The Government and Farmers Celebrate a 30th Anniversary of the National Farmer’s Day

Sejong, 11 November 2025 — On 11 November, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) held a celebration to mark the 30th anniversary of the National Farmer’ Day—a festival and gathering for two million farmers in the Republic of Korea—at the Plaza of Youth in Wonju-si (the city of Wonju), Gangwon-do (the province of Gangwon). Wonju-si is the birthplace of the National Farmer’s Day.

H.E. Kim Min-seok, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, who attended the celebration, emphasized the historical significance and value of the National Farmer’s Day and extended his congratulations and appreciation to farmers.

In 1996, the date of 11 November was designated as the National Farmer’s Day. The date was inspired by the fact that the Chinese character for soil (土)—the foundation of agriculture and life—is composed of “十” (ten) and “一” (one). Thus, on 11 November every year, the central and local governments hold an event to celebrate the National Farmer’s Day in order to raise public awareness of the importance of agriculture and to promote farmers’ pride.

The event for the National Farmer’s Day was attended by a total of about 3,000 participants, including Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, Minister Song Miryung of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Governor Kim Jin-tae of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, a member of the National Assembly, the chairman of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, and representatives of various farmers’ organizations.

A total of 157 persons who made meritorious contributions to the development of agriculture and rural areas were selected for government commendations, with awards presented to eight persons on behalf of the 157 selected persons. During the event, participants read a farmers’ resolution for sustainable agricultural growth and development, followed by festive performances such as bibimbap making in a cauldron and 1,111-meter bar rice cake cutting. 

H.E. Song Miryung of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said: “Amid adverse conditions posed by the climate crisis and global supply chain instability, Korean farmers have made great and pivotal contributions to protecting the nation’s food supply. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will mobilize all available resources to ensure that people in the nation need not worry about their food and that farmers can enjoy economic stability in their life.”