No, concealed carry without a permit is illegal in South Korea. The Act on the Use of Firearms by Public Officials (2023 amendments) and the National Police Agency’s 2025 enforcement guidelines strictly prohibit unauthorized carry. Violations may result in imprisonment up to 5 years or fines up to ₩50 million under the Criminal Act and the Act on the Control of Firearms, Swords, Explosives, and Other Articles.
Key Regulations for Concealed Carry Without a Permit in South Korea
- Permit Requirement: Only individuals with a valid Firearms Carrying Permit (issued by the National Police Agency under Article 10 of the Act on the Control of Firearms) may carry concealed firearms. Permits are granted exclusively to public officials, private security personnel, or those demonstrating “urgent necessity” (e.g., high-risk individuals with documented threats).
- Prohibited Circumstances: Carrying a concealed firearm in “gun-free zones” (e.g., schools, government buildings, public transit) is punishable under Article 14 of the Act on the Control of Firearms, with mandatory confiscation and criminal liability.
- Recent Compliance Shifts: The 2026 National Police Agency directive mandates real-time permit verification via the Firearm Management System (FMS), linking permits to biometric verification for active-duty officers and licensed private security. Unauthorized carry now triggers immediate administrative detention under the 2025 Enforcement Decree.