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Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in South Korea?
Mostly no, or only under severe restrictions.
Treated at or near firearm level, with an effective ban or major criminal-law exposure for ordinary ownership. Watch the personal import blocked rule in particular.
Tier 1: Severely Restricted
Effective civilian ban or extreme criminal penalties for unlicensed possession.
KR
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive South Korea is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationUnclear
Age ruleUnclear
PossessionLicence required
Transfer / salePersonal import blocked
TransportSeverely restricted
AuthorityNational statute
Before you buy or sell
- Effectively closed to visiting airgun owners.
The rules in detail
Classification
Unclear
Firearms, Swords and Explosives Control Act: airguns regulated as firearms. Strict licensing.
Age rule
Unclear
20+ for an air-gun possession permit (Firearms Act Art. 13(1)1); athletes recommended by the Korea Sports Council or a provincial sports council are exempt for competition guns. Mandatory police safety training before a permit.
Possession
Licence required
Police licensing required; weapons stored at police stations between uses.
Transfer / sale
Personal import blocked
State-controlled.
Transport
Severely restricted
Severely restricted.
Authority
National statute
National statute.
Hunting with an airgun
Tightly licensed seasonal frameworks; limited in practice.
Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor / transit
Effectively prohibits temporary import of airguns by visitors.
Keep exploring
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance. It isn't legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.