A first-of-its-kind government study has revealed concerning levels of antibiotic use across South Korea. The report covers humans, livestock, and fisheries simultaneously. Multiple agencies participated in this pan-government effort. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency led the research alongside other ministries. Findings show that a total of 1,646 tons of antibiotics were used nationwide in 2023.
The breakdown of antibiotic use reveals surprising distribution patterns. Livestock accounted for 46.1 percent of total antibiotic consumption. Fisheries followed with 12.7 percent of nationwide usage. Human medical use represented 39.5 percent of the total. Consequently, exposure to resistant bacteria may occur not only through medical treatment. Food consumption represents another significant pathway for potential exposure. South Korea now faces an antimicrobial resistance crisis that reaches consumers through multiple channels.
Human antibiotic consumption in South Korea ranks alarmingly high internationally. The country recorded 31.8 defined daily doses per 1,000 people per day. This figure stands about 1.6 times the OECD average. South Korea ranks second among 32 surveyed countries after Turkey. Usage has been rising steadily since at least 2021. The antimicrobial resistance crisis shows no signs of natural abatement in human medicine.
Livestock antibiotic sales also remain dangerously elevated compared to global peers. Sales exceeded 200 milligrams per population correction unit. European countries recorded an average of only 88.5 milligrams in 2023. South Korea’s livestock usage thus approaches three times European levels. Food authorities do manage residue levels in animal products. However, the sheer scale of use continues drawing serious concern. The agricultural sector contributes heavily to the antimicrobial resistance crisis.
Resistance rates have risen sharply alongside high antibiotic usage. Cases of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales increased fivefold in 2023 compared to 2019. CRE includes dangerous bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Klebsiella pneumoniae also falls into this resistant category. Three out of six legally designated antimicrobial-resistant pathogen groups now show resistance rates exceeding 30 percent. The antimicrobial resistance crisis is therefore already causing measurable health impacts.
Livestock show equally troubling resistance patterns. E. coli resistance to commonly used antibiotics remains very high. Pigs and chickens display resistance rates hovering around 70 percent. These findings suggest that agricultural antibiotic use directly contributes to resistant bacteria. The connection between farm and human health appears stronger than previously understood.
Based on these findings, the government plans to strengthen cross-sector measures. Seven ministries will jointly prepare a comprehensive action plan. The strategy will curb antibiotic use across humans, animals, and the environment. Through the comprehensive plan jointly prepared by seven ministries, we will focus policy efforts on creating an environment where humans and animals can coexist in good health, a government official stated. With interministerial cooperation and public participation, we aim to gradually reduce antibiotic use and resistance rates to better protect public health. Resolving the antimicrobial resistance crisis will require sustained effort across multiple government levels.
