Fishing regulations in South Korea

Licensing:

• saltwater-recreational — residents As of 2026, South Korea does NOT require a general individual recreational fishing licence for shore or boat angling. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has announced plans to introduce an angler-licensing scheme, but it is not yet in force. Recreational anglers must still comply with the Fishery Resources Management Act (수산자원관리법): observe minimum catchable lengths (포획금지체장) and closed seasons (금어기), and use only permitted gear — explosives, poisons and electric-shock fishing are prohibited., non-residents Visiting anglers face the same rules: no general angler licence is required (as of 2026), but minimum catch lengths, closed seasons and prohibited-method rules under the Fishery Resources Management Act apply.
• charter — residents Leisure / charter fishing-vessel operators (낚시어선업) are licensed and registered under the Fishing Management and Promotion Act (낚시 관리 및 육성법), administered by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Operators must meet safety-inspection and registration requirements; individual paying anglers aboard a registered vessel do not need a personal licence.

FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only and are PARTIAL for South Korea. As of 2026 no general recreational angler licence is required, but the Fishery Resources Management Act sets minimum catchable lengths (포획금지체장) and closed seasons (금어기) for many species, and prohibits explosives, poisons and electric fishing. Per-species size limits (e.g. red seabream, olive flounder, mackerel, hairtail) are not yet captured here — always check the current rules with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) and the National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS) before fishing. Special marine-protected-area and local rules may also apply. FishRadar is not a legal source.