Landscaping has been particularly difficult at the airport since it was built on reclaimed land next to the sea. (image: Hyundai Motor Group)
SEOUL, Dec. 16 (Korea Bizwire) — Incheon International Airport is famous for its spectacular landscaping, made possible through the efforts of devoted experts at a dedicated plant clinic.
Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC), the operator of Incheon International Airport, said 1.3 billion won (US$1.1 million) is spent each year for landscaping, which is equivalent to planting 305,410 flowers.
Landscaping has been particularly difficult at the airport since it was built on reclaimed land next to the sea, leaving the ground too salty for plants to thrive. The sea breeze, too, makes it difficult for plants to grow.
The airport terminals are not capable of supplying the plants with enough water and sunlight for growth.
To address this issue, the airport currently runs two greenhouses to treat plants and help them recover. Unauthorized personnel are strictly banned from entry.
The greenhouses are maintained at 28 degrees Celsius and 48 percent humidity at all times. Since trees have to receive an ample amount of light, the greenhouses are equipped with natural lighting systems as well.
The greenhouses are currently home to many exotic species normally unavailable in South Korea, such as papayas, devil trees, ficus retusa panda, and Washington palm trees.
“We import from overseas exotic plant species that are difficult to grow in the country. To pass customs, all dirt and leaves should either be wiped or cut off, which makes it very difficult for us to bring them into the country,” said Kim Jeong-tae, deputy head of the landscaping team at the IIAC.
“These trees, once brought in, should then go through another round of intensive care before they are used for landscaping at the airport.”
The airport currently employs some 80 experts and staff for landscaping and taking care of all plants at the airport. The greenhouses are staffed by three experts at all times for close monitoring of the plants.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
