Korea's "tropical miracle": the climate is warming, and Korea is booming in planting bananas

Body translation

Ma Myung-sun had low expectations for the subtropical bananas he planted in a community farm in Seoul. He must use a greenhouse for part of the year to protect them from South Korea's cold winters. But warmer temperatures due to climate change have produced a welcome surprise in the form of flowers and fruit.

Ma Ming-sun didn't expect much from the subtropical bananas he grew on a community farm in Seoul. He has to use greenhouses for part of the year to protect them from the cold Korea winters. But rising temperatures due to climate change have brought about a pleasant surprise in the fragrance of flowers and fruits.

The land area where subtropical crops are grown in South Korea has increased from about 295 hectares in 2021 to 3,306 hectares in 2023. South Korea's state agricultural organization, the Rural Development Administration, reports that there are 67 banana farms in the south. And Ma is among a growing number of farmers experimenting with crops usually grown in a warmer climate.

Korea's subtropical crop acreage increased from 295 hectares in 2021 to 3,306 hectares in 2023. The Rural Promotion Agency of Korea's National Agricultural Organization reported that there are 67 banana farms in southern Korea. More and more farmers are experimenting with crops that are normally grown in warmer climates, and Ma Mingshan is one of them.

"I want to try growing other tropical crops too. So, as you can see here, I have planted these papaya trees as well," Ma said, pointing to a small papaya plant. Ma opened up part of his family's farm to people from the city in 2006. He is happy about his small success. But he worries about what it means for the climate. "I feel that the climate crisis has become very serious," said Ma, who has been a farmer for 25 years.

"I would also like to try to grow other tropical crops. So, as you can see here, I also planted these papaya trees," Ma said, pointing to a small papaya tree. In 2006, Ma Mingshan opened part of his farm to city dwellers. He was delighted with his small success. But he's worried about what that means for the climate. "I think the climate crisis has become very serious," said Ma Mingshan, who has been a farmer for 25 years.

The Korea Meteorological Administration reports that since 2012, the average yearly temperature has been continually rising. The average temperature last year of 13.7 degrees Celsius was the highest since its records began in 1973. Rainfall during last year's rainy season was 660.2 mm nationwide, nearly two times the 356.7 mm annual average figure.

The Korea Meteorological Agency reported that the average annual temperature has continued to rise since 2012. Last year's average temperature was 13.7 degrees Celsius, the highest since records began in 1973. During last year's rainy season, 660.2 mm of rain fell across the country, almost double the annual average of 356.7 mm.

Kim Kwang-soo is a professor of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Seoul National University. Kim said bananas are usually grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, while Korea is located in a temperate zone with four distinct seasons. However, since 2012, the average annual temperature in South Korea has experienced a continuous warming trend, and the climate seems to be getting hotter and wetter throughout the year, creating near-perfect conditions for growing bananas. He believes that this means that Korea's climate conditions are becoming similar to those of subtropical regions, so it is necessary to develop crops suitable for the new temperature environment, and points out that this is also a way to combat climate change.

Kim Kwang-so is a professor of agriculture and life sciences at Seoul National University. Kim Kwang-so said bananas are usually grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, while Korea is located in a temperate zone with four distinct seasons. However, since 2012, Korea's average annual temperature has experienced a continuous warming trend, and the climate appears to be getting hotter and wetter throughout the year, creating near-perfect conditions for growing bananas. He believes that this means that Korea's climatic conditions are becoming similar to those of subtropical regions, so crops suitable for the new temperature environment should be developed, noting that this is also a way to combat climate change.

Currently, the area under cultivation in South Korea, including subtropical crops such as bananas, has jumped from about 295 hectares in 2021 to more than 3,000 hectares in 2023. In Korea, where tropical and subtropical fruits are more expensive, consumers should be happy to accept cheaper local produce if they can be grown domestically.

At present, the area planted in Korea, including bananas, has jumped from about 295 hectares in 2021 to more than 3,000 hectares in 2023. In Korea, tropical and subtropical fruit prices are higher, and consumers should be happy to accept cheaper local produce if they can be grown domestically.

"My kids love bananas. So, it would be good if we harvest bananas in this country," said Kim Ji-youn, who was purchasing imported bananas in a Seoul supermarket.

"My kids love bananas. So, it would be good if we could harvest bananas in our own country," said Kim Ji-young, who buys imported bananas at a supermarket in Seoul.

Original translation: Longteng.com https://www.ltaaa.cn Please indicate the source for reprinting

Bananas, one of the most popular fruits in South Korea, have been the most popular fruit in South Korea for three consecutive years, and the current price is between 2,490 and 5,490 won, equivalent to about 13-29 yuan. Sometimes when there are special offers, the price will be cheaper.

Bananas, one of the favorite fruits of Korea, have been the most popular fruit in Korea for three consecutive years, and the current price is between 2490-5490 won, equivalent to about 13-29 yuan. Sometimes when there is a special offer, the price will be cheaper.