Explainer
DJI zones and official zones in Korea
Updated 2026-11-12 · 한국어 · Русский
The guide explains how the procedures work and is not legal advice. It does not confirm that you can fly at a particular place: that is decided by the competent authority on application. The sources and the date they were checked are at the end of the page. Zone boundaries change: check the Drone One-Stop map.
In short
- The GEO zones in the DJI app are DJI's own system. DJI calls it "advisory only" and says each pilot must check the official sources.
- The official zones in Korea are set by the state: control zones (관제권), no-fly zones (비행금지구역) and restricted zones (비행제한구역). Approval for them is 비행승인 from the authority, not from DJI.
- If the DJI app lets you take off, it only means that DJI does not restrict that place. It does not mean the flight has an approval. A DJI unlock is not 비행승인 either.
- DJI itself says its zone data can be late or incomplete, and that some restricted zones do not appear on its web map.
Check your spot in the app
Korea Drone Zones is free, with no sign-up and no ads: zones, active NOTAMs and weather for the point you pick.
What the DJI zones are
DJI describes the GEO system as a set of zones in its app. By default the system limits flights into, or taking off within, zones that raise safety or security concerns. DJI lists these kinds:
- Restricted Zones
- Red. The user gets a warning and flight is prevented. If you believe you are authorized to operate there, DJI asks you to write to flysafe@dji.com or use Online Unlocking.
- Authorization Zones
- Blue. A warning, and flight is limited by default. Authorized users can unlock the zone with a verified DJI account.
- Altitude Zones
- Gray. Warnings in the app, or the flight altitude is limited.
- Warning Zones and Enhanced Warning Zones
- A warning message. In an Enhanced Warning Zone the app asks you to unlock the zone on the screen at the time of flight, without a verified account or an internet connection.
- Regulatory Restricted Zones
- Areas where flights are prohibited by local regulations and policies, for example a prison.
DJI also says that the unlocking service is not available for sensitive national-security locations. Check the legend in the current DJI app: the colors and names can change.
What DJI says about its own zones
- "The GEO system is advisory only. Each user is responsible for checking official sources and determining what laws or regulations might apply to his or her flight."
- DJI says that in some cases it chose widely recommended general parameters without determining whether they match the regulations that apply to you.
- In the unlock terms DJI says you remain solely responsible for obtaining all necessary authorizations from the relevant governmental or regulatory authorities, even in non-restricted zones and in unlocked zones.
- In the same terms DJI makes no warranty as to the timeliness, completeness or accuracy of the information on GEO zones, and notes that map data updates can be delayed. It also says it is under no obligation to restrict you from flying in areas that raise safety or security concerns.
- On the web map DJI notes that, in compliance with the relevant laws, some Restricted Zones do not appear on the web map: refer to the DJI app.
What the official zones in Korea are
Drone One-Stop, run by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (국토교통부), lists the areas that need approval and the authority that gives it:
- Control zone (관제권)
- Radius 9.3 km around an aerodrome: civil control zones (민간관제권) are handled by 국토교통부, military control zones (군관제권) by 국방부.
- No-fly zone (비행금지구역)
- For example P-73 in central Seoul. The portal's table shows approval from both 국방부 and 국토교통부.
- Restricted zone (비행제한구역)
- For example R-75. The portal's table shows approval from 국방부.
- Other places, up to 150 m
- No 비행승인 is needed on this ground, but the pilot rules apply. A flight at 150 m or higher needs 비행승인 anywhere.
- Overlapping zones
- Where two or more zones overlap, the approvals of every authority apply.
Filming is a separate procedure, 항공촬영, with 국방부. 비행승인 is filed on Drone One-Stop before the flight; the processing time in the portal notice is 3 days, and for night or beyond-visual-line flights (특별비행승인) up to 30 days. The portal also warns that the areas around control zones and nuclear power plants are monitored by a drone detection system. Penalties for flying without approval are on the page drone laws in South Korea.
Why "DJI let me take off" does not decide anything
- Different authors. DJI's zones come from a manufacturer's software, the official zones from the state. DJI says itself that it does not check its parameters against the rules that apply to you.
- Different approvals. A DJI unlock is a DJI feature: you may be asked for approval documents from the authority first. 비행승인 comes from 국토교통부 or 국방부 through Drone One-Stop. One does not replace the other.
- Data can be late. DJI warns about delays in map data. Official zones and NOTAMs change too: check the official map on the day.
- The Korean rules go beyond zones. Night flight, flight over crowds, flight at 150 m or higher and filming are governed by Korean rules, whatever the app shows. See bringing a drone to Korea.
What to do
- Check the exact point on the Drone One-Stop map or in the app, together with active NOTAMs.
- If the point is in a control zone, a no-fly zone or a restricted zone, file 비행승인 before the flight and wait for the answer.
- Treat the DJI app as an extra warning, not as a permit. A warning in the DJI app is a reason to stop and check, not an official decision.
Frequent questions
I can take off in Seoul with my DJI. Is that legal?
The DJI app does not decide that. Seoul city calls Seoul a drone flight restricted area, and a flight in a zone there needs 비행승인 from the authority. The decision on a particular flight is made by the authority on application. See the Seoul guide.
Should I unlock a zone in the DJI app?
An unlock changes what the DJI app allows. It is not 비행승인. DJI itself says you stay solely responsible for obtaining all necessary authorizations from the authorities.
Does the DJI map show all the official zones?
DJI does not say so. It says that some restricted zones do not appear on its web map, and that its data can lag. Use the official Drone One-Stop map and NOTAMs.
Check the spot before you fly
The Korea Drone Zones app shows permanent zones, active NOTAMs, national parks and heritage sites for the point you pick: Google Play, details on the home page. The app does not issue approvals and does not replace an application.
Check your spot in the app
Korea Drone Zones is free, with no sign-up and no ads: zones, active NOTAMs and weather for the point you pick.
Sources
Checked on 12 November 2026. DJI pages are in English, the official pages in Korean.