No, airsoft guns are illegal in South Korea unless classified as “sporting equipment” under strict licensing by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), with enforcement tightening ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. Replicas resembling real firearms are prohibited without permits, and unauthorized possession risks confiscation or criminal penalties under the Act on the Control of Firearms, Swords, Explosives, and Other Articles.
Key Regulations for Airsoft Guns in South Korea
- Licensing Requirement: Only airsoft guns certified by the MCST as “sporting equipment” may be legally owned, requiring applicants to demonstrate membership in registered airsoft clubs and pass background checks.
- Design Restrictions: Guns must have orange-tipped barrels (minimum 1cm) and fail to exceed 0.2 joules of muzzle energy to avoid classification as lethal weapons under the Firearms Control Act.
- Storage & Transport: Licensed airsoft guns must be stored in locked safes and transported disassembled in opaque containers, with police-approved tracking systems mandatory for club inventories.
The National Police Agency (NPA) conducts periodic inspections, and recent amendments to the 2024 Enforcement Decree of the Firearms Act now mandate digital registration of all airsoft equipment, aligning with pre-2026 event security protocols. Violations may result in fines up to ₩10 million (≈$7,500) or imprisonment under Article 19 of the Act, with stricter penalties for unlicensed imports.