Raw Beef Monthly Update (South Korea) 2025-12

A second foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has been confirmed at a Hanwoo cattle farm in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, just eight days after the first case in the same area. The affected farm, housing 168 Hanwoo cattle and located 200 meters from the previous infected farm, reported symptoms in three cattle which were later confirmed as foot-and-mouth disease. This latest case brings the total number of outbreaks in South Korea for 2024 to three, including a January 30 case in Ganghwa, Incheon. The Central Foot-and-Mouth Disease Incident Response Headquarters has deployed response and epidemiological teams to enforce quarantine measures such as access control, disinfection, and selective culling of only confirmed positive animals. Authorities urge livestock farmers to promptly vaccinate all animals and avoid gatherings until immunity is established to prevent further spread, while encouraging immediate reporting of any suspected symptoms.

Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province has officially expressed its intent to host the relocated Gwacheon Racecourse within the Hwaong District, a reclaimed land area covering 768,000 square meters. The Korea Racing Authority plans to begin constructing a racehorse training complex on the site in the second half of this year, aiming for completion by 2030, with the potential for immediate racecourse operations upon adding spectator stands. The district is also set to include a 370,000 square meter equestrian production complex, livestock R&D facilities, the Hwaseong Eco Farm Theme Park opening in July, and additional agri-food related developments such as a Hanwoo production complex and a pet theme park. Hwaseong City is preparing a transportation plan to improve accessibility and will form a task force to support the racecourse relocation, pending government and Korea Racing Authority confirmation. This initiative aligns with broader regional development plans that include relocating the racecourse to facilitate housing supply in the capital region.

Gyeongsangnam-do is advancing its low-carbon livestock farming pilot program in 2025 to promote carbon neutrality and increase farmer participation. The program offers increased subsidies for greenhouse gas reduction activities, including higher per-head payments for beef cattle, pork, and dairy cows, and enhanced support for improved manure management techniques. New incentives have been introduced for early delivery of castrated Hanwoo cattle, reducing feed costs and providing up to 180,000 won in additional fees. Farms certified for low-carbon livestock products can receive an extra 20% activity fee bonus when engaging in environmentally friendly practices. Applications are open until May 22, with implementation checks from June to October and recognition of activities since November 2024.

The Gangjin Wando Livestock Cooperative in Jeonnam reported a net profit of 970 million won for 2025, achieved through business rationalization efforts. At its 65th Regular General Meeting held on the 11th, the cooperative approved the 2025 year-end settlement and elected new non-executive auditors. Chairman Kim Young-rae highlighted plans for 2026, including reaching 6 trillion won in mutual finance, promoting the Namdoguri Hanwoo brand, addressing livestock manure disposal, establishing a livestock material logistics center, and expanding cooperation with local governments to support members in the livestock industry. Dividends were also declared, with 419 million won allocated for capital dividends and 145 million won for usage dividends.

The Jeonbuk Gochang-Buan Livestock Cooperative held its 63rd term settlement meeting, reporting stable operations and meaningful results despite difficult conditions last year. The cooperative allocated a statutory reserve from an unallocated surplus of 1.416 billion won and approved a surplus disposition plan including a carryover capital dividend of 558 million won and a usage fee dividend of 150 million won. Chairman O Kyo-yul emphasized prioritizing members' rights and benefits as the cooperative moves forward, highlighting the importance of responsible management and member cooperation.

During a 19-day special inspection from January 26 to February 13, the Rural Development Administration identified 470 businesses violating origin labeling regulations on gift and ceremonial products for the Lunar New Year. The inspection targeted 11,680 manufacturing, processing, mail-order, and retail businesses, focusing on false labeling of domestic products, especially napa cabbage kimchi, pork, tofu, beef, and chicken. Criminal charges were filed against 256 businesses for false labeling, while 214 received administrative fines totaling 54.76 million won for unlabeled products. The agency plans to intensify inspections on mail-order sales platforms in March and encourages reporting of suspected violations. Joint efforts with other government bodies and consumer organizations were also conducted to promote compliance in traditional markets nationwide.

The Gangwon Branch of the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service identified 33 businesses violating origin labeling regulations during inspections conducted from late January to mid-February, targeting the Lunar New Year market. Inspections covered 1,507 entities including manufacturers, processors, mail-order companies, restaurants, and wholesalers, focusing on foreign products mislabeled as domestic or falsely branded as regional specialties. Violations involved products such as cabbage kimchi and beef (7 cases each), pork (3 cases), rice cakes and rice (2 cases each), and chicken (1 case). Twenty businesses face criminal charges, while 13 others were fined a total of 1.4 billion won for missing labels. The agency plans ongoing joint inspections with the Korea Forest Service and local governments, alongside consumer awareness campaigns to strengthen origin labeling compliance and protect consumer trust.

During the Korea-Brazil summit in Seoul on February 23, 2026, the two countries signed 10 memoranda of understanding, including key agreements on agricultural cooperation, sanitary and environmental standards, and agricultural research. Brazil emphasized the prompt completion of sanitary procedures to facilitate Korean beef market access, highlighting the importance of trade facilitation in the agri-food sector. Bilateral trade, valued at approximately $11 billion, features Brazil exporting resource-based products such as feed by-products, while Korea supplies industrial goods including semiconductor components and automotive parts. The summit also underscored expanding cooperation in strategic industries and the resumption of Korea-Mercosur trade negotiations, which could further impact agricultural trade dynamics.

The National Agro-Food Quality Management Service uncovered 470 businesses violating origin labeling regulations on 522 agricultural and food products during a special inspection from February 26 to March 13, targeting Lunar New Year gift and ritual items. The majority of violations occurred in general restaurants (302 cases), followed by livestock product retailers and instant food manufacturers. Commonly mislabeled items included napa cabbage kimchi (144 cases), pork (96 cases), tofu (76 cases), beef (25 cases), and chicken (20 cases). Among the offenders, 256 businesses faced criminal charges for false labeling, with penalties including up to seven years in prison or fines up to 100 million won. Additionally, 214 businesses were fined a total of 547.6 million won for failing to label product origins.

The 21st Hongseong Hanwoo Festival, held from October 22 to 26 last year, attracted approximately 326,000 visitors and generated 3.65 billion won in on-site sales, contributing to a total direct and indirect economic impact of 27.8 billion won for the region. Centered on the local brand 'Hongseong Hanwoo,' the festival was praised for its strong economic ripple effects and its role in revitalizing the regional agriculture and livestock sectors. A key factor in its success was the direct connection established between producers and consumers, which boosted local income and extended tourist stays. The festival’s sustainable operational model and integration with local agricultural industries earned it the Festival Economy category award at the 14th Republic of Korea Festival Content Awards. Organizers aim to further develop the event as a competitive platform where regional agri-food resources, tourism, and culture coexist and thrive.