South Korea's Urgent Need to Attract Young Farmers
Seoul, Wednesday, 9 July 2025.
With only 0.5% of farm leaders under 40 years old in 2024, South Korea faces the critical challenge of attracting younger generations to farming amid pressing food security concerns.
The Challenges Facing South Korean Agriculture
The aging population in South Korea’s agricultural sector has reached a critical stage, with only 0.5% of farm household heads under the age of 40 as of 2024. This figure underscores a pressing issue in the agriculture industry, as the nation grapples with the dual impacts of a generational gap and increasing food security concerns due to climate change and geopolitical factors [1]. The administration of President Yoon Suk-yeol is faced with criticism over previous policies that are seen as not having fully addressed the root challenges facing young farmers. The government has emphasized the development of policies that not only encourage young people to enter farming but ensure they remain and are integrated into farming communities [1].
Policy Initiatives and Critiques
In response to these challenges, the South Korean government has introduced initiatives targeting young farmers, such as the ‘Youth Farmers Fostering Policy,’ which aims to nurture 30,000 young agricultural leaders [1]. However, there have been significant critiques regarding the implementation of such policies. Many argue that these initiatives are undermined by a lack of tangible support structures, such as access to farmland and financial aid. Without these fundamental supports, policies fall short of building trust and achieving meaningful participation from young aspiring farmers [1][2].
The Role of Local and International Efforts
Local initiatives have become increasingly essential, with numerous programs focusing on integrating young farmers into rural communities. For example, village-led programs aim to create environments favorable for young farmers to settle and thrive by fostering connections between these newcomers and existing community members [2]. Additionally, there are strategic efforts to open international pathways for young farmers, illustrated by a recent initiative where young farmers from Hampyeong County, South Korea, visited Malaysia to learn and explore global agricultural dynamics. The exposure to international markets is seen as a critical step in shaping a more export-oriented perspective, which is essential for long-term sustainability and growth of the agricultural sector [3].
Technological Innovations in Agriculture
Innovations in technology are playing a pivotal role in modernizing Korean agriculture. Companies like Farm8 are pioneering the urban agriculture sector with vertically integrated systems and have developed advanced indoor farming techniques that maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Such innovations help mitigate the challenges posed by limited agricultural land and the need for sustainable practices [4]. These technological developments are vital in ensuring that agriculture in South Korea can adapt to modern needs and continue to thrive despite demographic and environmental pressures [5].