Drone Boom Spurs Debate Over Some of the World’s Strictest Flight Rules

SEOUL, Jan. 20 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea is confronting renewed debate over its drone regulations as the number of registered unmanned aircraft approaches 70,000 and hobbyists increasingly complain that the country’s rules are among the world’s most restrictive.

Online forums and instructional videos about drones are frequently filled with frustrated comments from users who say even flying a palm-sized toy drone near their homes can require advance approval — and violations can result in fines exceeding 1.5 million won, or about $1,100.

Drone-related laws in South Korea span multiple ministries and dozens of statutes, creating what users describe as a complicated and opaque system. Depending on weight and purpose, drones must be registered, insured and operated only by licensed pilots, while flights in restricted zones — including much of Seoul — require prior authorization from aviation or military authorities.

Hobbyists argue that the approval process is slow and fragmented. Under the government’s “one-stop” drone portal, registration can take up to a week, standard flight approval three days and special flight permits up to a month — delays that often make weekend flying impractical.

By contrast, countries such as the United States and Australia allow near-instant approvals through mobile apps when flights meet predefined safety conditions. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s LAANC system, for example, automatically authorizes low-altitude drone flights near airports in real time.

Korean drone enthusiasts say the lack of real-time approval and poor information sharing among government agencies often leads to unnecessary police or military responses, even when pilots have followed official procedures.

The criticism has intensified as drone ownership has surged. Registered drones rose from just over 2,000 in 2016 to nearly 68,000 by April last year, according to government data. About two-thirds are used for commercial purposes, with the remainder flown for leisure.

Authorities, however, point to mounting safety concerns. Drone-related accidents and violations have increased sharply in recent years, with fines rising steadily as unauthorized flights near airports and military zones become more common.

In one high-profile case last August, a worker conducting air-quality inspections was killed after being struck by a 60-kilogram drone that fell from height. Lawmakers say such incidents highlight the risks posed by heavier drones and insufficient safety oversight.

Government data show that fines for drone violations climbed to 6.5 billion won in 2025, with more than half involving flights in prohibited airspace. A single unauthorized flight can trigger a minimum penalty of 1.5 million won.

Some experts argue that safety standards remain too loose, particularly for recreational drones, which are not required to carry insurance and can be flown after completing only brief online training.

“The industry needs both growth and safety,” said Rep. Sohn Myung-soo of the ruling Democratic Party. “Right now, enforcement focuses too heavily on punishment after violations rather than preventing unsafe flights in the first place.”

Officials at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport maintain that Korea’s drone regulations are broadly comparable to those of other advanced countries, particularly regarding night flights, operations beyond visual range and restrictions near airports and government facilities.

Still, as drones become increasingly common in daily life — from photography to delivery trials — pressure is growing for a system that balances innovation, safety and public accessibility.

For now, South Korea’s skies remain tightly regulated, leaving policymakers to navigate a delicate question: how to encourage a rising drone culture without compromising public safety.

Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)