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South Korea — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in South Korea is 510,0001

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in South Korea is 1.11 firearms per 100 people

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, South Korea ranked at No. 782

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, South Korea ranked at No. 1491

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Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in South Korea is reported to be 300,0002

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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

The rate of registered firearms per 100 people in South Korea is 0.623

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Number of Privately Owned Rifles

In South Korea, the number of rifles in civilian possession is reported to be 35,6304

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Number of Privately Owned Handguns

There are reportedly 1,7584 handguns in civilian possession in South Korea

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of South Korea are reported to have 7,125,0005 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in South Korea are reported to have 129,0316 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn South Korea, annual homicides by any means total

2009: 1,3747
2008: 3,974
2007: 1,104
2006: 1,074
2005: 1,061
2004: 1,084
2003: 998
2002: 957
2001: 1,051
2000: 9558
1999: 993
1998: 975

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn South Korea, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2009: 2.97
2008: 2.37 9
2007: 2.3
2006: 2.3
2005: 2.3
2004: 2.37
2003: 2.1
2002: 2.1
2001: 2.3
2000: 2.028
1999: 2.12
1998: 2.10
1997: 2.27
1996: 2.0
1995: 1.9
1994: 1.6210

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Gun Homicides

In South Korea, annual firearm homicides total

2006: 147

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Korea, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2006: 0.07
1994: 0.0411

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Suicides (any method)

In South Korea, annual suicides by any means total

1997: 6,02412

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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn South Korea, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

1997: 12.6312
1994: 9.4813

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Gun Suicides

In South Korea, annual firearm suicides total

2002: 1712

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Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Korea, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2002: 0.0412
1994: 0.0214

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Unintentional Gun Deaths

In South Korea, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

2002: 712

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Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Korea, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is

2002: 0.0112
1994: 0.0515

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Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

In South Korea, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2002: 312

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Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Korea, the annual rate of unknown-cause shooting deaths per 100,000 population is

2002: 0.0112
1994: 0.0216

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In South Korea, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence4

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Small Arms Manufacture - World Ranking

In a classification of the world's small, medium and major firearm manufacturers, South Korea is ranked 'medium'17

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

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Regulation of Firearm Exports

In South Korea, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 18

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from South Korea is reported to be US$144,391,39019 (2011)20 21

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Small Arms Exports - World Ranking

In a comparison of the world's major/mid-level/minor/unknown small arms exporters, South Korea is categorized as 'mid-level'22 21

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Regulation of Firearm Imports

In South Korea, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 18

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to South Korea is reported to be US$150,175,22519 (2011)

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in South Korea is moderate4

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Market Cost of an AK-47 Assault Rifle (US$)

The asking price for an AK-47 pattern assault weapon in South Korea is reported to be US$40023

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In South Korea, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are specifically regulated by law24

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Transparency of Small Arms Transfers

In the most recent survey of state transparency when declaring firearm and ammunition exports, South Korea was ranked number 26 among 49 major small arms exporting nations in 2011, with a score of 10.25 points of a possible total of 2525

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in South Korea is categorised as restrictive26

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in South Korea are regulated by the National Police under the Ministry of Home Affairs4

Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

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Regulation of Handguns

In South Korea, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence, except for collection4

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Gun Owner Licensing

In South Korea, only licensed gun owners4 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in South Korea are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example, hunting, target shooting, personal protection, security4

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in South Korea is 20 years4

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in South Korea must pass background checks which consider criminal and mental4 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In South Korea, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required4

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in South Korea does not stipulate4 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In South Korea, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required4 for a firearm licence

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In South Korea, the law requires27 4 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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State-Owned Firearm Records

In South Korea, State agencies are required28 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in South Korea include4 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in South Korea include4 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In South Korea, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law27 29

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Firearm Tracing

In South Korea, state authorities carry out27 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In South Korea, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is prohibited4

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

At the resumption of the most recent session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (UNCCPCJ), a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council mandated to promote action to prevent national and transnational crime, South Korea was listed as an elected member for a three-year term of office30

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, South Korea voted to begin31 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has been signed, but not yet ratified32 by South Korea

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, South Korea committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects33

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, South Korea has submitted one or more national reports34 24 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In South Korea, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated35 24

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UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated24 by South Korea to other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, South Korea has declared2 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, South Korea has been a Member State of the United Nations since 199136

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies lists37 South Korea as a Participating State

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms - Annexe online.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

2.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

3.

GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – South Korea.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,17 March. (Q4280)Full Citation

4.

United Nations.1999.‘Analysis of Country Responses.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q1)Full Citation

5.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q6)Full Citation

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Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q7)Full Citation

7.

UNODC.2011.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - South Korea.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,6 October. (Q6312)Full Citation

8.

UNODC.2004.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Seventh United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (1998-2000).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,19 March. (Q91)Full Citation

9.

Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘East Asia and the Pacific, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3814)Full Citation

10.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1301)Full Citation

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Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1297)Full Citation

12.

Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation

13.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1302)Full Citation

14.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1298)Full Citation

15.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1299)Full Citation

16.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1300)Full Citation

17.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Ranking of World's Small Arms Producers (By Sales).’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q103)Full Citation

18.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q82)Full Citation

19.

Marsh, Nicholas.2013.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,14 February. (Q16)Full Citation

20.

Berman, Eric.2011.‘Small Arms Transfers: Exporting States.’ Weapons and Markets.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,25 October. (Q5982)Full Citation

21.

Herron, Patrick, Jasna Lazarevic, Nic Marsh and Matt Schroeder.2011.‘Top Exporters and Importers of Small Arms in 2008.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5983)Full Citation

22.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘60 Known Legal Small Arms Exporting Countries, 2001.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q867)Full Citation

23.

World Bank.2007.‘Available Kalashnikov Prices for Specific Countries and Periods.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q3)Full Citation

24.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

25.

Lazarevic, Jasna.2011.‘Small Arms Trade Transparency Barometer 2011, covering major exporters.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5354)Full Citation

26.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

27.

South Korea.2010.‘Marking, Record Keeping and Tracing.’ National Report of the Republic of Korea on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations,1 May. (Q4686)Full Citation

28.

South Korea.2010.‘Management and Security of SALW held by ROK Military.’ National Report of the Republic of Korea on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations,1 May. (Q4685)Full Citation

29.

South Korea.2010.‘Measures to Prevent the Manufacture, Stockpiling, Transfer, and Possession of Unmarked or Inadequately Marked SALW.’ National Report of the Republic of Korea on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations,1 May. (Q4684)Full Citation

30.

UNCCPCJ / UNODC.1991.‘Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.’ United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.Vienna:United Nations Economic and Social Council / United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,1 January. (Q3222)Full Citation

31.

UNGA.2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation

32.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

33.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

34.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

35.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

36.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

37.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation