Hanwoo Association to Hold 'Hanwoo Professionals' Day' Ceremony at National Assembly on October 30… Pledges a New Century for the Industry

November 1st, ‘Korean Beef Day,’ was celebrated as a statutory commemorative day for the first time this year. With the commemorative day, which has been maintained by Korean beef farmers and the industry, now codified in law, an institutional foundation has been established for activities promoting the industrial and cultural value of Korean beef.

The National Hanwoo Association held a ceremony commemorating the first statutory Hanwoo Day on October 30 at the plaza in front of the National Assembly Communication Center. Attended by Hanwoo farmers and members of the National Assembly, the event shared a commitment to preparing for the next 100 years of the Hanwoo industry and safeguarding a sustainable production base.

Attendees participated in a ‘Hanwoo Future Promise’ performance, completing a large Hanwoo silhouette puzzle. The puzzle featured key industry tasks, including the establishment of a comprehensive Hanwoo breeding plan, farm management stability, supply and demand stability, production cost reduction, carbon neutrality, genetic resource protection, and the globalization of Hanwoo. On-site, 300 servings of Hanwoo cube steak were distributed and sold at a discount.

What Changes on Legal Holidays?

Hanwoo Day began when the Korean Beef Association declared November 1, 2008, as the "Day for the Republic of Korea to Eat Hanwoo." Events to promote the value of Hanwoo and boost consumption have been held to coincide with the day, which features three repetitions of the number "1," signifying excellence, first, and supreme.

This year, the day has gained added significance as a statutory commemorative day with the enforcement of the "Act on the Transition and Support of the Hanwoo Industry in Accordance with Carbon Neutrality." A statutory commemorative day is a day designated by laws or presidential decrees to honor specific values and meanings.

Article 31 of the Hanwoo Industry Act designates November 1 of each year as Hanwoo Day to promote the Hanwoo industry, inherit and develop Hanwoo culture, and inform the public of the nutritional value and importance of Hanwoo. It also includes provisions allowing the state and local governments to conduct events, education, and promotion in accordance with the purpose of the day.

Accordingly, Hanwoo Day has established itself as an official national holiday based on national law, transitioning from a commemorative day previously led by producer organizations. This is significant in that it provides a legal foundation for the central and local governments to participate in activities promoting the value of Hanwoo.

However, the mere designation of a commemorative day does not imply the provision of subsidies to farmers or the securing of a separate budget. To realize the intent of the law—to foster industry and stabilize farm management—the implementation of individual support systems and budgetary backing are necessary.

First year of the Hanwoo Industry Act… Policy effects must be verified in the field

The Hanwoo Industry Act, which came into effect on July 23 of this year, was established to strengthen the competitiveness of the Hanwoo industry and promote farm management stability while responding to carbon neutrality and changes in the livestock environment. The scope of the Hanwoo industry eligible for support includes not only production and rearing but also processing, distribution, sales, and exports.

In accordance with the law, the government establishes a five-year comprehensive plan and annual implementation plans based on fact-finding surveys and statistics. The Hanwoo Industry Development Council deliberates on matters concerning supply and demand control, incentives for slaughter and shipment, support for calf production stability, management improvement funds, education, and the establishment of export infrastructure. Related enforcement decrees and enforcement rules also came into effect last August.

The future challenge is to translate the established systems into tangible results that can be felt on the ground. The criteria for gauging the effectiveness of the law's implementation are expected to be whether policies operate in a timely manner in response to changes in supply and demand, and whether support for production cost reduction and management stability substantially alleviates the burden on farmers.

In his commemorative speech, Min Gyeong-cheon, President of the National Hanwoo Association, explained the significance of Hanwoo Day becoming a legal commemorative day, which was started by Hanwoo farmers to repay the love of the people, and expressed his intention to prepare for the next 100 years of the Hanwoo industry based on the public's interest and support.

data

• National Hanwoo Association | Hanwoo Day Commemoration Ceremony & Event Guide

• National Law Information Center | Hanwoo Industry Act

• Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Press Release on the Enforcement of the Hanwoo Industry Act (August 20, 2026).