The Rise of Succulents in Korea: How Korea Became the Succulent Capital of the World

The Rise of Succulents in Korea: How Korea Became the Succulent Capital of the World

Succulents are mass-produced around the world, with the United States, particularly California, leading in their cultivation thanks to its favorable climate. Similarly, Japan and China have emerged as key players in succulent production. Yet, no country rivals South Korea’s expansive and innovative succulent industry.

How did Korea achieve this global dominance in the succulent world? The answer lies in a fascinating combination of factors. After visiting Korea and various nurseries this past march, three key factors stood out to us:

1. Government Support and Subsidization
2. Existing Greenhouse Infrastructure
3. Cultural Resonance

1. Government Support: Pioneering Research and Funding

A critical factor in Korea’s rise as a succulent superpower was government intervention. Recognizing the economic potential of the industry, the Korean government established the Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extension Services Cactus and Succulent Plant Research Institute.

This institution has played a pivotal role in the development of the succulent industry by creating new varieties of succulents tailored to market demands, and Innovating cultivation techniques.

In 2015, the research institute achieved a breakthrough by perfecting tissue culture technology for Echeveria, one of the most popular succulent genera. This advancement allowed growers to produce high volumes of consistent, high-quality plants, cementing Korea’s dominance in the global succulent market.

2. Infrastructure Advantage: Weather Challenges Turned into Innovation

The Korean Peninsula experiences extreme weather conditions, with frigid winters and hot, humid summers. Historically, these challenges made farming difficult, but the need to sustain a growing population in the 1950s triggered a "white revolution" in horticulture.

During this period, Korea developed advanced greenhouse technology, including:

• Highly transparent greenhouse plastics to mimic natural field conditions.
• Thermal curtains to regulate temperature and humidity.
• A wide range of greenhouse structures and greenhouse tunnels

When the succulent trend began to take root, Korea already possessed the infrastructure needed to cultivate these plants on a large scale. Farmers simply adapted their existing facilities to accommodate succulents, giving them a significant head start over other nations.

 Photos we took of exhibit plaques when we visited the National Agricultural Museum of Korea explaining Koreas "White revolution"

3. Cultural Resonance: Aesthetic and Cultural Appeal of Succulents

Succulents are more than just plants in Korea—they are an embodiment of the nation’s cultural values of minimalism, neatness, and aesthetic harmony. These plants resonate deeply with the concept of "aegyo," which emphasizes cuteness, charm, and attention to detail. Unlike traditional houseplants, succulents such as echeveria are compact, clean, and visually pleasing.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, succulents provide an exciting opportunity for farmers to diversify their crops. Unlike traditional food crops, succulent farming creates a more interactive experience, allowing farmers to invite customers into their greenhouses to shop—a concept that aligns with Korea's growing consumer interest in personalized and unique experiences.

 Echeveria 'Macaron' grown in a Korean nursery in a neat, cute and tidy fashion.

Conclusion

South Korea’s journey to becoming the succulent capital of the world is a story of resilience, innovation, and cultural alignment. By leveraging government-supported research, advanced greenhouse infrastructure, and a cultural affinity for neatness and beauty, Korea has built a thriving industry that leads the world in both production and quality.

Succulents may be small, but their impact on Korean agriculture and culture is monumental. As the global demand for these charming plants continues to grow, Korea’s role as the leader of this vibrant industry remains as unshakable.