Exploring the Development of Care Farming in South Korea

The positive effects of green care on human health are well acknowledged. As one of the green care types, care farming is novel practice, which combines agricultural production and providing care to people with different types of disabilities. In South Korea, care farming is relatively new. Initiatives have been taken by innovative farmers and social workers. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the current status of care farming in South Korea and suggestions for further development of the field. The characteristics of care farming, and the experiences and perceived challenges of care farmers in South Korea were studied through 10 semistructured interviews. The majority of South Korean care farm users are people with intellectual disabilities. Financial problems are one of the crucial challenges threatening the sustenance of care farming. Care farming in South Korea lacks a clear orientation and description. Respondents indicated that proper regulations and agreements on the focus of care farming would significantly contribute to the development of care farming. The successful development of horticultural therapy in South Korea can serve as an inspiration.