South Korea Is Turning Retired Coal Mines Into Smart Underground Farms

Finding new farmland is becoming difficult in many countries. At the same time, abandoned mines often remain unused for decades after mining ends.

South Korea is addressing both challenges by transforming retired underground coal mines into smart farms. These facilities use hydroponics, LED lighting and automated climate-control systems to grow leafy vegetables and other high-value crops throughout the year. The constant underground temperature also reduces energy needed for cooling and heating, making production more stable. The project is part of the country’s effort to reuse industrial sites while expanding food production.

Unlike open fields, underground farms are protected from heatwaves, heavy rain, frost and strong winds.

Sensors continuously monitor temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide and nutrient levels, while LED lights provide the exact spectrum needed for plant growth. This controlled environment allows crops to be produced in every season with consistent quality.

Researchers say the stable underground climate also reduces water loss and helps improve resource efficiency.

Hydroponics Uses Less Water

The farms grow crops without soil using hydroponic systems.

Plant roots receive nutrient-rich water directly, reducing water consumption compared with conventional farming. Because crops are grown indoors, the need for pesticides is also much lower, helping produce cleaner vegetables.

Leafy greens, herbs and strawberries are among the crops being tested in these underground facilities.

Instead of leaving abandoned mines unused, local governments are giving them a new purpose.

The projects create employment in rural communities, support local food production and reduce the environmental impact of abandoned industrial sites. Researchers believe similar facilities could also be used for seedling production and research.

What India Can Learn

India has many abandoned mines across Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.

While not every mine would be suitable for farming, selected sites could be evaluated for controlled-environment agriculture after detailed safety and environmental assessments. Underground farms could support the production of high-value vegetables, herbs and nursery plants near urban markets.

Research institutions, state governments and agri-tech startups could study whether similar models are feasible in India, particularly where surface land is limited or degraded.

South Korea’s underground farming project shows that agriculture can benefit from innovative use of existing infrastructure.

By combining hydroponics, automation and climate-controlled production, abandoned industrial spaces can be transformed into productive farming systems. As countries search for sustainable ways to produce more food, underground agriculture may become an important part of the future food system.