A curated 4-day study excursion for policymakers, researchers and innovators from across the EU — see firsthand how one country is actively shaping the protein transition while Europe is still searching for its path. Start with our free online info meeting on 23 July.
South Korea was one of the first countries worldwide to build a coordinated industrial policy for alternative proteins — regulation, research funding, infrastructure and economic development working together. A rare chance to observe policy development in real time.
The Gyeongbuk Regulatory-Free Special Zone is globally unique: companies can develop and test cultivated meat products without the usual approval barriers — and European companies are already taking advantage of it.
Korea is launching a new center for plant-based products in 2026 — another building block of its national alt-protein strategy, with an active search for international partners.
This excursion is designed for those who transform food systems through policy, research and innovation — from across the European Union. It is deliberately not aimed at corporate / industry representation.
Four curated days across Seoul and the Gyeongbuk region. Detailed program to follow — the outline below is indicative and subject to change.
Exclusive access to the regulatory-free special zone for cultivated meat.
Conversations with Korean decision-makers — incl. MAFRA (Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) and MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety).
Leading companies and research institutions (e.g. CJ CheilJedang, Simple Planet, Zikooin / UNLIMEAT) and the World FoodTech Council.
Structured reflection with the delegation to turn observations into transferable lessons for European policy.
A fully organised, curated program with a clear policy focus. The group is limited to 20 participants to enable intensive discussion and high-quality networking.
Thursday, 23 July 2026 · 15:00 CET · online (Zoom) · free. A short briefing on Korea's alternative-protein industrial policy and the Autumn 2026 excursion, with live Q&A. Register below and we'll email you the Zoom join link before the session. Can't make it? Register anyway and we'll send you the recording.
Prefer a conversation? Book a short, no-obligation call to discuss whether the excursion fits your organisation's goals.
Book a callHannes Leo · Founder & Managing Director, cbased
cbased combines empirical research with stakeholder engagement for evidence-based policy development, working at the intersection of innovation, digitalisation and sustainable food systems — including Vienna's food strategy, research on alternative proteins, and supporting transformation processes across sectors.
Citizens of EU member states can enter South Korea visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days); a valid passport and, currently, a K-ETA travel authorisation are required. Please check the latest requirements for your nationality before travelling.
The program is conducted in English. Professional interpretation is provided for Korean partners.
The regular price is € 2,500; the Super Early Bird price of € 2,280 applies when confirmed by [EARLYBIRD-DEADLINE]. Included: program organisation, hotels, all local transfers, meals during the program, and all entry fees. International flights are not included.
The group is limited to a maximum of 20 participants to enable intensive discussions and high-quality networking.
We need confirmed registrations to secure the exclusive visits to Korean institutions — these can only be guaranteed with sufficient participant numbers.
