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Until now, the horse industry was managed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a form of sport, but with the enactment of the Horse Industry Promotion Act in 2011, the development and support of the horse industry became the responsibility of our Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. A new system and paradigm have been created to revitalize the rural economy and improve the quality of life for citizens. Although there has been recent state affairs manipulation, it is not directly related on the ground,
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 06:24 AM
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Currently, the issues of utilization and training are important in the horse industry. There are areas that can be handled with riding horses, and the 1,200 race retired horses each year also need proper training, but the training system has been lacking. In a way, I thought training was difficult, so there were parts where I couldn't develop systematically. Retired racehorses that can be trained are being developed through a proactive, systematic education system, while challenging areas are boldly diversified in use.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 06:20 AM
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Even within our Livestock Division, the concept of animal use was limited, and because it is a specialized aspect of the horse industry, it was unfamiliar. Since the Horse Industry Promotion Act has not resolved the issue, we are seeking ways for the horse industry and livestock industry to cooperate by creating a livestock utilization business under the Livestock Act.A new government has taken office, and there is a movement to pass legislation to address this.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 06:16 AM
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Rural-type equestrian facilities operate alongside horse-related businesses, and since horse-related businesses are conducted at locations other than riding arenas as defined by the Act on the Promotion of Physical Education and Sports, rural-type equestrian facilities do not qualify as equestrian or other recreational sports facilities under the Act.After inquiring with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, I was told that because the Farmland Act is strongly intended to prioritize farmland protection, even if the purpose is to promote the horse industry, it is currently impossible to operate beyond the restrictions of individual laws; I was asked for understanding (editor's note – Starting in 2015, the Ministry revised the Farmland Act and its subordinate regulations to expand the types and scope of facilities allowed in agricultural promotion zones to support the sixth industrialization of agriculture, but the issue of rural horseback riding facilities was excluded).
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 06:14 AM
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When opening an equestrian facility, the facilities must be installed in accordance with the standards of the CHESSE method, and other relevant laws and regulations must also be followed. Unlike other sports facilities, equestrian facilities must comply with the Livestock Act and the Land-related Laws, and prior environmental reviews must be conducted by use and area in accordance with the National Land Act, the Special Measures Act on Development-Restricted Areas, and the Groundwater Act. Depending on the situation, farmland conversion permits, building permits, and construction notifications may also be required.In particular, if the site for constructing an equestrian facility is farmland, the project operator must change the land use of the farmland to a developable area, and in this case, the operator must obtain a farmland conversion permit.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 06:11 AM
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Rural-type equestrian facilities operate alongside horse-related businesses, and since horse-related businesses are conducted at locations other than riding arenas as defined by the Act on the Promotion of Physical Education and Sports, rural-type equestrian facilities do not qualify as equestrian or other recreational sports facilities under the Act.After inquiring with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, I was told that because the Farmland Act is strongly intended to prioritize farmland protection, even if the purpose is to promote the horse industry, it is currently impossible to operate beyond the restrictions of individual laws; I was asked for understanding (editor's note – Starting in 2015, the Ministry revised the Farmland Act and its subordinate regulations to expand the types and scope of facilities allowed in agricultural promotion zones to support the sixth industrialization of agriculture, but the issue of rural horseback riding facilities was excluded).
