Yes, selling homemade food in South Korea is permitted under strict conditions, primarily through the Food Sanitation Act and local ordinances. Home-based food businesses must register with local health authorities, comply with hygiene standards, and operate under the Small-Scale Food Business exemption (up to 500,000 KRW annual sales). However, certain high-risk foods (e.g., dairy, meat) are prohibited without commercial facilities. The 2026 revision to the Special Act on Food Safety tightens oversight, requiring digital record-keeping for traceability.
Key Regulations for Selling Homemade Food in South Korea
- Registration Mandate: Operators must register with the local Si/Gun/Gu (city/county/district) office under the Food Sanitation Act (Article 11), submitting hygiene management plans and facility details. Unregistered sales risk fines up to 3 million KRW (Article 76).
- Permitted vs. Restricted Foods: Only low-risk items (e.g., baked goods, jams, fermented vegetables) are allowed. High-risk foods (e.g., raw meat, unpasteurized dairy) require commercial-grade kitchens. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) updates the restricted list biennially.
- Sales Channels & Limits: Home-based sales are restricted to direct consumer transactions (e.g., farmers’ markets, online platforms like Naver Smart Store) or pre-ordered deliveries. Annual revenue must not exceed 500,000 KRW; exceeding this triggers commercial licensing requirements under the Small and Medium Business Administration.