No, open burning in South Korea is broadly prohibited under the Waste Management Act and Clean Air Conservation Act, with exceptions granted only under stringent conditions. Municipal ordinances and the Ministry of Environment (MOE) enforce near-total bans, particularly in urban and agricultural zones, to curb fine dust (PM2.5) emissions. Violations incur fines up to ₩5 million (≈$3,800) or criminal penalties under the Act on the Prevention of Environmental Crimes.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in South Korea
- Waste Management Act (제46조): Prohibits burning household waste, agricultural residues, or construction debris without MOE-approved permits. Agricultural burning is restricted to designated periods (e.g., post-harvest) and requires prior notification to local governments (시/군/구청).
- Clean Air Conservation Act (제19조): Bans open burning in metropolitan areas (e.g., Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi) year-round. Rural regions may permit controlled burns only during designated “safe windows” (typically spring/fall) with real-time air quality monitoring.
- Local Ordinances: Cities like Busan and Daegu impose additional layers, such as the Fine Dust Reduction Ordinance, requiring permits for even “low-risk” burns (e.g., fallen leaves). Non-compliance triggers immediate shutdowns by Environmental Monitoring Teams under the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER).
Recent 2026 compliance shifts tighten enforcement via AI-powered surveillance drones and mandatory PM2.5 forecasting integration for permit approvals. Agricultural exemptions face escalating scrutiny, with phased eliminations planned for rice straw burning by 2028.