From farmland deregulation to vet fee disclosures: What changes in the second half of 2026

The government will ease agricultural regulations and expand support for eco-friendly farms in the second half of this year, while overhauling rules on pet management and quarantine. The reforms aim to boost agricultural competitiveness by improving farmland use, while also strengthening consumer rights and food safety in ways people can feel directly.

Deregulation in agricultural promotion zones: Worker dormitories may now be built on the sites of agricultural product processing and distribution facilities, covering up to 20 percent of the facility's floor area. Farmers will also be allowed to install rest shelters to protect against heat waves and cold snaps. Size restrictions on agricultural and fishery product processing facilities, tourism farms, and rural experience and recreation villages will be eased to improve the practical use of rural sites.

Expanded local authority over farmland conversion: Local governments will be able to handle farmland conversion permits in "rural specialization zones," extending authority already granted for public housing districts and urban development zones. Requirements for participating in farmland use promotion projects will also be relaxed, allowing agricultural corporations to carry out projects independently and enabling smaller-scale participation.

Expanded support for eco-friendly farms: The eco-friendly farming direct payment rate will rise for the first time in seven years. The per-hectare payment for paddy fields will increase by 250,000 won ($162), and the payment ceiling will expand from 5 hectares to 30 hectares. The measure is intended to encourage the spread of eco-friendly farming and stabilize farm household incomes.

More animals available for adoption from shelters: Starting in July, the number of animals a single person may adopt from an animal protection center will rise from three to a maximum of 10. Authorities plan to verify the post-adoption care of previously adopted animals before approving additional adoptions, aiming to foster a culture of responsible pet ownership.

Mandatory fee disclosure at veterinary clinics: From August, veterinary clinics must post the fees for 20 major services — including first and follow-up consultations, hospitalization and vaccinations — inside their premises. Clinics that operate websites will also be required to publish the information online, improving transparency and consumers' right to know.

Stricter labeling for pet food: New labeling standards will be introduced for dog and cat food. Only products that meet nutritional requirements for each stage of an animal's growth may be labeled as "complete pet food," and the range of required label information — including product name and feed type — will be expanded.

Vertical farms allowed at the National Food Cluster: Vertical farms will be permitted to move into the National Food Cluster. The measure is designed to stabilize raw material supply for food companies and strengthen the foundation for linking the cluster with smart agriculture.

Life jacket requirements extended to all fishing vessels: The obligation for crew members to wear life jackets will be strengthened across all fishing vessels. The reform aims to reduce casualties in maritime accidents and improve safety management.

Stiffer penalties for quarantine violations via mail and courier: Failing to declare international mail or courier packages containing items subject to quarantine inspection will result in an administrative fine. False declarations and attempts to evade quarantine will be subject to criminal punishment.