Line 7 Sangdo Station 'MetroFarm' Renovated... Food and Attractions in the Subway Farm

One More Pam Cafe Added, Area Expanded, Seats and Tables Increased for Enhanced Citizen Convenience

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Sangdo METRO Farm, located at Sangdo Station on Line 7 operated by Seoul Metro, has further enhanced convenience for citizens.

METRO Farm is Seoul Metro's proprietary smart farm brand. Since 2019, the corporation has been conducting a pilot smart farm project by establishing and operating METRO Farms at five stations, including Sangdo Station, to create new revenue sources using idle spaces and revitalize vacant commercial areas.

According to Seoul City on the 22nd, the METRO Farm at Sangdo Station currently boasts the largest scale among completed METRO Farms. However, there were shortcomings such as inefficient use of space and the presence of a farm cafe inside the METRO Farm, which made it difficult for citizens to recognize it as a place to relax at a glance.

In response, the corporation and Farmate, the operator of METRO Farm, carried out a renewal project for the Sangdo Station METRO Farm from January to March 2022 to enhance customer convenience. To provide fresh food to more citizens, an additional farm cafe was added in a more visible location. The interior was upgraded to create a luxurious atmosphere by expanding the area and replacing floor tiles. Additional seats and tables were installed to increase the usability of the space as a resting area for citizens.

The corporation pursues mutual growth with Farmate, its partner managing the METRO Farm operations. On May 27, at the Sangdo Station METRO Farm, the corporation held a ‘5th Anniversary Gift (Farm Vegetables) Distribution Event’ to promote the project and boost sales. The renewal focused on citizen convenience and the cooperative efforts between the corporation and its partner have attracted more visitors to the METRO Farm. The average monthly sales of Sangdo METRO Farm increased by 24.0% compared to the second quarter of the previous year, and the overall average monthly sales of all METRO Farms rose by 16.2% compared to the same period.

Besides the farm cafe and resting area, the Sangdo METRO Farm at Sangdo Station operates the ‘Farm Academy,’ an experiential space where participants can harvest vegetables, cook, and taste them. Various events attract both station users and nearby residents.

At the five stations with METRO Farms, plants are cultivated using ICT technology. Light, temperature, humidity, and nutrients necessary for plant growth are artificially controlled to provide the highest quality vegetables 365 days a year regardless of season or climate. Fine dust sensors are installed to maintain ultra-fine dust levels at ‘Good’ (0~15㎍/㎥), and the farms have obtained GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) and eco-friendly (pesticide-free) certifications, ensuring safe food for citizens.

Jung Seon-in, Head of the New Growth Division at Seoul Metro, said, “To activate and sustain the smart farm project, we plan to consider additional renewals at stations such as Euljiro 3-ga in the future. The smart farm project utilizes idle spaces within stations to generate revenue while providing citizens with spaces for experience, rest, and communication inside subway stations. We ask for your great interest.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.