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 06:09 AM
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Although these issues have been sidelined recently due to various challenges such as drought and avian influenza within the Livestock Bureau, I think we need to hold another on site discussion once they are resolved.The primary purpose of the livestock industry is to provide the public with safe livestock derived food in a stable manner. In contrast, the horse industry aims to improve the quality of life for the public by training and utilizing horses. The laws are different.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 06:04 AM
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Since the law also provides grounds for insurance support, I am considering how to get involved in the insurance issue.Issues regarding the installation of equestrian facilities, such as whether they can be set up within agricultural promotion zones and the inability to build large scale facilities within greenbelt areas, have yet to be resolved. There is also the problem of worsening the equestrian industry's management due to the inability to use agricultural electricity. I believe this issue stems from the fundamental question
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 06:01 AM
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Horse racing has had a negative image among the public, being seen more as an industry of gambling and a form of addiction than as a source of enjoyment in itself.It is a problem I continue to ponder, but there are significant difficulties in creating an equestrian industry that the entire nation can enjoy as a healthy horse racing sector and a wholesome sport.In 2011, we enacted the Horse Industry Promotion Act,and in 2012,we established the first Fi Year Comprehensive Plan,which was completed last year.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:59 AM
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Recently, I have even been entrusted with traditional bullfighting duties.As of last year, the first five-year comprehensive plan for horse industry development has come to an end.Although this year is full of complex and varied matters,it is time to analyze the first plan and announce the second.However,due to various changes in domestic conditions, such as the issue of state affairs manipulation and the need to present a new vision after the new government’s launch,the content is still being revised.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:55 AM
Comments:
Rural-type equestrian facilities operate alongside horse-related businesses, and since horse-related businesses are conducted at locations other than riding arenas as defined by the Act on the Promotion of Physical Education and Sports, rural-type equestrian facilities do not qualify as equestrian or other recreational sports facilities under the Act.After inquiring with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, I was told that because the Farmland Act is strongly intended to prioritize farmland protection, even if the purpose is to promote the horse industry, it is currently impossible to operate beyond the restrictions of individual laws; I was asked for understanding (editor's note – Starting in 2015, the Ministry revised the Farmland Act and its subordinate regulations to expand the types and scope of facilities allowed in agricultural promotion zones to support the sixth industrialization of agriculture, but the issue of rural horseback riding facilities was excluded).
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:53 AM
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First, I will be responsible not only for establishing and supporting a comprehensive plan for fostering the horse industry but also for guiding and supervising the Korea Racing Authority. In particular, we are also advancing matters related to the sound development of the horse racing industry, such as the increasingly prominent issue of off track betting facilities. I also consult with the Korea Racing Authority regarding the management of special reserve funds in accordance with its regulations.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:50 AM
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In 2007, the government signed a free trade agreement with the United States and moved to revitalize the horse industry as a promising future livestock sector to curb resistance from livestock farmers. However, it has degenerated into a money spectacle aimed at providing tens of billions of won in free aid to a large capitalist, rather than a livestock farm that raises horses. While investing a large budget, measures to systematically foster the industry through relevant laws and policies were neglected.Livestock farmers trusted the government's commitment to developing the horse industry and participated by purchasing horses for breeding or engaging in activities such as horseback riding. But the result was cruel. Each local government filed complaints with the prosecution accusing livestock farmers of violating the Sports Facilities Act, and those who received suspended sentences or fines became convicted criminals.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:48 AM
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On June 16, we met with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Sejong Special Self Governing City to discuss the present and future of the Korean language industry.We met with Woo Man soo, Secretary of the Livestock Policy Division at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, at the ministry’s third-floor office in Sejong City. In his third year in office, he said that although he has focused on fieldwork, he still feels regret over
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:46 AM
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According to the Ministry of Government Legislation Interpretation No. 13-0228, installing outdoor sports facilities for personal profit in a development-restricted area is not permitted. However, after inquiring with the Ministry of Government Legislation through the Regulatory Reform Hotline, it was stated that if agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers who own and reside in a housing development restriction zone can operate a rural horse industry facility under the Horse Industry Promotion Act without obtaining permission for the construction of existing livestock facilities, new buildings, or the installation or alteration of structures for livestock breeding, the laws governing development restriction zones do not impose separate restrictions.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:35 AM
