Korea MSIT License-Exempt Radio Standards: GPR Draft
Korea MSIT License-Exempt Radio Standards Draft Adds Radar Rules and Opens 10 GHz Sensors to Outdoor Use
Korea MSIT license-exempt radio standards are about to get three changes. On 13 October 2026 the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) published Public Notice No. 2026-1006, a draft amendment to the technical standards for radio equipment used in radio stations that can be set up without notification. The draft creates a technical standard for ground- and wall-penetrating radar, removes an indoor-use restriction on 10 GHz-band object detection sensors and extends the life of analog personal radios. The comment period ran until 3 November 2026.
Background
In Korea, low-power devices such as short-range radios, sensors and personal two-way radios are covered by a single MSIT notice that sets the technical conditions for stations that don't need to be notified or licensed. Products still need KC conformity assessment before they're sold. MSIT says the amendment has three aims: making radar used for sinkhole detection and accident prevention safer to operate, helping current users of analog personal radios, and growing the market for 10.5 GHz object sensors by allowing them outdoors.
Key Changes in the Korea MSIT License-Exempt Radio Standards
A new standard for ground- and wall-penetrating radar
A new Article 15 sets limits for ground- and wall-penetrating radar, measured as power density including antenna gain:
30–230 MHz: -65 dBm/MHz average, -44.5 dBm/120 kHz peak (effective radiated power)
230–1,000 MHz: -60 dBm/MHz average, -37.5 dBm/120 kHz peak (effective radiated power)
1,000–1,600 MHz: -65 dBm/MHz average; 1,600–3,400 MHz: -51.3 dBm/MHz; 3,400–5,000 MHz: -41.3 dBm/MHz; 5,000–6,000 MHz: -51.3 dBm/MHz, with a peak limit of -30 dBm/MHz above 1 GHz
An extra -75 dBm/kHz limit in the 1,164–1,215 MHz and 1,559–1,610 MHz satellite navigation bands
The occupied bandwidth (10 dB below the maximum power density, 1 MHz resolution bandwidth) has to stay within 30–6,000 MHz. Unwanted emissions inside that range must stay below the band limits, and above 6 GHz they're capped at -65 dBm/MHz average and -30 dBm/MHz peak. The radar must stop transmitting within 10 seconds when the user stops it, manually or through a control device. Manufacturers or sellers must state on the device or in the manual that it can't be used for communication and may only transmit within 1 m towards the ground or a structure.
KC certification for radar
The draft adds ground- and wall-penetrating radar to the RRA's list of equipment subject to conformity assessment, as a certification item tested for EMC and radio, with the equipment code GWPR. It also adds a matching test item for designated test labs.
10 GHz-band object detection sensors outdoors
Article 12(2) currently requires the device or manual of a 10 GHz-band object detection sensor to say that it's intended for indoor use. The draft deletes that item, so these sensors could be used outdoors. The other technical conditions in Article 12 stay as they are.
Analog personal radios to 2032
Existing analog personal radio stations used under the earlier rules could keep operating until 31 December 2032, overriding the transitional clause of Notice No. 2024-12.
What This Means for Manufacturers
Radar makers selling in Korea will need equipment designed to the new limits and a KC certificate under the GWPR code once the rules apply.
The one-year transition gives time to test, but it starts on promulgation, and that date isn't known yet.
User manuals and labels for radar need the new statement on use within 1 m.
Makers of 10 GHz-band motion and presence sensors can plan outdoor products, such as gate or lighting sensors, once the amendment is final.
The analog radio extension covers stations already in use under the earlier rules. The draft says nothing about selling new analog models.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Before | After | Impact level |
Ground- and wall-penetrating radar | No dedicated standard in this notice | New Article 15 limits (30–6,000 MHz) and 10-second stop function | High |
Radar conformity assessment | Not listed as its own item | KC certification item, EMC and radio, code GWPR | High |
Radar user notice | None | "Not for communication, transmit only within 1 m" statement | Medium |
10 GHz-band object sensors | "Indoor use" statement required | Requirement deleted; outdoor use possible | Medium |
Analog personal radios | Use limited by Notice No. 2024-12 (end date to be confirmed) | Existing stations allowed until 31 December 2032 | Low |
Timing | Not applicable | Radar rules apply one year after promulgation | Medium |
Timeline and Required Actions
Key Dates
Date | Milestone |
13 October 2026 | MSIT Public Notice No. 2026-1006 published |
3 November 2026 | Comment period closed |
To be confirmed | Final amendment promulgated and in force |
One year after promulgation | Radar rules apply to equipment made, imported or sold |
31 December 2032 | End of use for existing analog personal radio stations |
Required Actions for Manufacturers
Check whether any of your products are ground- or wall-penetrating radar, or 10 GHz-band object sensors, sold in Korea.
Compare radar emissions against the new power density, bandwidth and unwanted emission limits.
Add or confirm a function that stops transmission within 10 seconds of the user stopping the device.
Update manuals and labels with the required user statement.
Plan KC certification under the new GWPR code ahead of the one-year deadline.
Watch for the final notice and its promulgation date.
Conclusion
The draft gives ground- and wall-penetrating radar a clear KC route and opens outdoor markets for 10 GHz-band sensors. Once MSIT publishes the final notice, radar makers will have a year to comply. Contact our team for help planning Korean radio certification.
