South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Rural Community Corporation have launched an online direct trade marketplace for farmland [1].
This initiative addresses a systemic barrier for aspiring farmers who previously relied on informal networks to find land. By digitizing the listing and purchase process, the government intends to lower the entry threshold for those attempting to enter the agricultural sector.
For years, individuals returning to farming or young agricultural entrepreneurs have struggled to locate available plots [1]. These seekers often depended on introductions from village residents or personal acquaintances, a process that frequently excluded outsiders or those without deep local ties, creating a bottleneck for rural revitalization.
The new digital marketplace allows users to register and browse available farmland listings from across the country in a single interface [1]. This centralized system replaces the fragmented, word-of-mouth method of land acquisition with a transparent, accessible platform.
Government officials said the platform is designed to streamline the process of securing land, which is the most critical first step for any new farming venture [1]. By providing a clear view of national listings, the state hopes to attract a new generation of farmers to sustain the country's food security and rural economy [1].
“The new platform aims to help young and returning farmers find available agricultural land.”
The transition from a relationship-based land market to a transparent digital marketplace reflects South Korea's urgent need to combat an aging farming population. By removing the social barriers to entry, the government is attempting to institutionalize the 'return-to-farm' movement, making rural entrepreneurship more viable for urban youth who lack existing kinship ties in the countryside.
