The Korean government will require non-citizens to get prior approval before buying land on 353 remote border islands, starting immediately after Thursday’s announcement. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said municipalities will review applications with defense and intelligence agencies. Unauthorized purchases will be null and void, and violators face up to two years in prison or fines of up to 20 million won.
A view of Ulleung Island in North Gyeongsang Province in 2023 / Korea Times file
Seeking to safeguard national security and bolster territorial sovereignty, the Korean government said Thursday that it will require non-citizens to obtain prior government approval before purchasing land across 353 remote border islands.
The sweeping measure, announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in close coordination with the National Intelligence Service and the Ministry of National Defense, reflects growing sensitivity in Seoul over foreign ownership in geopolitically delicate maritime zones. The restrictions took effect immediately following the government's announcement.
Under the expanded regulatory framework, foreign nationals attempting to acquire land parcel-by-parcel across these designated border islands must secure permission from local municipal authorities prior to executing acquisition contracts. Municipalities will evaluate each application in consultation with defense and intelligence agencies. Transactions conducted without prior authorization will be declared legally null and void, with violators facing penalties of up to two years in prison or criminal fines reaching 20 million won.
