No. Owning a flamethrower in South Korea is prohibited under the Act on the Control of Firearms, Swords, Explosives, and Other Articles (Firearms Control Act), enforced by the National Police Agency. Civilian possession is criminalized, with no legal exceptions for recreational or industrial use. Violations may result in imprisonment up to 5 years or fines exceeding ₩50 million.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in South Korea
- Absolute Ban: The Firearms Control Act (Article 3) classifies flamethrowers as “dangerous articles,” barring civilian ownership without prior approval—unobtainable for private individuals.
- Police Enforcement: Local police stations conduct periodic inspections under the Dangerous Articles Control Regulations, seizing unauthorized items during raids or public safety checks.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: Amendments to the Explosives Control Act (effective 2026) expand penalties for illegal possession, introducing mandatory forensic analysis of seized devices to track black-market distribution.
Additional restrictions apply under the Civil Defense Act, which mandates reporting of controlled substances, including flammable devices, to municipal authorities. Importation requires a license from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, but flamethrowers are explicitly excluded from approved categories. Non-compliance risks asset forfeiture under the Proceeds of Crime Act.