Korea’s cities are packed with apartments, offices, and busy streets, but many rooftops are getting a surprising makeover. Across Seoul and other cities, rooftop farming is becoming a major trend. Apartment residents, cafes, schools, and even companies are growing lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, and herbs high above the city.

These rooftop gardens help lower building temperatures during hot summers while also creating relaxing green spaces. Some cafes now use rooftop-grown vegetables directly in their dishes, while office workers enjoy gardening during breaks. In dense neighborhoods where parks are limited, rooftop farms offer a small escape from city stress.

The trend also connects with Korea’s growing interest in sustainability and healthier living. Even small rooftops can become productive mini gardens.

Vocabulary

• 옥상 (oksang) — rooftop
• 텃밭 (teotbat) — vegetable garden
• 상추 (sangchu) — lettuce
• 도시 (dosi) — city
• 친환경 (chinhwangyeong) — eco-friendly
• 농업 (nong-eop) — agriculture