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GROUNDWATER ACT — 법갈피

영문법령 / GROUNDWATER ACT

GROUNDWATER ACT

법률타법개정시행 2025-10-01기후에너지환경부 · 제21065호 · 공포 2025-10-01

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1(Purpose) #

The purpose of this Act is to contribute to the promotion of public welfare and the growth of the national economy through the promotion of the proper development and utilization of groundwater and the prevention of the pollution thereof by prescribing matters concerning the appropriate development and utilization and the efficient preservation and management of groundwater.

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 2(Definitions) #

The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on May 26, 2020; Jan. 3, 2023; Jan. 23, 2024>

1. The term "groundwater" means water filling or flowing through spaces between strata or rocks beneath the earth's surface;

1-2. The term "groundwater runoff" means groundwater that is discharged naturally due to artificial acts, such as construction of underground facilities or buildings;

2. The term "groundwater impact investigation" means an investigation to analyze and forecast the impact of the development and utilization of groundwater on periphery areas;

3. The term "groundwater preservation zone" means a zone designated pursuant to Article 12 as necessary to preserve the quantity or quality of groundwater;

4. The term "construction business for the development and utilization of groundwater" means the business of performing construction works related to the installation of facilities for the development and utilization of groundwater (hereinafter referred to as "facilities for the development and utilization of groundwater");

4-2. The term "facilities that use groundwater runoff" means facilities for treating groundwater runoff for use;

5. The term "groundwater purification business" means the business of improving groundwater quality by removing, analyzing or diluting pollutants contained in groundwater;

6. The term "restoration" means the dismantlement of facilities or the proper reclamation of land in order to prevent the inflow of pollutants into such facilities or land subject to restoration and not to cause danger to human health and safety.

Article 5(Surveys of groundwater) #

(1) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall conduct basic surveys regarding the reserve characteristics, amount of exploitable groundwater, the characteristics of water quality, facilities for the development and utilization of groundwater, etc. throughout the country and shall publish the results thereof, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Feb. 21, 2018; Jun. 8, 2018; Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall conduct complementary surveys on areas where a basic survey under paragraph (1) has been completed every 10 years, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Added on Jan. 17, 2012; Mar. 23, 2013; Feb. 21, 2018; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) The head of the relevant central administrative agency or the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, a Metropolitan City Mayor, a Special Self-Governing City Mayor, a Do Governor or a Special Self-Governing Province Governor (hereinafter referred to as a "Mayor/Do Governor") and the head of a Si/Gun/Gu (the head of a Gu means the head of an autonomous Gu; hereinafter the same shall apply) may conduct surveys for the development, utilization, preservation and management of groundwater if necessary to conduct his or her affairs related to groundwater. <Amended on Jan. 17, 2012; May 22, 2013>

(4) Where the head of the relevant central administrative agency, a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu intends to conduct a survey under paragraph (3), he or she shall consult with or notify the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment in advance, as prescribed by Presidential Decree; where he or she completes the survey, he or she shall notify the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment of the result thereof; provided, this shall not apply where urgent reasons prescribed by Presidential Decree exist. <Amended on Jan. 17, 2012; Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, the head of the relevant central administrative agency, a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may have an institution specialized in surveys related to groundwater (hereinafter referred to as "institution specialized in surveys of groundwater") conduct surveys under paragraphs (1) through (3) on his or her behalf, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 17, 2012; Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(6) Where the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, the head of the relevant central administrative agency, a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu deems it necessary in order to conduct his or her affairs related to groundwater, he or she may request the relevant agencies to submit survey data referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) and (5) or to cooperate with him or her, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 17, 2012; Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(7) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall comprehensively manage survey data referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) and (5), and allow the relevant agencies or persons who develop and utilize groundwater to utilize such survey data, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 17, 2012; Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(8) Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu intends to hold consultation under paragraph (4), he or she shall undergo consultation with the Mayor/Do Governor in advance. <Amended on Jan. 17, 2012>

(9) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall survey the actual conditions of the use of groundwater, including the quality and quantity of groundwater, etc. in the area under his or her jurisdiction, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, and report the results of such survey to the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment and the relevant Mayor/Do Governor; provided, where a Special Self-Governing City Mayor has surveyed the actual conditions of the use of groundwater, he or she shall report the result thereof to the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment only. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

(10) Where the head of the relevant central administrative agency or the head of a local government has permitted or approved or has been reported the development and utilization of groundwater in accordance with the relevant statutes, he or she shall notify the head of a Si/Gun/Gu of such development and utilization, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, for surveys on the actual conditions of the use of groundwater under paragraph (9). <Added on Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 6(Formulation of master plan for management of groundwater) #

(1) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall formulate a master plan for the management of groundwater (hereinafter referred to as "master plan") for every 10 years including the following matters for the systematic development and utilization and the efficient preservation and management of groundwater: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Jan. 3, 2023; Jan. 23, 2024; Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Reserve characteristics and amount of exploitable groundwater;

2. Actual conditions of the utilization of groundwater;

3. A plan for the utilization of groundwater;

3-2. A plan to manage and use groundwater runoff;

3-3. A plan to facilitate the use of groundwater heat and to promote research and development thereof;

4. A plan for the preservation of groundwater;

5. A plan for the quality control and purification of groundwater;

6. Other matters concerning the management of groundwater.

(2) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall examine the feasibility of the master plan every 5 years from the date of its formulation and shall revise it if necessary. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Deleted. <Jun. 8, 2018>

