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[00:00.41] Ma Myung-sun had low expectations for the subtropical bananas he planted in a community farm in Seoul.

[00:09.71] He must use a greenhouse for part of the year to protect them from South Korea's cold winters.

[00:16.87] But warmer temperatures due to climate change have produced a welcome surprise in the form of flowers and fruit.

[00:26.71] The land area where subtropical crops are grown in South Korea has increased from about 295 hectares in 2021 to 3,306 hectares in 2023.

[00:41.58] South Korea’s state agricultural organization, the Rural Development Administration, reports that there are 67 banana farms in the south.

[00:52.47] And Ma is among a growing number of farmers experimenting with crops usually grown in a warmer climate.

[01:02.56] "I want to try growing other tropical crops too.

[01:04.96] So, as you can see here, I have planted these papaya trees as well,” Ma said, pointing to a small papaya plant.

[01:12.92] Ma opened up part of his family’s farm to people from the city in 2006.

[01:19.82] He is happy about his small success.

[01:23.28] But he worries about what it means for the climate.

[01:26.74] "I feel that the climate crisis has become very serious," said Ma, who has been a farmer for 25 years.

[01:34.97] South Korea lies in the temperate zone and has four seasons.

[01:40.01] But its climate appears to be getting warmer and wetter throughout the year.

[01:45.86] The Korea Meteorological Administration reports that since 2012, the average yearly temperature has been continually rising.

[01:56.75] The average temperature last year of 13.7 degrees Celsius was the highest since its records began in 1973.

[02:07.12] Rainfall during last year's rainy season was 660.2 mm nationwide, nearly two times the 356.7 mm annual average figure.

[02:22.79] Kim Kwang-soo is a professor of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Seoul National University.

[02:30.48] Kim said South Korea's climate conditions were becoming more like subtropical areas, so it is important for farmers to find the right crop varieties for the climate.

[02:42.44] Tropical and subtropical fruit are usually expensive in South Korea, so shoppers should welcome the less costly local produce.

[02:51.73] "My kids love bananas.

[02:54.39] So, it would be good if we harvest bananas in this country," said Kim Ji-youn, who was purchasing imported bananas in a Seoul supermarket.