Cultivating a Greener Seoul: Empowering Citizens through Gardening

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is doubling down on its commitment to creating a Garden City Seoul by launching an expanded citizen gardener training program. Starting April 17,2025,Seoul residents can apply for a range of courses designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge to cultivate their own green spaces and contribute to the city’s burgeoning urban agriculture movement.

This initiative comes at a time when urban gardening is experiencing a global resurgence. According to a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), urban agriculture can improve food security, enhance biodiversity, and create more livable cities. Seoul’s program directly addresses these benefits by empowering its citizens to actively participate in creating a more lasting and aesthetically pleasing urban surroundings.

A Multi-Tiered approach to Gardener Education

The citizen gardener training program offers a structured curriculum catering to various skill levels, ensuring accessibility for both novice and experienced gardeners. The program is divided into four distinct courses:

• Academy (Introductory Course): Designed for beginners, this online course provides a foundational understanding of gardening principles.
• Basic Course: This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, serving as a stepping stone to becoming a certified citizen gardener.
• Intensive Course (advanced): Building upon the Basic Course,this program offers more specialized training,focusing on hands-on practice and seasonal garden management.
• Competency Education: Aimed at graduates of the Seoul citizen gardener program, this curriculum deepens expertise and practical skills, with a focus on garden design and maintenance.

Course Details and Request Information

Here’s a closer look at each course and how to apply:

Academy (Introductory Course)

This online course is perfect for those with a budding interest in gardening. The course runs from May 26th to July, with two-hour sessions. enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, with a capacity of 200 participants.

Basic Course

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to garden management, covering topics such as plant propagation, garden design, and planting techniques. The course will be held every Friday from April 25th to August 1st at Seoul National university (14 weeks, 56 hours total). Registration is open from April 17th to 20th, with 60 slots available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Intensive Course (Advanced)

Designed for those who have completed the Basic Course, the Intensive Course offers more in-depth, hands-on training. Classes will be held every Friday from April 25th to December 12th at Samyuk University (30 weeks, 120 hours total). Registration is open from April 17th to 20th, with 60 slots available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Competency Education

This advanced curriculum focuses on honing the skills of experienced citizen gardeners. Training will take place at Boramae Park, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Seoul International Garden Expo in 2025.The course runs every Friday from May 8th to August 14th (120 hours total). Registration is open from April 17th to 27th, on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Apply

Registration for all courses opens at 9:00 AM on Thursday, April 17th. All Seoul residents are eligible to apply. A self-burden fee of ₩250,000 applies to the Academy, Basic, Intensive, and Competency Education courses.

given the high demand for these programs, prospective students are encouraged to apply promptly.

Vision for a Greener Future

According to Lee soo-yeon, head of the City of Seoul, The process of citizens participating and creating and cultivating the garden is the core of the garden city of seoul. This initiative underscores the city’s commitment to fostering a more sustainable and vibrant urban environment through citizen engagement and education.