South Korea establishes special regulatory-free zone for cultivated meat industry

The South Korean government has designated a special regulatory-free zone in Gyeongsangbuk-do province to accelerate the development and commercialization of cultivated meat. The zone, officially named the Gyeongbuk Cell-Cultivated Foods Regulatory-Free Special Zone, aims to address legal obstacles and establish global standards for novel foods.

The zone, which will operate for the next five years, has a budget of ₩19.9 billion ($14.4 million) and will be home to 10 companies, including SeaWith, TissenBioFarm, and DaNAgreen. These companies will demonstrate the commercialization of cultivated meat using cells from livestock samples and will receive R&D funding and tax breaks.

The companies will first create cell banks from high-purity cells obtained from live animals and fresh meat, setting quality and safety standards for storage, handling, and manufacturing. In the second phase, they will demonstrate mass production and commercialization, including developing methods such as 3D printing and creating food additives.