No, taking sand from South Korea’s beaches violates the Natural Environment Conservation Act (법률 제16754호, 2019.12.17 개정) and Coastal Management Act (해안관리법), which classify sand as a protected coastal resource. Unauthorized removal risks fines up to ₩30 million (≈$22,500) or imprisonment under Article 42 of the latter. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (해양수산부) and local environmental agencies (e.g., National Institute of Ecology) enforce these rules, with heightened scrutiny ahead of the 2026 Coastal Erosion Prevention Plan expansion.
Key Regulations for Taking Sand from the Beach in South Korea
- Natural Environment Conservation Act (자연환경보전법): Prohibits removal of sand from protected coastal areas (Article 23-2). Exceptions require permits from the Ministry of Environment (환경부), rarely granted for scientific or disaster-recovery purposes.
- Coastal Management Act (해안관리법): Bans extraction without approval from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (해양수산부). Violations trigger administrative penalties and criminal liability under Article 42.
- Local Ordinances: Municipal governments (e.g., Jeju Special Self-Governing Province) impose additional restrictions. Jeju’s Coastal Erosion Ordinance (제주도 해안침식대책조례) mandates prior environmental impact assessments for any sand-related activity.