Yes, flying drones over private property in South Korea is legally permissible under strict conditions. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) permits drone operations with prior authorization, subject to privacy and safety regulations enforced by local aviation authorities and the Personal Information Protection Commission.
Key Regulations for Flying Drones Over Private Property in South Korea
- Prior Notification Requirement: Operators must submit flight plans to MOLIT at least 72 hours in advance via the Drone Safety Management System (DSMS), including property owner consent if flying within 50 meters of private land.
- Altitude and Distance Limits: Drones may not exceed 150 meters in altitude or operate within 50 meters of private residences unless explicit permission is granted by property owners.
- Privacy and Data Protection: Capturing images or videos of private property without consent violates the Personal Information Protection Act, with penalties up to KRW 50 million (≈USD 37,000) for violations. The 2026 amendments to the Drone Safety Act will further tighten surveillance-related operations.
Additional restrictions apply in designated no-fly zones, such as military installations or Seoul’s restricted airspace. Violations may result in fines, confiscation, or criminal charges under the Aviation Safety Act. Foreign operators must comply with the same rules, with additional requirements for temporary flight permits.