SEOUL, South Korea - The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Center Directors and representatives from the Central Office recently visited South Korea to study the country’s thriving swine industry in a developed country, including the related industries that flourished as a result of the nation’s transformation.
The activity, titled “Benchmarking Activity and Korean Swine Industry Seminar”, was organized by the Agricultural Training and Extension Middle Managers Association, Inc. (ATEMMA) in cooperation with the Korea Meat Slaughterhouse Association (KMSA).
The ATI delegation was composed of Center Directors of the Institute’s network of training centers, together with representatives from the ATI Central Office. The group visited the different facilities, such as the cooperative-governed slaughterhouse, livestock auction center, livestock product quality evaluation, and the marketplace.
The group visited the Porkvill Livestock Auction Center, one of the most advanced and large-scale livestock facilities in South Korea to gain insights into modern livestock management, marketing systems, and the integration of technology and cooperative-based operations. After which, the group visited the Korea Institute of Animal Products and Quality Evaluation (KAPE), a subsidiary agency under South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) for a deeper understanding of Korea’s livestock product quality evaluation, traceability system, and policy framework supporting its highly advanced meat industry. The knowledge exchange between the ATI delegation and the KAPE officials, together with Senior Deputy Director Hong Songhyun of the MAFRA Livestock Distribution Team, focused on grading of livestock and meat products, management of the traceability system, DNA analysis, and the promotion of digital transformation in the livestock sector.
The group then visited the Korean Meat Slaughterhouse Association (KMSA) to gain insights into Korea’s slaughterhouse management systems, food safety regulations, and modernization practices in the meat industry. KMSA Assistant Manager Hyung Seok Lee introduced the organization’s history, structure, and functions. He explained their livestock quality assurance system—anchored on traceability, data-driven policy, and stakeholder participation—offering valuable lessons for advancing the livestock sector in the Philippines.
The discussions also covered the importance of compulsory training for slaughterhouse workers, particularly on HACCP standards, hygiene, and regulatory compliance.
To grasp the entire value chain cycle, the ATI delegation also met with the Korean pig producers who presented the operations of their organization, particularly in implementing strategies to stabilize the pork industry. The group then visited Korea's largest meat wholesale market located in Seoul, which was established in 1961 and where beef and pork are traded and inspected by government inspectors for safety, quality and hygiene. Another visit was at the supermarket where they observed meat labeling, packaging, and storage systems. The experience showcased Korea’s strong commitment to transparency, product traceability, and consumer confidence on the products.
Overall, the visit offered valuable insights into South Korea's livestock industry, highlighting its integration of technology, cooperative governance, and government oversight for efficiency and profitability. This exposure emphasized the potential advantages of implementing similar systems in the Philippines, especially in fostering modernized, cooperative-driven livestock value chains that prioritize food safety, traceability, and farmer inclusivity.
