Bill to raise fine ceiling from 200,000 won to 1 million won

"Will protect natural parks with effective penalties"

Rep. Jo In-cheol of the Democratic Party of Korea [provided by lawmaker's office]
Rep. Jo In-cheol of the Democratic Party of Korea [provided by lawmaker's office]

The National Assembly is moving to stiffen penalties for illegal dumping of waste in national parks and other protected natural areas.

Rep. Jo In-cheol of the Democratic Party of Korea, who represents Seo-gu Gap in Gwangju, said Thursday he had introduced a bill to amend the Natural Parks Act that would raise the ceiling on fines for illegal dumping in national parks from the current 200,000 won ($130) to 1 million won.

The volume of waste generated inside national parks has grown consistently every year over the past five years, from 2021 to 2025, underscoring the urgent need for effective measures to stamp out illegal dumping.

Jo said the Forest Protection Act and the Waste Management Act — which govern ordinary forests and urban areas — already allow fines of up to 1 million won for illegal dumping, while the Natural Parks Act caps the same offense at just 200,000 won, creating an inconsistency in which areas with greater national conservation value carry lighter penalties.

"Through this amendment, I hope to bring the fine in line with other laws at 1 million won, strengthen the effectiveness of sanctions, and keep our precious natural heritage clean and protected," Jo said.


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