Drone Laws in South Korea

Verfasst von Francis Markert | Last update on 23.10.2025 | 9 Kommentare

This article is about drone laws in South Korea.

The government of South Korea is relatively open towards drone technology.

However, there are some rules you should review before your first flight.

Registering Your Drone in South Korea

Drones weighing less than 250 grams and used for recreational purposes do not need to be registered.

All drones over 250 grams must be registered via the Drone One Stop Portal. The website is only available in Korean. Since authentication requires a Korean phone number, it is currently nearly impossible for tourists to register. After registration, you will receive an ID that must be permanently attached to your drone.

To take aerial photographs with your drone – regardless of its weight – you need approval from MOLIT.

For commercial flights, you must also have drone insurance with a minimum coverage of 150,000,000 KRW.

Always carry proof of registration with you in case you need to present it.

Other Regulations for Drone Pilots in South Korea

In South Korea, you must always maintain visual line of sight with your drone during flight.

To fly drones over 250 grams, for commercial purposes, or for especially risky flights, you need a Remote Pilot Licence.

Safety Distances and No-Fly Zones

You must maintain a distance of 9.3 kilometers from airports. Drones may not be flown over crowds of people.

Drones are not allowed to fly after sunset and before sunrise in Korea.

Flying drones is also prohibited in national parks.

Flying in central Seoul is heavily restricted due to the proximity of airports and government buildings. However, the city offers designated zones. The most well-known is the Hangang Drone Park, also called Drone Park Seoul, where drone pilots can legally fly under supervision.

The volcanic landscape of Jeju makes the island a popular destination for drone pilots. However, the regulations are very strict. Flights are prohibited in national parks, heritage sites, and near airports. To fly legally, you need a flight permit and often permission from the Jeju provincial government. As a tourist, you should stick to the designated recreational areas outside protected zones. Therefore, fly only near the coast and at least 20 km away from the airport.

The Korean drone no-fly zone system is published digitally via the MOLIT app. It shows restricted, controlled, and open airspaces. Always check the latest information before flying, as temporary no-fly zones often occur during festivals, state visits, or military exercises. The app is likely only available in Korea.

Penalties for violating drone regulations in South Korea are severe and can include confiscation, fines of several million won, or even criminal prosecution.

We have researched the drone rules for South Korea to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. If you want to be certain, contact the national aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also reach out to the national embassy in your home country for further information. Please leave us a comment if you learn any updates or have your own experiences flying a drone in South Korea!