AI Smart Farm Department, Field Trip to Smart Farm Facilities in Chuncheon

-Students visited three smart farm facilities in the Chuncheon area to experience the technologies and operational models.

[Photo 1] Students of the AI Smart Farm Department visiting the Popolet Farm in Chuncheon.

The AI Smart Farm Department recently conducted a field trip to three smart farm facilities in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, including Chorokdalcomine Eco-Friendly Farm, Doldam Tomato Farm, and Popolet Farm. The field trip, which was attended by two professors and 32 students from the department, was organized to provide students with hands-on experience and to broaden their practical knowledge of various smart farm technologies and operational models.

The first stop was Chorokdalcomine Eco-Friendly Farm, a DIY smart farm that implements low-cost and high-efficiency farming using simple sensors and automation equipment to create an autonomous growing environment. This model served as an excellent example of how smart farming can be approached economically, making it a valuable lesson for students interested in agricultural entrepreneurship.

The second stop was Doldam Tomato Farm, a specialized farm with over 40 years of experience in tomato production, covering an area of over 10,000 pyeong (approximately 33,000 square meters). The farm operates a combined model of smart farming facilities and an eco-friendly cafe, enhancing the value of its products and gaining local popularity by offering fresh drinks directly from the farm. Students had the opportunity to observe a practical example of the sixth industrialization model, which integrates production, experience, and consumption. They were also introduced to the automated cultivation system and were provided with insights into the farm's revenue structure, which piqued their interest.

[Photo 2] Visit to Chuncheon Stone Wall Tomato Farm and Expert’s Lecture

The third destination, Poporet Farm, introduced a growth prediction system using AI and data, as well as tools for work automation. Students had the opportunity to experience firsthand how smart farming technologies?meticulously designed by the passionate young owner of this youth startup farm?are actually implemented and operated. This allowed them to explore various ways these technologies can be utilized.

Professor Chan-Soo Park, Head of the Department of AI Smart Farming, stated, “Through field visits, students were able to reflect on various aspects of smart farm operations by witnessing the application of technologies and tasting the produce.”

Professor Hyun-Jin Lee (Department of AI Smart Farming) added, “Each of the three farms applied different operational models and technologies, which I believe provided students with broader perspectives and practical entrepreneurial ideas.”

The students also shared their thoughts: “By visiting the farms, we were able to see how theories are implemented in real-life scenarios. We learned that a farm structure combining agricultural production and a cafe can evolve into a model that includes not just production but also experience and distribution. Hearing directly from the operators about their experiences and concerns made the visit feel more grounded in reality. We also realized that smart farming isn't just about automation but also involves creative space design and consideration of the consumer experience.”

Meanwhile, the university’s Department of AI Smart Farming, established in 2024, is the first in the country to offer an online smart farming curriculum, aiming to train and nurture future smart farm technicians.