Value context and insight. lkm@koreatimes.co.kr
From state pension to foreign workers, K-food: How policies will change in 2026
Sunrise at Maisan, a mountain in North Jeolla Province, Dec. 18, 2025. Yonhap
By Lee Kyung-min
National pension contributions to rise
Starting in 2026, Korea will gradually increase the national pension contribution rate, raising the monthly premium from 9 percent to 13 percent of workers’ salaries.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s move is part of broader efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pension system amid a rapidly aging population.
Self-employed contributors who pay the full premium themselves will see their monthly payment increase by up to 31,850 won ($22), based on the income ceiling capped at 6.37 million won.
For salaried workers — whose employers shoulder half of the contribution — the per-person cost will increase by up to 15,925 won a month.
English disclosure requirement strengthened
The Financial Services Commission will significantly expand mandatory English disclosures for listed firms to improve transparency and attract foreign investors.
Under the new rule, KOSPI-listed companies with assets of at least 2 trillion won will be required to provide disclosures in English, tightening the previous threshold, which applied only to companies with assets of 10 trillion won or more.
This change will sharply increase the number of firms required to provide key filings in English.
Authorities expect the move to enhance information accessibility for international investors and strengthen confidence in the Korean capital market.
Mandatory insurance for foreign seasonal workers
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, new measures will be introduced to strengthen the protection measures for foreign seasonal workers employed in agriculture and related sectors.
Employers hiring foreign seasonal workers will be required to enroll them in mandatory insurance programs, including agricultural safety insurance and wage payment guarantee insurance.
The policy seeks to prevent workplace accidents and reduce incidents of unpaid wages.
The compulsory insurance coverage is expected to improve their labor conditions, safeguard their rights and promote more responsible employment practices in rural areas.
New program to support K-food exports
The food ministry will also launch a new initiative to identify and nurture promising K-food export items under the Global Next K-food Development and Promotion Project.
The program will select export products based on regional market conditions and the level of K-food market presence in each area.
Tailored support will then be provided depending on each product’s growth potential, ranging from product development to marketing and distribution.
The initiative aims to diversify Korea’s food exports and strengthen the global competitiveness of Korean agricultural and food products.
'K-gourmet belts' to boost tourism
Also among the ministry’s key drives is the creation of so-called “K-gourmet belts,” designed to revitalize the country’s tourism by capitalizing on the global popularity of Korean food.
The initiative includes themed culinary zones centered on fried chicken, fermentation culture, traditional Korean cuisine and seasonal table settings.
The ministry plans to link food tasting experiences with regional tourism, attracting both foreign visitors and domestic travelers.
The project is expected to spread tourism demand beyond major cities and generate new economic opportunities for non-Seoul metropolitan regions.
Global smart farm export support center
As part of the agriculture sector growth strategy, the ministry plans to establish a Korea-style “global smart farm export support center” to help domestic businesses with smart farming technologies expand their overseas presence.
The center will serve as a promotion platform for a wide range of smart farm-related products, with its services including equipment, systems and digital solutions.
It will also support matchmaking with overseas investors and buyers.
The ministry expects the center to strengthen Korea’s standing in the global smart agriculture market and help small and medium-sized firms expand their export opportunities.