South Korea has made significant progress in food waste recycling through effective policies. Approximately 30% of total waste is food waste, with over 90% of it effectively separated and collected. Challenges remain in optimizing biogas production and utilizing food waste for animal feed. The Volume-Based Waste Fee (VBWF) system, introduced in 1995, reduced waste and promoted recycling. In 2005, a ban on direct food waste landfilling encouraged separation and proper disposal. The Master Plan for Reducing Food Wastes, launched in 2010, led to the nationwide implementation of the Weight-Based Food Waste Fee (WBFWF) system in 2013. South Korea has adapted policies from Japan and Europe to enhance its food waste management. This review provides a valuable framework for improving recycling and resource utilization initiatives. South Korea's waste management policies have evolved through several stages, including the Filth Cleaning Act (1961–1977), Environmental Conservation Act (1978–1986), Waste Management Act (1986–1992), and the current era (1993–present). The WBFWF system, introduced in 2013, has been effective in managing food waste. Food waste is classified into VBWF, food waste, and recycling waste. The separate discharge rate of food waste was 88.8%, indicating a decrease from the fifth survey (93.6%). Food waste is recycled through composting, animal feed, and biogas production. Aerobic composting involves fermentation and maturation stages, while anaerobic digestion produces biogas. Wet and dry feed conversion processes are used to produce animal feed. Composting and anaerobic digestion are the primary methods for food waste treatment, with composting accounting for 49.8% utilization and feed for 37.3%. Biogas production has increased from 10% in 2018 to 36% by 2027. South Korea has implemented various policies to reduce food waste, including the prohibition of direct landfilling and the promotion of resource recovery. The Basic Act on Resource Circulation, enacted in 2016, introduced waste disposal burden fees and a performance management system to minimize incineration and landfilling. South Korea has also focused on improving food waste collection and storage to enhance nutritional value and safety when upcycling into animal feed. The efficient utilization of waste resources requires a comprehensive approach, considering regional characteristics and societal and economic benefits. Continuous monitoring of policy effectiveness and technological advancements are essential for sustainable resource circulation.South Korea has made significant progress in food waste recycling through effective policies. Approximately 30% of total waste is food waste, with over 90% of it effectively separated and collected. Challenges remain in optimizing biogas production and utilizing food waste for animal feed. The Volume-Based Waste Fee (VBWF) system, introduced in 1995, reduced waste and promoted recycling. In 2005, a ban on direct food waste landfilling encouraged separation and proper disposal. The Master Plan for Reducing Food Wastes, launched in 2010, led to the nationwide implementation of the Weight-Based Food Waste Fee (WBFWF) system in 2013. South Korea has adapted policies from Japan and Europe to enhance its food waste management. This review provides a valuable framework for improving recycling and resource utilization initiatives. South Korea's waste management policies have evolved through several stages, including the Filth Cleaning Act (1961–1977), Environmental Conservation Act (1978–1986), Waste Management Act (1986–1992), and the current era (1993–present). The WBFWF system, introduced in 2013, has been effective in managing food waste. Food waste is classified into VBWF, food waste, and recycling waste. The separate discharge rate of food waste was 88.8%, indicating a decrease from the fifth survey (93.6%). Food waste is recycled through composting, animal feed, and biogas production. Aerobic composting involves fermentation and maturation stages, while anaerobic digestion produces biogas. Wet and dry feed conversion processes are used to produce animal feed. Composting and anaerobic digestion are the primary methods for food waste treatment, with composting accounting for 49.8% utilization and feed for 37.3%. Biogas production has increased from 10% in 2018 to 36% by 2027. South Korea has implemented various policies to reduce food waste, including the prohibition of direct landfilling and the promotion of resource recovery. The Basic Act on Resource Circulation, enacted in 2016, introduced waste disposal burden fees and a performance management system to minimize incineration and landfilling. South Korea has also focused on improving food waste collection and storage to enhance nutritional value and safety when upcycling into animal feed. The efficient utilization of waste resources requires a comprehensive approach, considering regional characteristics and societal and economic benefits. Continuous monitoring of policy effectiveness and technological advancements are essential for sustainable resource circulation.