Toward a Cruelty-Free Future: Korea Builds Facility for Alternative Testing | Be Korea-savvy

Toward a Cruelty-Free Future: Korea Builds Facility for Alternative Testing


South Korea Breaks Ground on National Facility for Animal-Free Chemical Testing (Image supported by ChatGPT)

South Korea Breaks Ground on National Facility for Animal-Free Chemical Testing (Image supported by ChatGPT)

INCHEON, May 17 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea has begun construction on a state-funded facility dedicated to advancing animal-free toxicity testing methods, a move that signals the country’s commitment to ethical science, chemical safety, and animal welfare.

The Ministry of Environment held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at the Korea Environment Corporation headquarters in Seo-gu, Incheon, to mark the start of the “Alternative Animal Testing Facility” project. The 7,499-square-meter building, backed by 33.4 billion won (approx. $25 million), is expected to be completed by October 2026.

The facility will focus on replacing traditional animal testing with advanced technologies such as artificial organs, 3D tissue models, and computer-based predictive systems. These methods will be used to assess chemical toxicity while minimizing or eliminating the use of live animals.

Beyond research, the center will also serve as a national training hub, hosting academic conferences and providing technical support to private testing labs seeking international certification.

Architectural rendering of the alternative animal testing facility (Yonhap)

Architectural rendering of the alternative animal testing facility (Yonhap)

Officials say the initiative addresses not only the ethical concerns surrounding animal testing but also its scientific limitations and high costs. The government has pledged to convert more than 60% of all chemical toxicity tests to alternative methods by 2030 under a national transition strategy.

To raise public awareness, the Ministry of Environment has designated May 16–23 as “Animal-Free Testing Awareness Week,” during which it will host a series of events. These include a public-private roundtable on test adoption held the same day, and a national workshop scheduled for May 20 at the LW Convention Center in central Seoul.

“This groundbreaking marks a vital step toward protecting both animal welfare and public health,” said Vice Environment Minister Lee Byung-hwa. “We are committed to positioning South Korea as a global leader in next-generation testing technologies.”

Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)

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