🇰🇷South Korea

In South Korea you need prior flight approval from the transport ministry to fly at or above the prescribed altitude (150 m, measured as set out in Enforcement Rule Art. 308(5)), or to fly in prescribed zones such as control zones, even if no other approval would be needed.

Drone registration under Act Article 122(1) is not needed for an unmanned powered drone with a maximum takeoff weight of 2 kg or less, or an unmanned airship of 12 kg or less (excluding fuel) and 7 m or less, unless it is used for an aircraft rental, aviation leisure sports or ultralight vehicle use business under the Aviation Business Act. Powered drones above 2 kg, and any drone used in one of those businesses, must be registered unless another listed exclusion applies (tethered devices, research/development devices, unsold stock not flown, military devices).

If you own or have the right to use a drone or other ultra-light flying device, you must register it with the government, unless your specific device is exempt under the law.

This defines the 150 m height used for South Korea's flight-approval rule: over crowded areas it is 150 m above the tallest obstacle within 150 m of the drone; elsewhere 150 m above the ground, water or the top of an object. It is a trigger for needing approval, not a stated maximum height, and it does not by itself say whether any overall maximum height applies.

You must keep your drone within your direct line of sight at all times during flight, unless you have a special approval for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.

The drone pilot certificate duty in Act Article 125(1) does not cover drones with a maximum takeoff weight of 250 g or less including fuel, or unmanned airships of 12 kg or less (empty weight, excluding fuel) and 7 m or less in length. Heavier unmanned flying devices fall within it. This entry states scope only; certificate grades and training are not covered.

You must obtain a valid drone pilot certificate before flying any drone or ultralight vehicle that requires licensing under the law.