Recent developments in Korea’s Framework Act on Resource Circulation: toward a resource-circulating society

Korea is moving toward a sustainable resource-circulating society to fight climate change and resource scarcity. To achieve this goal, the Framework Act on Resource Circulation (FRC) was enacted on May 29, 2016 and came into effect on January 1, 2018. This act not only acknowledges the importance of resource efficiency and the transition to a resource-circulating society, but also plays a significant role in the progress of important and relevant market and industry developments. This study primarily focuses on an analysis of the FRC. It aims to evaluate key concepts such as a resource-circulating society, circular resources, important provisions including major principles and allocation of responsibilities, and measures to be taken to promote resource circulation. In addition, it explores whether the FRC is sufficiently comprehensive and ambitious to contribute to the transition to a more resource-circulating society.