The aim of this paper was to provide an overview of mortality and disease 
prevalence related to occupational diseases among agricultural workers in Korea. 
We evaluated the age-standardized mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic 
diseases and compared them with those of other populations using death 
registration data from 2004 through 2008 and the 2005 Korean National Health and 
Nutrition Examination Survey. In addition, we conducted a literature review on 
published articles examining the health status of farmers in Korea. Agricultural 
workers have a significantly higher mortality of cancer, tuberculosis, chronic 
respiratory diseases, liver diseases, suicide, motor and non-motor vehicle 
accidents. Compared to other populations, farmers have higher prevalence rates 
of arthritis and intervertebral disc disorders. The literature review revealed a 
number of work-related diseases among farmers, such as musculoskeletal diseases, 
pesticide poisoning, infections, and respiratory and neurologic diseases. Korean 
farmers demonstrate a distinct pattern of mortality and disease prevalence 
compared to other populations. Although lifestyle factors remain important 
contributors to those deaths and diseases, our study suggests that occupation is 
a major determinant as well. Intensive programs such as surveillance systems, 
therefore, should be developed in order to identify and prevent work-related 
diseases among agricultural workers in Korea.