Metal Detecting in South Korea

South Korea’s Act on Protection and Investigation of Buried Heritage regulates the investigation and excavation of places containing buried heritage. Excavation is permitted only within the statutory framework and with the required approval from the Korea Heritage Service. The law also requires discoveries of buried heritage to be reported without changing their existing condition. This does not establish a general national permission or prohibition for every recreational search for modern losses. Before taking your detector to a beach, park or private property, ask the responsible local authority or land manager about the exact activity. If you encounter possible archaeological material, stop disturbing the location and contact the heritage authorities.