,066% increase. The region has consistently showcased the quality of its apples, winning accolades like the Grand Prize and Excellence Award at the National Fruit Selection Competition.

This project builds on Gangwon State’s efforts to future-proof its agriculture. Officials are also preparing for the 2026 national competition by expanding next-generation smart orchard projects and fostering sustainability in collaboration with local governments, cooperatives, and research institutions.

▲ Smart Sprayer     ©Jenny Yoon

 A Vision for the Future

Director Seok emphasized the broader implications of the initiative: “This program positions Gangwon as a model for smart orchards and disaster-resilient agriculture. We aim to support our farmers in increasing productivity and income, addressing labor shortages, and ensuring the sustainability of the apple industry.”

As Gangwon takes the lead in smart agriculture, Yanggu County’s transformation into a hub for cutting-edge apple cultivation sets a new benchmark for innovation in Korean farming.