Farmland survey follow-up — no disposal unless speculative; special act to spell out 5 exempt types incl. inherited land and elderly farmers
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
Even for cases identified in the farmland survey, a special act is being pursued under which disposal procedures will not proceed unless the case is clear speculation, regardless of Farmland Bank entrustment (to be introduced in October 2026, with the National Assembly process targeted for completion by December).
Key facts
| 5 types exempt from disposal | Inherited farmland · elderly farmers' and customarily leased farmland · farmland with complex ownership (clan, temple, unregistered inheritance) · landlocked or hard-to-farm land · unpermitted facilities such as agricultural storage |
|---|---|
| 3 speculation types subject to disposal | Acquired in a land transaction permit zone then left idle or leased; share acquired at auction with a false farming plan and held for price gains; acquired via an agricultural corporation then subdivided for sale or leased — disposal order decided after an explanation procedure |
| Special conversion period | Customary leases recognized as lawful for the contract term if a written contract is signed during the special period; unpermitted facilities may apply for retroactive permission if requirements are met |
| Farmland Bank entrustment | Optional — disposal procedures will not proceed on the grounds of not entrusting |
| Schedule | Special act to be introduced in October 2026, National Assembly process targeted by December, Farmland Act amendment pursued in the first half of 2027 |
| Consultation | 'Farmland Survey Consultation Center' guidance from October 12 · Contact: MAFRA Farmland Division (044-201-1735) |
Last checked:
On October 8, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (농림축산식품부) announced its 'follow-up measures to the farmland survey and direction of institutional reform.' The government is pursuing a special act under which, for cases identified in the farmland survey that are not clear speculation, disposal procedures will not proceed regardless of whether the land has been entrusted to the Farmland Bank (농지은행). Five types — inherited farmland; farmland of elderly farmers or under customary leases; farmland with complex ownership such as clan, temple or unregistered inherited land; landlocked or hard-to-farm land; and unpermitted facilities such as agricultural storage — will not be subject to disposal or restoration orders merely because they were identified in the survey. For three types judged to be clear speculation, the government will decide whether to issue disposal orders under the current Farmland Act after providing a sufficient opportunity to explain. Farmers who wish can convert leases, facilities and the like into lawful arrangements during a special period. The government plans to introduce the special act in October and aims to complete the National Assembly process by December, and a 'Farmland Survey Consultation Center' will provide guidance from October 12.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
I inherited farmland and it is lying fallow. Will it be subject to disposal?
The stated policy is that inherited farmland will not be subject to disposal even if fallowing or exceeding the ownership cap is identified; the findings will be used as data for future institutional improvement. The special act has not yet been enacted.
Do I have to entrust my land to the Farmland Bank?
No. Entrustment to the Farmland Bank is optional, and disposal procedures will not proceed on the grounds of not entrusting.