Failure to complete training by Aug. 31 triggers 10% subsidy cut; missed training was top reason for deductions last year
The Korea Forest Service is urging all applicants for this year's forestry direct payment subsidies to complete their mandatory training before the deadline, citing a recurring pattern of recipients losing part of their payments each year for missing the requirement.
The mandatory training — a program of at least two hours covering compliance requirements under the 2026 forestry direct payment subsidy scheme — must be completed by Aug. 31.
Under the Act on the Operation of the Direct Payment System for Promoting the Public Functions of Forestry and Forests, commonly known as the Forestry Direct Payment Act, all registered recipients must complete a public-function promotion training course each year. Those who fail to do so by the deadline will have 10 percent deducted from their total subsidy payment.
In last year's compliance review of the forestry direct payment system, missed training accounted for 285 of the 311 total cases that resulted in deductions — about 91.6 percent of all penalties recorded.
The training is available online via PC or mobile device. Recipients can access the forestry education portal "Imup-in," navigate to the "Forestry Farmer Education" section and then the "Forestry Direct Payment Mandatory Training" menu, and log in after identity verification to begin the course. Those less comfortable with online platforms may also fulfill the requirement through in-person group sessions offered by local governments and accredited training institutions.
"We hope no one finds themselves in the unfortunate situation of having their rightfully earned subsidy reduced simply for missing the training," said Lee Sang-ik, director general of the Korea Forest Service's Forest Industry Policy Bureau. "Please make sure to complete the course by the deadline of Aug. 31."
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
