South Korea will postpone penalties for farm land use

The South Korean government and the Democratic Party agreed to delay enforcement actions against farmers who violate agricultural land laws, distinguishing between speculative land purchases and traditional farming practices.

After implementing revisions to the Agricultural Land Act 24 days ago, officials responded to concerns from farming communities. They will allow farmers unable to cultivate their land due to age or inheritance to work with the National Agricultural Land Bank to legally manage their holdings.

The government will also legalize long-standing informal land-sharing arrangements where neighbors exchange fields or a single tenant farms multiple small plots. The plan extends a special regularisation period to November 15th, during which landowners who have held land for over three years can avoid further investigation by registering it with the National Agricultural Land Bank.

For the first time in 38 years, the government will also allow retroactive approval for agricultural facilities built without permits, requiring owners to follow procedure and pay fees. However, land clearly purchased for development will face forced sale. Officials will also begin revising the Agricultural Land Act next year to reflect the realities of an aging rural population and declining workforce, broadening the reasons for permitted land leases and protecting tenant farmers’ rights.

While the government intends to clarify the definition of speculative land use through ongoing investigations, some farmers worry that judgements may vary depending on local officials and circumstances.