Drone Rules in Korea: Jail Time in No-Fly Zones From Sept 17
Korea's amended Aviation Safety Act took effect on September 17. Until that date, flying a drone without approval inside a designated no-fly zone drew an administrative fine of up to ₩3 million (about $2,200). It now carries up to a year in prison or a criminal fine of up to ₩10 million (about $7,200). Seoul's city government had the change on its own noticeboard a fortnight early, in a notice last updated on September 2. If you packed a drone for a Seoul trip, what concerns you is where those zones sit. Central Seoul is inside one, and the city says nothing flies within 3.7km of Gwanghwamun. What the amendment changed The law is Act No. 21822, promulgated on June 16 and in force from September 17. The Ministry of Government Legislation's own explanation of the revision gives the reason as raising the level of sanction on illegal flights in no-fly zones, to deter conduct that threatens public safety and national security. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Tran...