Gangseo-gu launches mobile companion plant clinic

Seoul's Gangseo-gu announced Wednesday it will operate a "mobile companion plant clinic" to promote a culture of everyday plant care among residents.

The clinic is designed to visit residential complexes and businesses directly, helping people manage common challenges such as pest and disease control while offering hands-on horticultural services. Four booths will be set up at each site. Visitors first register at a reception booth, then proceed to a diagnosis booth where plant specialists — certified plant protection technicians with nursery experience — assess each plant and provide tailored consultations.

Eligible applicants include residential complexes in Gangseo-gu with 150 or more households and companies with 200 or more employees. A total of 10 sites will be selected. Each site must secure a minimum of 100 square meters to accommodate on-site consultations and repotting activities.

According to data released last year by the Rural Development Administration, South Korea's companion plant population is estimated at approximately 17.45 million. By age group, those in their 30s or younger accounted for the largest share at 37.2%, followed by those in their 40s at 13.2%, those in their 50s at 15.0%, and those 60 or older at 34.6%.