Danyang, Chungbuk – Danyang County is set to become a pioneer in agricultural tourism, announcing a groundbreaking project to combine a state-of-the-art smart farm with a cozy cafe. This innovative venture aims to attract visitors and boost the local economy.

Located near the iconic Dodamsambong peak, a popular tourist destination, the smart farm cafe will be a 3,800 square meter facility featuring a main garden, a media garden, a smart farm, a cafe, and communal spaces. The indoor area will showcase a botanical garden and a smart farm cafe, offering visitors a visually appealing and interactive experience. The outdoor area will be adorned with a unique garden filled with various ecological plants.

A significant investment of 15 billion won has been allocated for this project, which also includes the development of a Dodam Starlight Botanical Garden and an immersive media exhibition space.

A Fusion of Agriculture and Technology

One of the highlights of this project is the integration of advanced agricultural technology. The smart farm will utilize vertical farming techniques to cultivate crops, which will be incorporated into the menu of the cafe, along with local specialty products. This fusion of agriculture and technology is expected to create a unique culinary experience for visitors.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

To minimize its environmental impact, the smart farm will initially be powered by waste heat from a local cement plant. However, due to the high cost of constructing the necessary pipeline, the plan has been revised to utilize waste heat from a nearby incineration plant instead.

Moreover, Danyang County is also working on creating an eco-friendly cycling route by repurposing a disused railway line. The 10.2-kilometer route will connect Danyang city, Dodamsambong, and Mancheonha Skywalk, providing visitors with a scenic and sustainable way to explore the region.

A New Model for Rural Development

"By repurposing waste heat and a disused railway line, this project demonstrates our commitment to environmental sustainability," said a Danyang County official. "We believe that this smart farm cafe will serve as a pioneering model for rural development, combining agricultural innovation with tourism."

The county anticipates that this project will not only attract more tourists but also revitalize the local economy and create new job opportunities.