Eco-friendly is one of the most frequented words on the media today. From industry to our every life, thinking environment is becoming a good social and business practice. More people are growing plants at home and some even commune with plants and be comforted physically and mentally. It seems only natural, therefore, that urban farming is seeing an increase in sales recently.

What are rare ornamental foliage plants?

Korea University Institute for Continuing Education set sail to meet this increasing demand with its specific goal of promoting rare ornamental foliage plants. Dr. Sungmin Kim, who leads the institute, is an educator, botanist and farmer. He explains that an ornamental foliage plant is a plant for liking. He has researched these plants for many years, engaged in checking careless import of foreign plants, and promoted supply of a variety of kinds including art plants and orchids. It was in the 19th century that the westerners started breeding and circulation of rare ornamental foliage plants while South Korea first observed the business in the 60s.

Promoting urban farmers

For those who are interested in growing rare ornamental foliage plants, Kim is running a 15 week course covering not only the plant growing but also the role of urban farmers. The course is based mostly on practice with the necessary knowledge for backup and it also covers selling and marketing. Everybody can apply for a seat and you can do it on its web site. The Korea University Institute for Continuing Education won Plant Research at the 2024 Korea Education Industrial Awards.