Park Sang-yun, a young and passionate farmer from Bongsan-myeon, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, is transforming traditional agriculture with innovative methods. Her farm, Premium Shine Muscat Farm, specializes in cultivating high-quality Shine Muscat grapes using sustainable practice. In this case study, she shared her insight regarding how time lapse cameras can assist the farming business and bittersweetness of her agricultural journey.
-
Can you introduce yourself and share details about your farm?
I run Premium Shinemuscat Farm with my older brother in Bongsan-myeon, Gimcheon. After graduating in 2017 from Kongju National University with a degree in Botanical Resources, I started farming in 2018 through the government’s young farmer selection program. Currently, we operate a 10,000㎡ farm with plans to expand to 20,000㎡. Our grapes are GAP-certified, and we aim to achieve low-carbon certification next year. We also utilize solar-powered greenhouses to reduce carbon emissions and showcase sustainable farming practices. -
Why did you choose to use a Brinno time lapse camera?
In 2020, a friend introduced me to Brinno’s time lapse cameras, describing them as simple and reliable. At the time, the TLC200 Pro price was relatively affordable from a limited budget perspective, so I decided to purchase one. I wanted a straightforward way to document our grape-growing process, and Brinno’s cameras perfectly fit the bill. While other more promising action camera brands such as G_____ or D__ provide similar functionality, Brinno's solid camera quality still works perfectly without interruption.
-
How did you use time lapse video and how it benefits your business?
The idea of using time lapse videos came from wanting to promote our vineyard and let more people know about our farm. time lapse videos capture the entire growth process, and sharing these videos online has gained significant attention, driving more visitors to the farm for agritourism. Beyond marketing, I find these videos personally rewarding. As someone who oversees the entire cultivation process, watching the grapes grow from tiny seeds to vines full of rich fruit is incredibly meaningful and remarkable. It’s a unique way to see the fruits of my labor—literally!
-
What challenges have you faced in grape farming?
One of the biggest challenges is financial. Unlike farmers inheriting generational farms, I lacked sufficient seed money when I started. I’ve had to continuously invest in expanding land, building better greenhouses, and acquiring agricultural machinery. These investments often left the farm in a deficit. To overcome this, I formed partnerships with fertilizer, pesticide, and equipment companies, securing support to reduce costs. -
What does a typical year look like on your farm?
-
Spring: It begins in March when the vines start to bud. We apply eco-friendly sprays like Bordeaux mixture and manage pest control every 10-14 days.
-
Summer: From May, we shape grape clusters and ensure seedless growth with treatments like streptomycin. Using growth regulators and gibberellin, we optimize the size and quality of the grapes. Bagging follows to protect the fruit from sunburn and blemishes.
-
Harvest: By September, we start harvesting our Shine Muscat grapes and selling them via online platforms, local markets, and in-person at the vineyard.
-
Post-Harvest: In November, we prune, crush leftover branches, and enrich the soil with compost and fertilizer to prepare for the next cycle.
-
-
How do you market your grapes and engage with consumers?
We focus on direct consumer sales through platforms like Naver Smart Store and local shopping malls. Customers can also visit the vineyard to purchase grapes, especially during the harvest season. We’ve diversified our offerings to include grape packs, custom packaging, and even Shine Muscat raisins to appeal to different tastes. Beyond that, we participate in offline markets in Seoul and take corporate orders. My vision is to expand our YouTube channel, where I upload time lapse videos of grape growth using the Brinno camera, to share our journey with a wider audience.
-
Do you have any suggestions for new time lapse users?
With so many recording devices available today, most people turn to accessible tools like smartphones. However, owning a dedicated time lapse camera provides an entirely different perspective. It allows you to capture moments and processes in a way that’s both fascinating and unique. For those who’ve never tried it, I highly recommend getting a time lapse camera—it will change the way you view and appreciate the world around you.
“Time lapse cameras completely change the way you view the world!” - Park express her excitement during the interview
Park Sang-yun’s example exemplifies the blend of tradition and innovation in modern agriculture. By adopting sustainable practices, utilizing time lapse technology, and building a robust marketing strategy, he has successfully positioned Premium Shinemuscat Farm as a model for the future of farming. Her commitment inspires the agricultural community and highlights the transformative power of young farmers in Korea.
Where to buy: https://smartstore.naver.com/premiumshinemuscatfarm/
Know more about Premium Shine Muscat Far: https://www.instagram.com/premium_shinemuscat_farm/reels/
