From climate change to biodiversity loss, science has exposed deep fractures in the relationship between humans and the Earth.
Swissnex for the Planet is an initiative to pioneer a new form of diplomacy focused on rebalancing human and non-human interests on this planet.
'Soil Stories' week in Seoul brought together a mix of events—from on-site visits and academic exchanges to a public exhibition—exploring how we care for the ground beneath our feet. It was a great chance for Swiss and Korean voices to come together around the future of soil, farming, and sustainability.
Soil is a fundamental and dynamic component of the Earth’s ecosystem, playing a crucial role in sustaining life and supporting diverse forms of biodiversity. Its inherent complexity and significance make it an intriguing subject of study and relevance to countries like Switzerland and Korea, each with unique contexts and interactions with soil.
The Soil Stories week took place on March 31 - April 4, 2025.
The week kicked off with a policy strategy discussion, "Innovative Agricultural Policies for Sustainable Growth: Learning from Korea’s Approach". Experts from the Korean Rural Development Administration (RDA) shared national strategies, including AI & IoT-integrated smart farming and educational initiatives for young farmers. Swiss scientists provided insights on building resilient food systems, sparking meaningful exchanges.
A visit to Seoul National University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences facilitated knowledge exchange with leading researchers. Discussions centered on sustainable agriculture, soil health, and the integration of smart farming technologies in research and practice.
The Circular Connection of Healthy Soil, Sustainable Agriculture and Future of Food
One of the highlights of Soil Stories Week, Open Talk highlighted the vital link between soil health, sustainable agriculture pranctices, and food security through expert presentations and panel discussions, with an objective of jointly cultivating a healthier planet and a more resilient food system.
Session 1 highlighted key topics such as the importance of soil health, sustainable farming methods, agroecological assessments, and sound analysis for environmental monitoring led by researchers from FiBL, ETH Zürich, Agroscope, and ZHdK. The topics were further discussed in a panel discussion with experts from EPFL, FHNW, Seoul National University, and FAO.
Session 2 explored food innovation, security, food cultures, and One Health, featuring experts from FHNW, University of Basel, and CJ Foods.
Startups also joined the open talk and showcased their cutting-edge innovations bridging soil health and sustainable food solutions.
The Role of Fermentation in Korean Food - Korea’s rich fermentation culture, deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and the philosophy of qi (vital energy), was a key learning experience. Foods like doenjang, ganjang, and kimchi were historically developed for their nutritional balance and long-term sustainability—an inspiring lesson for modern food innovation.
Exploring Agriculture, Food Systems, and Health in the Anthropocene at KAIST. Our delegation delved into how human activity and climate change impact ecosystems, agriculture, and health in the Anthropocene. - Session 1: Experts from FHNW , Agroscope, EPFL, KAIST, and ZHdK examined how soil, water, and biodiversity are changing—and how agriculture must adapt. - Session 2: Researchers from FiBL, ETH Zürich, and KAIST discussed innovative technologies for sustainable farming and the barriers to scaling them. - Session 3: Scholars from University of Basel and KAIST explored the intersection of food production, nutrition, and health—highlighting key intervention points for policy and innovation.
A visit to Bojim Jeda Green Tea Farm in Boseong highlighted innovative approaches to sustain the tea industry amidst declining consumption. By collaborating with major brands, the farm has expanded green tea applications beyond traditional brewing, integrating it into skincare and functional food products.
As part of Swissnex for the Planet - Soil Stories, the exhibition explores the fundamental role of soil in sustaining life through the lends of Korean temple cuisine. Based on the book "Jeongkwan Snim - Ihre koreanische Templeküche (Her Korean Temple Cuisine)" by Swiss author Hoo Nam Seelmann and photographer Veronique Hoegger, published by Echtzeit, the exhibition highlights how the diversity below ground shapes the diversity above. Through photography and interpretive curation, visitors are invited to explore the intricate relationship between soil, food, and life.
Book Talk was held featuring Jeongkwan Snim, Hoo Nam Seelmann and Veronique Hoegger, at the Embassy as an opening of the exhibition and closing of the Soil Stories week.
In Switzerland, soil holds profound cultural and ecological importance. The country’s rich agricultural heritage underscores the close relationship between Swiss society and the land. Swiss farmers have cultivated soils for centuries, relying on sustainable practices to preserve soil fertility and productivity. Additionally, Switzerland’s mountainous terrain presents unique challenges and opportunities for soil conservation and management. Soil erosion, influenced by factors such as climate change and land use practices, remains a critical issue, highlighting the delicate balance between human activities and soil health.
Similarly, in Korea, soil is deeply intertwined with the country’s cultural heritage and economic development. Traditional agricultural practices, such as terraced rice paddies and the cultivation of staple crops like rice and barley, reflect the symbiotic relationship between Koreans and their land. However, Korea’s rapid industrialization and urbanization in recent decades have posed significant challenges to soil conservation. Urban sprawl, pollution, and intensive agriculture have led to soil degradation and loss, impacting food security and environmental sustainability.
The relationship between humans and soil is reciprocal and multifaceted. Humans depend on soil for food production, providing essential nutrients for crops and sustaining livestock. Soil also serves as a natural filter, purifying water and regulating the climate through its capacity to sequester carbon. Conversely, human activities profoundly influence soil health and composition. Deforestation, improper land management, industrial pollution, and urban development can degrade soil quality, leading to erosion, loss of biodiversity, and reduced agricultural productivity.
Understanding and nurturing this intricate relationship is essential for sustainable development and the well-being of present and future generations. The relationship between humans and soil is fundamental for several reasons:
Food Security: Healthy soils are essential for sustainable agriculture and food production, supporting global food security and nutrition.
Environmental Conservation: Soil acts as a critical carbon sink, playing a pivotal role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Biodiversity: Soil ecosystems host a vast array of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates, supporting biodiversity and ecological resilience.
Water Management: Soil regulates water flow and quality, preventing erosion and facilitating groundwater recharge.
An integrative platform
We aim to amplify the voice of soil and delve into its intricate relationship with humanity through a diverse series of activities. Our events will span the realms of science and culture, with a specific focus on the profound connections between soil, environmental conservation (including biodiversity), sustainable agriculture, and its integral role in Korean Buddhist traditions.
Food will serve as the common thread, facilitating a seamless exchange between scientific insights and cultural exploration. From the importance of healthy soil for food security and sustainable nutrition to the rich heritage of temple cuisine rooted in millennia of Buddhist tradition, food will bridge the gap between science and culture.
Public activities
Exploratory activities
