Seodaemun-gu Distributes 1,000 Box Gardens

Published 05 Apr.2021 15:16(KST)

From 10 AM on the 12th, first-come, first-served applications accepted... Kit includes 'box, organic potting soil, lettuce seedlings, absorbent sticks'... Cost 8,000 KRW each... Urban farming experience using balcony, rooftop, and other small spaces

Seodaemun-gu Distributes 1,000 Box Gardens

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Moon Seok-jin) is distributing box gardens to allow residents to experience urban agriculture by utilizing small spaces such as rooftops and balconies.

A box garden is a small box filled with soil and fertilizer where seedlings or seeds can be planted to grow crops.

This allows people to enjoy leisure time, obtain healthy ingredients, and provides children with opportunities for eco-friendly learning.

The district has prepared 1,000 box gardens measuring 50ℓ (65×45×45cm). Of these, 800 will be distributed to residents, and 200 to public institutions, educational institutions, and organizations within the area.

The box garden consists of a box, organic potting soil, and lettuce seedlings.

It also includes a water-absorbing wick that supplies water when water is poured into the bottom of the box.

Individuals can apply for up to 3 boxes per household, and organizations can apply for up to 10 boxes. Each box costs 40,000 KRW, with applicants paying 20% (8,000 KRW). However, public institutions and educational institutions (kindergartens, elementary, middle, and high schools) can receive up to 100 boxes on a first-come, first-served basis without any cost.

Those who have received box gardens from Seodaemun-gu from 2018 to last year are not eligible to apply.

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested parties can apply from 10 a.m. on the 12th to 6 p.m. on the 14th via the Seodaemun-gu Office website (login → Resident Participation → Open Plaza → Box Garden Application → Upload Application Form) or by visiting the Climate and Environment Division on the 4th floor of the district office.

Applications may close early if there are many applicants.

The box gardens are expected to be delivered around May 3.

Moon Seok-jin, Mayor of Seodaemun-gu, said, “We hope that cultivating box gardens will encourage eco-friendly living in daily life and strengthen neighborly bonds through sharing the crops grown.”