Rice is the dominant crop, accounting for about 31 percent of the total agricultural production value, and 51 percent of the total area cultivated in 1996. Rice consumption per capita, at around 120.4kg in 1997, has fallen from its peak of 136kg in 1970, and remains at a significantly higher level compared to other Asian countries. Agricultural output has increased greatly as a result of productivity gains which have been derived mainly from high-yielding variety seeds and increased investment in the agricultural sector. Despite the dominance of rice, rising income and population growth have created increased demand for livestock products, vegetables and fruits. Because of the dominance of rice production and barley, corn, and soybean production, policies pertaining to food grains have been central to agricultural policy.
Most farmers still live on the income generated mainly from rice and a number of other crops.
Korean farmers cultivate a variety of other crops including barley, pulses, potatoes, apples, pears, Chinese cabbage, onions, and red-pepper. Agriculture has become very intensive with respect to its use of input such a fertilizers, pesticides and machinery. Average farm household incomes are below the average level of the urban incomes although rural living conditions have improved significantly. Compared with the industrial sector, agriculture is less developed, with small farms, aged farm population, low productivity, and underdeveloped marketing structure. Farm income has been supported primarily through strong government intervention, and accordingly, the agricultural sector is highly dependent on government support.