This doctoral dissertation aims to analyze the institutional and legal issues related to civil drones and propose policy-oriented improvements to address regulatory gaps and administrative fragmentation in South Korea. As the use of unmanned aerial ve...
This doctoral dissertation aims to analyze the institutional and legal issues related to civil drones and propose policy-oriented improvements to address regulatory gaps and administrative fragmentation in South Korea. As the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) becomes more widespread, conflicts over privacy, airspace management, and administrative responsibility have intensified, highlighting the limitations of the current fragmented legal system. The study conducts a comparative analysis of drone regulations in major countries including the U.S. (FAA Part 107), the EU (EASA U-Space), and Japan, along with an in-depth review of Korea’s current legislative framework such as the Aviation Safety Act, Personal Information Protection Act, and Radio Waves Act. Additionally, the research employs surveys of citizens, public officials, and drone companies, alongside Delphi consultations with legal and policy experts, to derive empirical insights. The findings suggest that the overlapping and inconsistent legal system results in administrative inefficiency and public distrust. Accordingly, the study proposes the enactment of a comprehensive "Unified UAV Act" and the establishment of an integrated governance mechanism such as a “Drone Policy Coordination Council.” It also emphasizes practical strategies including enhancing citizen acceptance, expanding regulatory sandboxes, and linking drone deployment to technology impact assessments. Ultimately, the dissertation contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of drone governance by positioning drones as a key subject within the emerging smart mobility and aerial governance agenda. Keywords : Drone law, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Regulatory Governance, Integrated Policy, Civil Drone, Public Policy, U-Space, UAV Act