Korea signals farmland-rule adjustments while keeping the owner-farmer principle

Published Oct 5, 2026

The agriculture ministry is signaling adjustments after a nationwide farmland survey and tougher disposal orders caused confusion among farmers. Minister Song Mi-ryung says the owner-farmer principle should remain, while minor or customary violations need a more tailored response.

About 27% of surveyed post-1996 acquisitions were flagged for possible violations

A basic survey released in July classified roughly 27% of farmland acquired since 1996 as potentially involving issues such as unlawful leasing or unauthorized non-cultivation. A revised Farmland Act strengthening disposal orders also took effect at the end of August.

The ministry says it wants to separate minor cases from speculative holding

Song said the constitutional owner-farmer principle remains valid, while deeper reviews should distinguish customary or minor violations from land held for speculative purposes. She said a special bill addressing lighter cases is planned for early November.

Sources & context

2026-10-05T09:08:00+09:00

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