Is gun legal in Korea?
Asked by: Araceli Okuneva | Last update: February 18, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (42 votes)
Yes, guns are legal in South Korea, but ownership is extremely restricted, primarily limited to public officials, licensed manufacturers/dealers, and specific civilians like competitive athletes or licensed hunters, with strict regulations, background checks, and requirements to store firearms at police stations rather than at home, making general civilian gun ownership for self-defense virtually impossible and keeping gun violence very low.
Can you own a gun in South Korea?
No one shall possess guns, swords, explosives, gas sprayers, electroshock weapons, or crossbows without permission, except for the following cases: 1.
How common are guns in Korea?
In some regions, strict regulations and strong social norms have kept civilian gun numbers among the lowest in the world. At the top of this list are the Solomon Islands and South Korea, each with only 0.2 guns per 100 people.
What is the most gun-friendly country?
There isn't one single "most gun friendly" country, but the United States has the highest civilian gun ownership and very permissive laws in many states, while Switzerland is known for its strong gun culture tied to militia service and relatively liberal ownership rules for certain firearms after background checks, and countries like Yemen also have extremely non-restrictive laws, though often with different cultural contexts. Other nations with high ownership or liberal access include Canada, Finland, and Serbia, often linked to hunting or defense traditions.
Do Koreans know how to use guns?
South Korea strictly regulates the ownership of guns. Although most men are trained in the use of firearms during their mandatory military training, private citizens may not carry guns to protect their household or person.
Korea's gun control law tightened further
Do cops in Korea carry guns?
Firearms. Currently, South Korean police are allowed to carry 38-caliber pistols during operations. According to official data from the National Police Agency, the S&W (Smith & Wesson) Model 10 is to be used.
Are guns legal in Japan?
(A) Firearms and Swords Control Law
Aim. The Law (promulgated on March 10 1958, Law No. 6) aims to prohibit, in principle, the possession of firearms and swords. Of firearms, the import of handguns, military rifles, machine guns and guns is also prohibited, in principle.
What is the freest gun state?
There isn't one single "freest" gun state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota are consistently ranked among the most gun-friendly due to permissive laws like constitutional/permitless carry, strong self-defense protections (Stand Your Ground), and lack of sales tax on firearms. Other states often cited for lenient laws include Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, Utah, and Mississippi, though some recent political shifts in states like Arizona have impacted their rankings.
Can a US citizen carry a gun overseas?
Firearms and ammunition that may be allowed in checked bags or pass through security in the United States are often illegal in other countries and can result in your arrest when screened at local airports. Research the local laws and customs of your travel destination.
Are guns legal in Italy?
To legally acquire firearms in Italy, individuals must obtain a "purchase authorization" (nulla osta all'acquisto). This authorization permits the holder to purchase and possess a firearm, but not to carry or use it.
What is the most armed country in the world?
The United States is the most armed country, holding the most civilian firearms (over 393 million, or about 120.5 per 100 people) globally, far surpassing any military's total stock. While other nations like Russia and China have large military arsenals, the U.S. civilian population is the world's largest "armed group" by sheer volume of guns, driven by a strong gun culture and constitutional rights, although military strength and nuclear power are separate metrics.
How many guns does the average American own?
The average American owns between one and five firearms. Men are more likely than women to own more than one, and those with only one firearm typically have a handgun or pistol. 62% of gun owners with only one firearm have a handgun. 66% of gun owners have more than one firearm.
When did Korea start using guns?
Handheld guns
In 1432, the Joseon dynasty under the reign of Sejong the Great introduced a handgun named sae-chongtong (세총통). Initially, Joseon considered the gun as a failed project due to its short effective range, but the weapon quickly proved to be effective in the frontier provinces, starting in June 1437.
Why is South Korea so strict on guns?
The aim of this law is to prevent danger and injury caused by firearms, swords, and explosives by controlling their manufacture, sale, export, possession, use, and the like, and thereby contribute to the maintenance of public safety (art. 1).
Is self-defense illegal in Korea?
Self-Defense according to the Korean Law. Article 1 of the South Korean Constitution points out that the country is a democratic republic where the power comes from its people. With this in mind, we can understand that the right to self-defense is everyone's right.
Can bodyguards carry guns in Korea?
No — private bodyguards in South Korea cannot carry guns. The country enforces some of the strictest firearm laws in the world. Only law enforcement, military, or special security agencies have the right to carry firearms.
What country has the loosest gun laws?
Yemen does not require any permit or any license for the acquisition or selling of any types of firearms, including fully automatic firearms.
Are guns legal in Mexico?
Private ownership of firearms is restricted to the home only. Only Mexican citizens and foreign legal residents of Mexico (FM2 holders) may purchase and keep firearms in their place of residence.
Can you own a gun in France?
Yes, you can own a gun in France, but it's highly regulated and requires specific licenses (hunting or shooting sport) and prior authorization for many types, with strict background checks and categorization of firearms (Categories B, C, D) determining the process, often involving clubs, permits, and official declarations to the Prefecture. While semi-automatics and handguns are permitted, they fall under stricter rules, and general self-defense isn't a primary reason for ownership.
Which US state is the most heavily armed?
Texas consistently has the most guns by total number, often exceeding a million registered firearms, followed by Florida, Virginia, and California, largely due to their large populations; however, states like Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska lead in gun ownership rates (percentage of households owning guns). Data varies slightly by year and source (e.g., registered firearms vs. sales vs. household ownership), but Texas remains the top state for total gun numbers.
What are ghost guns?
What are ghost guns? Ghost Guns are unserialized (and therefore untraceable) firearms that are put together by components purchased either as a kit or as separate pieces. These firearms are fully functioning guns that are as lethal as a fully finished, serialized firearm.
What state is the least gun friendly?
The 10 States With the Strictest Gun Laws
- New York.
- Connecticut.
- Hawaii.
- New Jersey.
- Maryland.
- Massachusetts.
- Washington.
- Colorado.
Is gun legal in China?
With the exception of individuals with hunting permits and some ethnic minorities, civilian firearm ownership is restricted to non-individual entities. Law enforcement, military, paramilitary, and security personnel are allowed to use firearms. Police are to use issued pistols only to stop serious or dangerous crimes.