Are guns legal in South Korea?

Is self-defense legal in Korea?

Self-defense is legal in Korea under certain conditions, according to Article 10 of the Korean Criminal Act. The individual must be facing an immediate threat of harm and the amount of force used must be proportionate to the threat faced. It is illegal to use force against law enforcement officers, except when subjected to excessive force by the officer. Korea does not have stand your ground laws and civilians are generally not allowed to carry firearms. Legal consequences may still occur after a self-defense incident, so it is important to seek legal counsel and contact authorities as soon as possible.

Question about South Korea

South Korea has some of the toughest gun control laws in the world, with civilians only allowed to own certain types of firearms after passing rigorous background checks and training programs. Handguns are strictly prohibited for civilian use, while rifles and shotguns can only be used for hunting or sport shooting. Gun violence is extremely rare in South Korea due to the country's strict gun control measures, with only eight gun-related deaths nationwide in 2018. The majority of South Koreans support strict gun control laws, and there is little cultural resistance to such measures as guns do not play a significant role in Korean culture.

Question about South Korea

Can you own a gun in Korea?

South Korea has some of the strictest gun control laws in the world, limiting gun ownership to law enforcement, military personnel, and licensed hunters. The government heavily regulates the manufacturing, sales, and possession of firearms with rigorous background checks, mental health evaluations, and firearm training requirements. South Korea's strict gun control laws are a response to historical events such as the Korean War and high rates of gun violence in the past. The country has one of the lowest rates of gun violence globally but has experienced some incidents of mass shootings in recent years. The police play a critical role in enforcing South Korea's gun control laws by conducting background checks, issuing licenses, monitoring licensed gun owners' behavior, and confiscating illegal firearms. Public opinion on gun control in South Korea is generally supportive of the country's strict laws.