Some say that animal welfare is not a prominent topic in Asian countries. Historically, Asia has often prioritized productivity and technology over social responsibility issues such as sustainability, animal welfare, and biodiversity. This is often cited as a cultural difference and considered a barrier to cooperation. However, South Korea provides evidence that animal welfare, among other concerns, can become an important societal issue and play a significant role in business. This article explores how South Korea developed its awareness of animal welfare and how this has contributed to bilateral cooperation while creating opportunities for Dutch businesses.
Beeld: © SEO-LVVN
Free-range egg farm
Development of animal welfare awareness in South Korea
In 2018, South Korea faced a severe food safety scandal involving Fipronil, an insecticide used in laying hen farms. The issue had first emerged in Europe in 2017, and in response, the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety(MFDS) tested domestic eggs. They found significant levels of Fipronil, leading to the destruction of large quantities of eggs and a sharp rise in egg prices.
Before this incident, awareness of animal welfare in South Korea was limited. Consumers mainly focused on food safety and their own health. The Fipronil crisis, however, highlighted how poor animal welfare could directly impact public health. Around the same time, in 2019, South Korea’s per capita income reached USD 35,000. With higher income levels, South Korean consumers began to pay more attention to broader social responsibility issues such as climate change, carbon emissions, sustainability—and animal welfare. The Agriculture Department of the Netherlands Embassy regards 2019 as the turning point when South Korean agriculture began shifting from productivity-oriented to more sustainability-oriented. The Fipronil crisis was a catalyst for this change.
Animal welfare certification
Beeld: © MAFRA
Over the past five years, South Korean society’s awareness of animal welfare has grown considerably. Television programs now highlight animal welfare as a key marketing point for chicken, pork, egg, and dairy products. Pets are no longer referred to simply as “pets” but as “companions.” The South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) has also established a dedicated Animal Welfare Department and introduced an official certification system.
Eggs and labeling reform
After the Fipronil incident, the South Korean government revised the egg labeling system in 2018. Eggshells now carry a code indicating the laying date (4 digits), the farm’s unique ID (5 digits), and a single-digit number showing the hens’ breeding environment:
- Free-range (minimum 1.1㎡ per hen)
- Cage-free (barn-raised, minimum 0.01㎡ per hen)
- Enriched cages (minimum 0.075㎡ per hen)
- Battery cages (minimum 0.05㎡ per hen)
Eggs labeled with numbers 1 and 2 qualify as “welfare eggs” and can carry the MAFRA animal welfare mark. Though welfare eggs are about 1.5 times more expensive than regular eggs, many consumers actively prefer them and carefully check the label when buying.
Beeld: © MFDS
Eggshell Label by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety
The shift towards better welfare
In a landmark policy move, South Korea has committed to phasing out conventional battery cages (Category 4) for laying hens by 2027. Although the plan has been delayed multiple times due to resistance from farmers concerned about higher egg prices—similar to the EU’s transition—this phase-out marks a major step. Currently, South Korean egg prices remain relatively affordable compared to global averages because of the widespread use of battery cages, even though overall agricultural products in Southy Korea are about 70% more expensive than the world average.
The trend, which began with eggs, is now spreading to pigs and dairy cows. More farms are seeking animal welfare certification as consumer demand grows.
Dutch businesses in animal welfare
South Korean egg farmers are now upgrading to Category 2 (cage-free) or Category 3 (enriched cages). Category 1 (free-range) is less common due to higher costs and lower productivity. Since Category 2 farms are still eligible for animal welfare certification, Dutch companies have been actively supplying cage-free aviary systems in South Korea—a trend that will accelerate as the 2027 cage ban approaches.
For pigs, automatic feeding systems, once seen primarily as productivity tools, are now marketed as essential for animal welfare. Under South Korea’s certification rules, pregnant sows cannot be confined to individual stalls but must be housed in groups. Automatic feeding systems help ensure each sow receives proper nutrition in this setting, creating a strong market opportunity.
For dairy cows, milking robots from Dutch companies are gaining traction. While originally introduced to address labor shortages, they are increasingly promoted as welfare-friendly. These systems allow cows to be milked whenever they choose, unlike conventional methods that force milking at set times.
The Agriculture Department of the Netherlands Embassy continuously promotes the Netherlands’ best practices and expertise in animal welfare through the ongoing WAAM (Wageningen Advanced Agriculture Master) classes for pig farmers—held for five consecutive years—as well as the upcoming South Korea–Netherlands Livestock Cooperation Platform. These initiatives will create opportunities not only for businesses but also for Dutch knowledge and educational institutions.
Source: MAFRA and MFDS