Sign indicating the drone no-fly zone at the summit of Dodubong in Jeju City (Yonhap)
JEJU, May 14 (Korea Bizwire) — A new senior-led drone surveillance team officially began operations at Jeju International Airport on May 14, marking a novel initiative to boost airspace security using the experience of retired police officers, firefighters, and aviation professionals.
The “Airport Safety Illegal Drone Patrol,” jointly launched by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Korea Labor Force Development Institute for the Aged, is designed to monitor the airport’s designated no-fly zone for unauthorized drone activity — a growing safety concern for one of South Korea’s busiest tourist gateways.
The unit comprises 16 veteran professionals who will patrol key open areas and tourist hotspots near the airport — including Iho Tewoo Beach, Rainbow Road, and Yongdam Sports Park — using specialized apps to report and geo-tag illegal drones in real time. Their activities aim to aid police in quickly locating and intercepting rogue devices.
Last year, Jeju International Airport reported 165 unauthorized drone detections — one of the highest figures among South Korean airports — prompting calls for a localized monitoring system.
“This region is structurally vulnerable to drone intrusions due to the concentration of tourist attractions and open areas near the runway,” Jeju officials said. “The patrol program directly addresses a pressing community safety issue.”
The initiative will run as a five-month pilot project with 80 million won (approximately $59,000) in funding jointly provided by the province and the labor institute. If successful, the program may be expanded nationwide.
Under the initiative, the province’s welfare department will support funding and promotion, while the labor institute will oversee operations, evaluations, and financial management. The Korea Airports Corporation’s Jeju branch will provide training and designated workspaces, and the nonprofit Neyoung-Nayoung Welfare Cooperative will handle recruitment, participant management, and app development.
“This project showcases how seniors’ professional expertise can be mobilized to address community safety,” said Lee Hye-ran, Director of Jeju’s Welfare and Family Bureau, at the program’s launch. “We will continue identifying meaningful employment opportunities for retirees.”
The program also reflects growing national interest in redefining senior workforce roles as valuable contributors to public safety and local resilience.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
