▲ This poster for “Y-Farm Expo” is provided by Yonhap News Agency, South Korea’s leading newswire. This three-day convention is held April 24-26, 2026, at the Suwon Convention Center in Suwon, just south of Seoul, to support the returning farming population and revitalize the regional economy. (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, April 24 (Yonhap) -- A rural migration and regional revitalization expo hosted by Yonhap News Agency opened Friday for a three-day run at the Suwon Convention Center, highlighting the future of agriculture driven by artificial intelligence.

 

Co-hosted by the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, the "Y-Farm Expo" is held under the theme "Meeting the Future of K-local in the AI Era," aiming to explore new possibilities for rural communities while showcasing advanced agricultural technologies such as AI-based smart farming.

 

A total of 189 booths have been set up, featuring participation from government bodies, local authorities, public institutions and companies. Exhibits include smart farms, automated cultivation systems, Internet of Things-based solutions and big data-driven precision agriculture, along with tailored information for those interested in relocating to rural areas and regional specialty products.

 

Major institutions, including the Rural Development Administration and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology in Agriculture and Food, are also operating promotional booths to introduce policies and support programs. Education offices from Gangwon, Incheon, North Jeolla and South Jeolla provinces are showcasing rural study programs and residential initiatives.

 

In an opening speech, Yonhap News Agency President Hwang Dae-il said the expo has evolved over the past decade into a platform supporting balanced development between urban and rural areas and fostering young farmers.

 

"Amid population decline and aging, rural areas are facing a new wave of innovation through AI technology and an influx of young talent," he said, adding that agriculture is transforming into a core industry of the future powered by AI, big data and advanced ICT technologies.

 

National Agricultural Cooperative Federation Chairman Kang Ho-dong said agriculture is at a major turning point with the integration of AI and smart farm technologies, stressing the importance of supporting young farmers to settle in rural areas through education and market expansion.

 

Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryeong, in a congratulatory message delivered by an official, pledged to accelerate the adoption of AI-based smart farming and nurture young farmers to enhance the global competitiveness of the agri-food industry.

 

At the opening ceremony, the government also honored individuals who contributed to agricultural and rural development and presented the 2026 Young Farmers Awards to eight recipients recognized for introducing smart farming, expanding processing and distribution, and launching region-based businesses.

 

Various programs, including rural migration academies, workation initiatives and lectures on young farmers' success stories, will be held during the expo. A session on an AI-based farming assistant named "Isak" is also scheduled.

 

Family-friendly activities such as a children's drawing contest, traditional rice wine-making experience, remote-controlled agricultural transport demonstrations and stamp tours are also available.

 

The expo runs through Sunday.

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