"Do Plants Get Hospitalized Too?" Popular Plant Hospital for 'Sikjipsa' Plant Caretakers

"I also want to learn more about plants and grow them, and it's great that I can get treatment as well."

On the 20th, Kang Ji-won, whom I met near Euljiro in Jung-gu, Seoul, said she knows about the so-called 'plant hospital.' Kang said, "Plants are no different from companion animals like dogs or cats. They all have names given by their caretakers, and of course, we pour affection into them."

Recently, among 'sikjipsa' (plant caretakers), sharing reviews of 'companion plant hospitals' through social networking services (SNS) such as Twitter and Facebook has been increasing. 'Sikjipsa' is a newly coined term referring to people who care for and show affection to plants like a butler. Along with this, terms like 'pulmeong' (plant zoning out) and 'planterior' (interior design using plants) have also emerged.

A plant is receiving care for temperature and humidity at a companion plant clinic center located in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Han Seung-gon

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As interest in companion plants grows, specialized treatment centers are also spreading nationwide. Gyeongju City in Gyeongbuk Province has designated and operated a companion plant treatment center since last year. In February, Gyeonggi Province enacted the nation's first 'Companion Plant Activation and Industry Support Ordinance.' On the 10th, Seoul opened a companion plant hospital within the Seoul Agricultural Technology Center located in Naegok-dong, Seocho-gu. This hospital is equipped with a diagnosis room, prescription room, inpatient treatment room, and a practice room that teaches basic cultivation methods so citizens can continuously grow and manage companion plants at home.

Companion plant clinics, which serve as neighborhood clinics, have also opened in four autonomous districts (Jongno-gu, Dongdaemun-gu, Eunpyeong-gu, Yangcheon-gu). These clinics act as local clinics visited before going to the comprehensive companion plant hospitals. Experts provide consultations on plant cultivation and simple treatments, and if the condition is severe, they refer the plants to companion plant hospitals for further care.

The spread of the companion plant culture is related to COVID-19. According to a 2021 survey by the Rural Development Administration of 726 citizens regarding perceptions and effects of growing plants, most respondents agreed that growing plants makes spaces feel beautiful and bright, brings peace of mind, and alleviates feelings of depression. They also recognized that emotional stability is achieved through the sense of awe and fulfillment experienced during the plant growth process, seeing beautiful plants, and feeling that the space is comfortable because of the plants.

Seoul Dongdaemun-gu Companion Plant Clinic Center. Plant expert Jeong Hyun-ju is explaining plant care methods. Photo by Han Seung-gon

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On the 19th, at the companion plant clinic center in Dongdaemun-gu, plant expert Jung Hyun-joo said, "Since opening the companion plant hospital, many people visit for consultations," adding, "Usually, people in their 20s and 30s come the most, but customers span various generations, including older adults." She continued, "Many young people visit saying, 'The plant I received as a gift seems to be sick.'"

Jung said, "Temperature and humidity are very important when caring for plants," and "I explain a lot about the types and characteristics of plants during consultations." She further explained, "It's best to treat plants like 'adolescents.' (laughs) They seem indifferent, but if you observe them carefully, you can grow them well."

At the Dongdaemun-gu companion plant clinic center, services include ▲'phone consultations' for questions about indoor plants or simple companion plant care issues, ▲'home visits' that provide direct guidance on repotting, pest management, and plant care techniques, and ▲'inpatient treatment' that refers seriously ill plants to the 'Seoul Plant Hospital' (Naegok-dong, Seocho-gu) for intensive care when same-day treatment is not possible.

The selection criteria for plant experts are quite strict. Kim Young-mi, chief of the Parks and Greenery Division at Dongdaemun-gu Office, explained, "(Applicants) must have at least two years of experience in horticulture-related fields. They must also hold a basic urban agriculture manager certification."

Seoul Dongdaemun-gu Companion Plant Clinic Center. Photo by Han Seung-gon

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The response from 'sikjipsa' to the plant clinic centers, which serve as neighborhood clinics and regional hubs, has been positive. Park, a self-employed person in their 40s who said they have always been interested in plant care, said, "Having flowers or plants at home helps calm down anger. I started growing plants one by one, but it's no easy task. So, it's great that there is now a hospital where you can receive professional education, consultation, and treatment." Another 'sikjipsa,' office worker Park Tae-yoon (28), added, "Among sikjipsa, the hospital is a place you must visit regularly," and "We share a lot of information among ourselves."

Citizens who wish to use the companion plant hospital and clinics can apply through the Seoul public service reservation website. Applications can be made in 30-minute intervals from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The service is free of charge. After making a reservation, visitors bring their companion plants to the hospital or clinic on the scheduled date. Each person can receive treatment for up to three pots once a month. They are guided on plant care methods and precautions to help with aftercare.

Park Jae-yong, Seoul City’s Labor, Fairness, and Coexistence Policy Officer, said, "Companion plant hospitals and clinics are places where, just as you take your sick companion animals to a veterinarian, you can receive diagnosis and prescriptions from plant experts when your home-grown plants wilt or get sick," adding, "We will provide various supports so that citizens can find emotional stability and physical health through companion plants."

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