Combining KT’s ICT and smart farm technologies with Aso Farm Land’s agricultural theme park operation know-how


KT is developing a smart farm theme complex in Korea that combines agriculture with advanced ICT technology, opening a new chapter in the 'sixth industrialization of agriculture' by combining agricultural production, processing, sales, tourism, experiences, and residential facilities.

KT announced on the 18th that it signed a 'business development agreement for a large-scale smart farm theme park' with Aso Farm Land Co., Ltd. (Chairman Katsuyuki Kitagawa), the world's largest agricultural theme park, at Aso Farm Land in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.

The two companies are embarking on initiatives to encourage people to return to farming and revitalize rural communities in Korea through the development of smart farms and agricultural theme parks. To this end, they plan to apply smart farm solutions developed by KT’s Convergence Technology Institute—such as integrated greenhouse control, greenhouse operation management, and cultivation support systems—to the theme parks, along with Aso Farm Land’s theme park content and operational know-how. Additionally, the two companies will collaborate on operational manuals, technical support, and employee training.

The smart farm theme complex being promoted by KT is largely composed of smart farms, residential complexes, tourist accommodations, and experience facilities, providing a self-sufficient ecosystem. Returning farmers can move into the residential complex within the smart farm theme park and earn jobs and income by operating smart farms or being employed at experience facilities.

Signed MOU with Japan's Aso Farm Land Co., Ltd. for the development of a large-scale smart farm theme park project

For example, KT's smart farm for cultivating dewdrop mushrooms incorporates smart farm environmental control solutions into the entire process from cultivation to growth, based on domestic spawn patents, making it easy for even novice farmers to grow them.

Furthermore, by establishing agriculture-themed smart farm experience facilities, it is possible to attract tourists and generate additional revenue through direct sales and experiential activities. To this end, KT plans to support the sales of agricultural products produced in smart farms by collaborating with domestic distributors.

Aso Farm Land, with which KT is collaborating to build a smart farm theme complex, is the world's largest smart farm-based agri-food and health theme resort located in Kumamoto, Japan. As a popular tourist destination visited by 4 million tourists annually, it is considered a successful example of agricultural theme complex development that combines nature, agricultural production and processing facilities, and various themes.

Yoon Kyung-rim, Executive Vice President and Head of KT’s Future Convergence Business Promotion Office, stated, "KT will contribute to revitalizing the rural economy and improving living environments by applying various ICT convergence technologies—including telecommunications, energy, and security—to develop smart farm-based agricultural theme parks, in addition to constructing smart farm facilities," adding, "We plan to continuously expand the smart farm-based agricultural theme park business by strengthening partnerships with various domestic and international companies."