Fly a Drone Wrong in Korea? Fines Start at $1,100 as Strict Rules Spark Growing Debate

South Korea’s drone regulations are facing renewed scrutiny as hobbyists question whether the country enforces some of the world’s most restrictive flight rules, with penalties starting at a minimum of KRW 1.5 million (about USD 1,100) for unauthorized operations.

As of April 2025, nearly 70,000 drones are registered nationwide, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority. About 37% are used for recreational or leisure purposes, while the remainder are operated for business. Despite the growth in ownership, large parts of the country—especially Seoul—remain effectively off-limits for drone flights without prior approval.

Drone operations in South Korea are governed by a complex framework of laws administered by multiple government agencies, including aviation safety, telecommunications, privacy protection, military facility protection, and local government regulations. In 2024 alone, more than 120 local ordinances related to drone use were in effect. Drones weighing more than 250 grams require pilot certification, and business-use drones must be registered and insured.

Flight approvals are required in restricted or controlled airspace, including areas near the Demilitarized Zone, military facilities, nuclear power plants, airports, and presidential security zones. Most approvals must be requested at least three days in advance, while special approvals—such as for night flights or operations beyond visual line of sight—can take up to 30 days. As a result, Seoul has very few areas where drones can be flown without prior authorization.

Drone hobbyist groups argue that the approval process is slow and fragmented, noting that applicants often must contact multiple authorities separately. They also point out that countries such as the United States and Australia operate app-based systems that allow near real-time approvals for low-altitude flights under certain conditions. In contrast, South Korea’s approval timelines require users to predict weather conditions days in advance.

Authorities and safety experts counter that stricter oversight is necessary due to rising accidents and violations. Official data show that registered drone numbers increased sharply from just over 2,200 in 2016 to nearly 68,000 in 2025. During the same period, reported drone accidents rose, with 25 cases recorded in 2024. Enforcement actions have also increased steadily, with drone-related fines rising to KRW 6.5 billion in 2025.

Most violations involved flying without approval in restricted zones or controlled airspace near airports. Officials emphasize that even small drones can pose serious risks if they fall from altitude, citing past fatal accidents involving large commercial drones during industrial inspections.

The government maintains that South Korea’s drone regulations are broadly comparable to those of other major countries, particularly in terms of restrictions on night flights, flights over crowds, and operations near sensitive infrastructure. Officials say future policy efforts must balance drone industry growth with public safety, especially in densely populated urban areas.