Unauthorized Drone Flights Around Saeul Nuclear Power Plant to Face Penalties, Including Imprisonment

【Financial News Ulsan = Choi Su-sang】Drone flights around Saeul Nuclear Power Plant in Ulsan will be strictly restricted. Starting on the 17th, flying without prior approval may result in criminal punishment, including imprisonment.
According to Saeul Nuclear Power Plant Headquarters on the 14th, the no-fly zone covers the area within an 18.5-kilometer radius of Saeul Nuclear Power Plant. It includes parts of Seosaeng-myeon, Onyang-eup, Onsan-eup, Ungchon-myeon and Cheongryang-eup in Ulju County, as well as Wollae-ri in Jangan-eup, Gijang County, Busan.
As Saeul Nuclear Power Plant is designated as a Class A national security facility, prior flight approval must be obtained from the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff (ROK JCS) for A airspace within a 3.7-kilometer radius. Approval for the remaining B airspace must be obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT).
Under the revised Aviation Safety Act, which takes effect on the 17th, operating an ultralight flight device in a no-fly zone without prior approval may result in up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won.
A Saeul Nuclear Power Plant official urged caution, saying, "Previously, flying a drone around the plant without prior approval resulted only in an administrative fine of up to 3 million won, but the revised law has significantly strengthened the penalties."




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