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As the first feature of our inaugural special edition, we present the stories of Woo Man soo, Secretary of the Livestock Policy Division at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Han Byung-yoon, Officer, who have been leading the way in on the ground policy development and regulatory easing at the forefront of South Korea’s horse industry policy, continuing to meet the needs and expectations of the public and the field.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:32 AM
Comments:
According to the Ministry of Government Legislation Interpretation No. 13-0228, installing outdoor sports facilities for personal profit in a development-restricted area is not permitted. However, after inquiring with the Ministry of Government Legislation through the Regulatory Reform Hotline, it was stated that if agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers who own and reside in a housing development restriction zone can operate a rural horse industry facility under the Horse Industry Promotion Act without obtaining permission for the construction of existing livestock facilities, new buildings, or the installation or alteration of structures for livestock breeding, the laws governing development restriction zones do not impose separate restrictions.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:30 AM
Comments:
According to the Ministry of Government Legislation Interpretation No. 13-0228, installing outdoor sports facilities for personal profit in a development-restricted area is not permitted. However, after inquiring with the Ministry of Government Legislation through the Regulatory Reform Hotline, it was stated that if agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers who own and reside in a housing development restriction zone can operate a rural horse industry facility under the Horse Industry Promotion Act without obtaining permission for the construction of existing livestock facilities, new buildings, or the installation or alteration of structures for livestock breeding, the laws governing development restriction zones do not impose separate restrictions.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:28 AM
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In the future, this publication plans to conduct a series of interviews with members of the Masadong Alumni Association while also focusing on the perspectives of senior figures and retired professionals. On that day, Chairman Bae Geun-seok recommended Lee Geon-woo, CEO of Public Labor Law Firm, who served as auditor of the Masadong Alumni Association and as head of the Legal Affairs Team, Director of Management, and Director of the Equestrian Training Center at the Korea Racing Authority
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:25 AM
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Major countries around the world, excluding the communist bloc, hold horse racing; however, very few directly regulate it or set purchase price caps. Although it is a form of gambling, the problem must be addressed through legal authorities. Otherwise, it could flow into the underground economy or illegal gambling.For the horse industry to develop, the horse racing industry must develop first. Even looking at other countries, the horse racing industry cannot develop through control or regulation.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:20 AM
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Since I took office, we have changed the culture to hold the general assembly in the Korea Racing Authority auditorium and have meals in the company cafeteria to save costs and also get a glimpse of my former workplace.Other alumni associations usually have a hall. Retirees gather there to eat and play long term Go, using it as a place for bonding, and I hope our Masadong Alumni Association will have a space like this. We are collecting special contributions from members to build a community center.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:17 AM
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Covers all professionals, including judicial rulings, adjudication, veterinary, livestock, ordering, and equestrian instructors. With this level of talent, they would have the expertise to run a racetrack abroad. We also receive proposals from abroad from time to time, so we need to find ways to utilize retired professionals. Members also do a great deal of volunteer work in therapeutic horseback riding.I became the chairman for the first time as a former vice chairman. We restructured due to lack of substantial support and resulting management difficulties,
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:15 AM
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Although it was not a full country, I think the juniors have worked very hard and feel proud that by passing through Part 3 and becoming a Part 2 country, the status of Korean horse racing has been elevated.What’s unfortunate is that the horse racing industry has little connection to general society and few related industries, so if you become an expert here and then quit, there is nothing left to do. I see it as a major problem. I hope the horse industry itself becomes firmly established.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:12 AM
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If we follow contradictory laws, the situation will only get worse.Although they are called livestock, they are not included in animal husbandry. If you are not enrolled in mutual aid insurance, you will receive no compensation when you die. It’s not as contagious as foot-and-mouth disease, but wasn’t there a recent incident where horses died from distemper. Unlike the issue of value increase through the use of horses, a minimum guarantee must be provided. I would like to promote the equestrian industry by integrating it with community projects. I have also proposed utilizing the Miho Stream, which is near the area, as a horseback trail.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:09 AM
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Korea Disabled Equestrian Federation, and as the first director of the Equestrian Healing Center, I have worked to raise awareness of the social and public interest aspects of therapeutic riding. I also promoted a nationwide horse riding campaign, encouraged executives to ride, and tracked the status of riding facilities across the country to spread the equestrian boom throughout the nation. I hope the policy continues to be inherited and developed, but it is regrettable that its form has since changed.
Saturday, October 03 2026 - 05:05 AM