Restaurants preparing for Korea’s food hygiene rating assessment can receive free, tailored technical support from the Korea Agency of HACCP Accreditation and Services in 2026. The program covers 2,000 eligible restaurants and offers training, an on-site hygiene review, and practical materials such as management logs and notices.
Program summary
- Eligible business types: General restaurants, snack or café-style restaurants, and bakeries that meet at least one program condition
- Scale: 2,000 establishments nationwide
- Cost: Free
- Application deadline: September 30, 2026
- Program period: Through December 2026, subject to operational changes
Who can apply?
Eligible venues include model restaurants, century stores, Michelin- or Blue Ribbon-listed restaurants; establishments in designated K-food, tourism, or market areas; venues no larger than 200 square meters; delivery restaurants or venues in popular apartment retail areas and markets; and restaurants located in frequently visited multipurpose facilities such as retail stores.
Priority may be given to owners who agree to apply for the food hygiene rating assessment within 2026 after receiving support and not abandon the assessment midway. Small operators handling menu items that need stronger hygiene management may receive intensive consulting. Businesses outside the three listed restaurant license categories should confirm eligibility with their regional office.
What support is provided?
- Training on the rating system, detailed criteria, and common deficiencies
- An on-site visit with business-specific hygiene guidance
- Management logs, notices, and other assessment-preparation materials
- For selected small or older operators, intensive help from the application form through designation
How to apply
Applications are accepted by fax, mail, in person, or online. Offline contacts differ by region.
- Visit the Korea Agency of HACCP Accreditation and Services website.
- Open the HACCP Business Support System.
- Select Food Safety Establishment Management (Restaurants) and submit the technical-support application.
Contact
Seoul regional office: +82-2-860-6900. Applicants elsewhere should use the regional contact listed in the official notice.
Important notes
Technical support does not automatically grant a hygiene rating. The restaurant must separately apply for assessment and satisfy the criteria. The schedule may change or close based on the 2,000-site target and operating conditions, so verify availability before applying.
Practical tip
Prepare refrigerator and freezer temperature logs, ingredient-storage records, utensil-separation practices, handwashing procedures, and cleaning and sanitation logs before the visit.
Notice: This is an explanatory summary. Final eligibility, regional submission details, and assessment standards are governed by the latest official guidance.
Official sources and date checked
- Official Business Information Portal notice
- Korea Agency of HACCP Accreditation and Services
- Information checked: August 3, 2026