South Korea finalises first comprehensive organ donation plan

Key areas include expanding donor registration agencies to the public sector.

South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has finalised its ‘First Comprehensive Plan for Organ Donation and Transplantation (2026–2030)’ following a review by the Organ Transplant Ethics Committee.

The five-year plan outlines measures to expand donor participation and strengthen national transplant systems.

Key areas include expanding donor registration agencies from the private to the public sector, introducing a legal framework for organ donation after circulatory death, and increasing recognition and support for donors.

The plan also sets out five policy directions with twelve detailed initiatives. These focus on fostering a culture of donation, strengthening institutional support systems, broadening donation pathways, improving the human tissue supply chain, and enhancing research and governance.

The initiative follows amendments to the Organ Transplant Acts passed in June 2023, which came into effect this year.