Insect industry opens new Chuncheon factory

Korea's first insect industry hub opened in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the national insect industry development initiative. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the facility's completion ceremony held on the same day. The smart farm complex, with a total investment of 20 billion won ($15 million), was jointly built by the provincial and city governments, with equal financial support from the central and local governments. Construction began in 2023 and spans a 23,815-square-meter site.

The facility comprises a smart factory farm, which handles the core operations using AI and robots to monitor insect growth in real time. It also manages temperature, humidity, and feeding controls automatically. Accompanying the main farm are 33 rental smart farms, responsible for breeding insects and supplying them to the factory. Additionally, a dedicated building for maintenance and support services is part of the complex.

The smart factory can produce up to 1,000 tons of mealworms annually, providing a valuable resource for protein-based feed, health supplements, agricultural waste treatment, and job creation in the region.