Adapting to a Hotter Future: How South Korea Is Turning to Subtropical Crops in Response to Climate Change

Adapting to a Hotter Future: How South Korea Is Turning to Subtropical Crops in Response to Climate Change

Climate change is transforming South Korea’s agricultural landscape, and one of the most notable shifts is the growing cultivation of subtropical crops, particularly on Jeju Island. As the nation experiences warmer temperatures, with mid-November highs reaching 24°C, farmers and researchers are pivoting to crops that thrive in subtropical climates. At the forefront of this effort is the Jeju Rural Development Administration’s Warming Response Research Institute, where new crops such as papayas, mangoes, and dragon fruit are being grown as part of a larger strategy to adapt to climate change.

A New Era of Crop Cultivation
The Warming Response Research Institute is exploring ways to integrate subtropical crops into South Korea's agricultural ecosystem. While papayas and mangoes are rare sights in Korea’s traditionally cooler climate, these crops are now growing in greenhouses specially designed to accommodate their needs. These subtropical crops, which require warmer temperatures and unique growing conditions, are becoming more feasible as temperatures steadily rise.

Dr. Han Hyun-hee, a researcher at the institute, highlighted the importance of diversifying crop types to ensure food security and economic stability in the face of climate change. "We are studying different papaya varieties to find the best match for consumer tastes and the local environment," says Dr. Han. So far, the institute has introduced 17 types of subtropical crops and is actively testing them for viability.

The Impact of Rising Temperatures
The agricultural community is already feeling the effects of rising temperatures. Traditional crops like citrus fruits, a staple of Jeju Island, have faced delays in their harvests and shipments due to the increasing frequency of tropical nights. The delayed coloring of tangerines is just one example of how abnormal weather patterns are disrupting agriculture. As climate conditions continue to shift, the importance of finding adaptable crops has never been more critical.

"Last year, we experienced 21 tropical nights, three times more than the previous year, which delayed the tangerine harvest," said Kim Sang-yeop, head of the tangerine distribution division in Jeju Island. This delay has driven prices up, reflecting the growing challenges in maintaining traditional crop yields.

A Growing Subtropical Climate Zone
The future of agriculture in South Korea looks markedly different, as climate models predict significant shifts in the subtropical climate zone. According to a 2022 report by the National Institute of Meteorological Sciences, South Korea’s average annual temperature could rise by up to 6.3°C by the end of the century, pushing the subtropical zone to cover half of the nation by 2050. This will likely increase the production area for subtropical crops, which has already expanded by nearly 90% in just a few years.

Subtropical crops like mangoes and bananas are already being cultivated on over 200 hectares of land in South Korea, with production steadily increasing. The potential for these crops to become mainstream in South Korea’s agricultural sector is growing, but so are the challenges of managing these crops in a changing climate.

What Lies Ahead for South Korean Agriculture?
South Korea is on the frontlines of adapting to climate change, and the Warming Response Research Institute’s efforts to explore subtropical crops are just one example of how the country is responding. As subtropical crops become more viable, agricultural strategies will evolve. Farmers will need to adjust their methods, focusing on the crops best suited to their regions and conditions.

The increase in subtropical crop cultivation offers both opportunities and challenges. While it may help mitigate some of the negative impacts of climate change on food production, it also requires careful planning and consideration of the long-term impacts on local ecosystems and farming communities. Only time will tell how well these new crops integrate into South Korea’s agricultural system, but one thing is certain: the country’s food production landscape is shifting in response to a hotter future.

 Rising Temperatures and Subtropical Crops: A Growing Challenge and Opportunity in South Korea

As temperatures rise across South Korea, the cultivation of subtropical crops has become more common, particularly on Jeju Island, which is facing the direct impacts of climate change. In an effort to adapt to these changes, the Jeju Rural Development Administration’s Warming Response Research Institute has introduced a range of subtropical crops that are proving resilient to the warmer climate. The institute has selected 17 promising crops, including papayas, mangoes, dragon fruit, and avocados, among others, in response to the growing temperatures and changing agricultural conditions.

Researchers at the institute are particularly focused on experimenting with crops that can thrive in this changing environment, noting that even in mid-November, temperatures reached as high as 24°C, which is more typical of subtropical climates. This increase in temperature has already begun to affect the timing and quality of traditional crops, such as citrus fruits, with delayed shipments and increased prices for products like tangerines due to tropical nights.

The rise in average temperatures—predicted to increase by 2.3°C to 6.3°C by the end of the century—will likely expand the subtropical climate zone across South Korea, with predictions that by 2050, half of the country will experience conditions favorable for subtropical crops. This shift has already led to a marked increase in the cultivation of subtropical fruits and vegetables across the nation.

FAQ:

What are subtropical crops?
Subtropical crops are plants that thrive in warmer climates, typically where the average temperatures remain above 20°C. Examples of these crops include papayas, mangoes, and dragon fruit.

How is climate change affecting agriculture in South Korea?
Climate change is causing temperatures to rise, which is altering the growing seasons and affecting the quality and timing of crop cultivation. Crops that were once dependent on cooler weather are now facing delays or reduced yields due to tropical nights and higher average temperatures.

What is the Warming Response Research Institute doing to address these challenges?
The Warming Response Research Institute is studying and promoting the cultivation of subtropical crops, as they are more suited to the changing climate. The institute has introduced 58 types of subtropical crops and selected 17 promising ones to test for their suitability to Jeju Island’s growing conditions.

How will South Korea adapt to these changes?
As subtropical crops become more viable, agricultural strategies will shift. By 2050, predictions suggest that half of South Korea will be suitable for subtropical crop cultivation, which could have both positive and negative effects on local food production.

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