South Korea’s Rapidly Evolving Vertical Farming Technology
Despite differences in initial industry size, South Korea’s vertical farming sector has demonstrated considerable technological advancement, with numerous enterprises actively expanding their footprint within the smart farm industry. In recent years, the domestic vertical farming market has experienced rapid growth, fueled by technological innovation and government support. Companies are increasingly pursuing new approaches to enhance agricultural productivity, distinguish their methods from conventional farming, and establish sustainable smart farm models. This article examines key players in South Korea’s vertical farming industry, focusing on Farm8, NEXTON, PLANTFARM, MANNA CEA, and Nongshim Farm.
Farm8, a startup agTech company, operates one of South Korea’s largest vertical farms, covering 990 square meters, primarily cultivating leafy greens. The company has an automated robotic harvesting system, allowing baby leaf vegetables to be harvested 35 to 42 days after seeding. Additionally, Farm8 oversees its own production, processing, and distribution, maintaining an integrated agricultural business model.
NEXTON has established an indoor vertical farm within a repurposed tunnel located on national land in Okcheon County, North Chungcheong Province, spanning 2,020 square meters. The company primarily grows leafy greens, strawberries, and bio-material crops, utilizing CT scan-based hydroponic systems. Its use of recycled infrastructure is a distinguishing feature of its approach.
A notable startup in South Korea’s vertical farming industry, PLANTFARM focuses on container-style vertical farms and related system solutions, mainly cultivating hemp and large leafy greens. One of its key innovations is MetroFarm, a vertical farming system designed for urban environments, particularly subway stations. PLANTFARM successfully exported MetroFarm to Kuwait, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion efforts.
MANNA CEA has incorporated aquaponics technology into its vertical farming operations, differing from the conventional hydroponic systems used in other facilities. The company’s primary products include leafy greens and strawberries, marketed under its exclusive brand, Salading. In May 2024, MANNA CEA finalized a trade agreement with Saudi Arabia, facilitated by government-led economic diplomacy initiatives.
Among South Korea’s vertical farming enterprises, Nongshim Farm has established a strong position within the industry. Founded in 2008, the company has accumulated significant expertise in vertical farming, leveraging its proprietary technologies for high-quality crop cultivation. Nongshim Farm develops cultivation bed structures, lighting systems, and climate control technologies, ensuring its vertical farming solutions meet diverse customer specifications.
In 2024, Nongshim Farm successfully integrated its vertical farming technology into Saudi Arabia’s NSIP project, with construction expected to be completed by December 2025. Following completion, the company will operate the facility for a minimum of five years, further expanding its global vertical farming presence.
South Korea remains actively engaged in expanding its smart farm industry, with vertical farming emerging as a core component of future agricultural development. Domestic enterprises are leveraging technological innovation and strategic expansion, fostering long-term opportunities for sustainable agriculture. As vertical farming businesses refine their models, South Korea’s K-smart farm industry is expected to strengthen its global competitiveness.
NEXTON has established an indoor vertical farm within a repurposed tunnel located on national land in Okcheon County, North Chungcheong Province, spanning 2,020 square meters. The company primarily grows leafy greens, strawberries, and bio-material crops, utilizing CT scan-based hydroponic systems. Its use of recycled infrastructure is a distinguishing feature of its approach.
A notable startup in South Korea’s vertical farming industry, PLANTFARM focuses on container-style vertical farms and related system solutions, mainly cultivating hemp and large leafy greens. One of its key innovations is MetroFarm, a vertical farming system designed for urban environments, particularly subway stations. PLANTFARM successfully exported MetroFarm to Kuwait, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion efforts.
MANNA CEA has incorporated aquaponics technology into its vertical farming operations, differing from the conventional hydroponic systems used in other facilities. The company’s primary products include leafy greens and strawberries, marketed under its exclusive brand, Salading. In May 2024, MANNA CEA finalized a trade agreement with Saudi Arabia, facilitated by government-led economic diplomacy initiatives.
Among South Korea’s vertical farming enterprises, Nongshim Farm has established a strong position within the industry. Founded in 2008, the company has accumulated significant expertise in vertical farming, leveraging its proprietary technologies for high-quality crop cultivation. Nongshim Farm develops cultivation bed structures, lighting systems, and climate control technologies, ensuring its vertical farming solutions meet diverse customer specifications.
In 2024, Nongshim Farm successfully integrated its vertical farming technology into Saudi Arabia’s NSIP project, with construction expected to be completed by December 2025. Following completion, the company will operate the facility for a minimum of five years, further expanding its global vertical farming presence.
South Korea remains actively engaged in expanding its smart farm industry, with vertical farming emerging as a core component of future agricultural development. Domestic enterprises are leveraging technological innovation and strategic expansion, fostering long-term opportunities for sustainable agriculture. As vertical farming businesses refine their models, South Korea’s K-smart farm industry is expected to strengthen its global competitiveness.
Korea Institute of Planning and Evaluation for Technology in Food, Agriculture and Forestry, 「Domestic and International Trends and Development Directions of Vertical Farms」, 『2024-02, Industry, Technology, and Policy Trend Report』