Korea Launches New National Action Plan to Combat Antibiotic Resistance

The Korean government has unveiled its third National Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance, spanning from 2026 to 2030, to address the growing threat of antibiotic overuse and its impact on public health. This initiative builds upon previous five-year plans and aligns with international efforts to tackle this global challenge.

Rising Antibiotic Resistance in Korea

Korea faces significant challenges regarding antibiotic usage and resistance rates, which remain higher than those of many other developed nations. According to data from 2023, antibiotic consumption in Korea reached 31.8 defined daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants per day, 1.6 times the OECD average of 19.5 [1]. The resistance rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) also reached 45.2 percent in 2023, exceeding the global average of 27.1 percent by a factor of 1.7 [1].

Key Components of the 2026-2030 National Action Plan

The new plan focuses on four core areas and thirteen key tasks, aiming to optimize antibiotic apply, enhance infection prevention, strengthen scientific foundations, and solidify national governance. The national vision is to “achieve sustainable health of the people through management of antibiotic resistance in humans, animals, plants, food, and the environment” [2].

Optimizing Antibiotic Use

A central component of the plan is the full activation of the Antibiotic Stewardship Program (ASP) in medical institutions. Currently operating as a pilot project, the ASP will be expanded to all general hospitals with 301 beds or more by 2027, and its implementation will be legally mandated [2]. The ASP involves teams of infectious disease specialists and pharmacists monitoring and intervening in antibiotic prescriptions to ensure appropriate use. Support will also be provided to smaller hospitals through a network of leading institutions and the distribution of antibiotic use guidelines.

The plan also addresses antibiotic use in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, aiming to ensure all antibiotic use is prescription-based and to improve monitoring of sales and usage patterns [2].

Strengthening Infection Prevention

The plan emphasizes a prevention-focused strategy to reduce the demand for antibiotics and limit the spread of resistant bacteria. This includes expanding support for local government-led infection control programs targeting carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections [2]. Increased vaccination efforts are also included to prevent infectious diseases and reduce antibiotic prescriptions.

Enhancing Scientific Understanding

The plan calls for integrated monitoring and analysis of antibiotic resistance data from human and non-human sources. This includes expanding the Positive List System (PLS) for veterinary drugs and monitoring pesticide use in crop production. Continued investment in research and development of rapid diagnostic tests and new antibiotics is also prioritized [2].

Improving National Governance

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) will expand inter-ministerial cooperation, including the addition of the Rural Development Administration, to strengthen national governance. Active participation in global antibiotic resistance surveillance systems and technical support to other countries are also planned [2]. Public awareness campaigns and professional education for healthcare workers and stakeholders will be intensified.

Previous National Action Plans

This new plan follows two previous National Action Plans on Antimicrobial Resistance: the first (2016–2020) and the second (2021–2025) [3]. These earlier plans laid the groundwork for the current initiative by establishing a multi-ministerial approach and strengthening surveillance systems.

The KDCA announced the third National Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance for 2026 through 2030 on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 [2].