(4) The master plan shall contain matters regarding hot spring water under the Hot Spring Act, water for agricultural and fishing villages (only applicable to groundwater) under the Agricultural and Fishing Villages Improvement Act, drinking spring water, drinking saline groundwater, and deep sea drinking water under the Drinking Water Management Act, and groundwater in the area of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province under the Special Act on the Establishment of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Development of Free International City. In such cases, the Minister of the Interior and Safety, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall notify in advance the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment of the actual conditions of and a plan for groundwater management under the related statutes, respectively. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Jun. 8, 2018; Dec. 31, 2024; Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) When the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment intends to formulate the master plan in accordance with paragraph (1), he or she shall hear opinions of the Mayor/Do Governor and consult with the head of the relevant central administrative agency in advance. The same shall also apply to cases where he or she intends to revise the master plan formulated; provided, this shall not apply where he or she intends to change minor matters prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(6) When the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment has formulated the master plan, he or she shall publicly announce the master plan and notify the relevant agencies of such master plan without delay, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. The same shall also apply where he or she modifies the master plan formulated (excluding the modification of minor matters under the proviso of paragraph (5)). <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(7) When the head of the relevant central administrative agency develops, utilizes, preserves and manages groundwater in accordance with the relevant statutes, he or she shall conduct such activities in compliance with the master plan.

(8) Matters necessary for procedures for the formulation of the master plan, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 6-2(Formulation and execution of regional groundwater management plans) #

(1) Each Mayor/Do Governor shall formulate a regional groundwater management plan for the district under his or her jurisdiction according to the master plan (hereinafter referred to as "regional management plan") and obtain approval from the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment. The same shall also apply to cases where he or she intends to modify the formulated regional management plan; provided, this shall not apply to cases where he or she intends to modify minor matters prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) Where problems in groundwater prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as the fall in water level and the pollution of groundwater, arise in the district under the jurisdiction of the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may formulate a regional management plan and request the Mayor/Do Governor to approve such plan. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Deleted. <Jun. 8, 2018>

(4) When a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu has obtained approval of a regional management plan in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2), he or she shall publicly announce such plan without delay, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, and the Mayor/Do Governor shall notify the head of the relevant administrative agency and the head of a Si/Gun/Gu of such plan, and the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall notify the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment and the heads of relevant administrative agencies of such plan. The same shall also apply to cases where he or she modifies the formulated regional management plan (excluding the modification of minor matters under the proviso of paragraph (1)). <Amended on Mar. 25, 2025; Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) A regional management plan shall contain matters referred to in the subparagraphs of Article 6 (1) and matters for the management of the amount of groundwater in the district under jurisdiction.

(6) Matters necessary for procedures for the formulation of a regional management plan, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(7) A Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may have an institution specialized in surveys of groundwater conduct affairs concerning the formulation of a regional management plan on his or her behalf.

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 7(Permission for development and utilization of groundwater) #

(1) A person who intends to develop and utilize groundwater shall obtain prior permission from the head of a Si (including a Special Self-Governing City Mayor; hereinafter the same shall apply) or the head of a Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Presidential Decree; provided, this shall not apply where he or she falls under any of the following cases: <Amended on May 30, 2011; May 22, 2013>

1. Where he or she utilizes naturally flowing groundwater or incidentally flowing groundwater due to a project, etc. executed after obtaining permission, approval, etc. or filing a report pursuant to other statutes;

2. Where he or she develops and utilizes a household well or a common well without using any power-driven device;

3. Where he or she obtains permission under Article 13 (1) 1.

(2) A person who intends to apply for permission under paragraph (1) shall undergo a groundwater impact investigation conducted by a groundwater impact investigation agency under Article 27, and submit a groundwater impact investigation report prepared by such groundwater impact investigation agency; the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall examine the groundwater impact investigation report and reflect the result of the examination in the content of his or her permission, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall examine such groundwater impact investigation report in consideration of the master plan and a regional management plan. <Amended on May 30, 2011>

(3) In any of the following cases, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may choose not to grant permission under paragraph (1) or may limit the collection volume of groundwater: <Amended on Apr. 14, 2011; May 30, 2011>

1. Where the collection of groundwater is likely to drain the source of water supply or to lead to the ground subsidence in neighboring areas, or to harm the safety of peripheral facilities;

2. Where the development and utilization of groundwater is likely to contaminate groundwater or to ruin natural ecosystems;

3. Where the development and utilization of groundwater is likely to cause trouble for the proper management of groundwater, or urban management planning or other public projects under the National Land Planning and Utilization Act;

4. Other cases prescribed by Presidential Decree, which are deemed necessary for the preservation of groundwater.

(4) Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu does not grant permission pursuant to paragraph (3), he or she shall give an applicant the reason therefor in writing. <Amended on May 30, 2011>

(5) Deleted. <May 30, 2011>

(6) Where a person intends to change matters prescribed by Presidential Decree among the permitted matters, paragraphs (1) through (4) shall apply mutatis mutandis to such changes; provided, where the relevant development and utilization of groundwater falls under Article 8 (1) 2 or 5 due to changes of the permitted matters, he or she shall file a report with the head of a Si/Gun/Gu pursuant to the provisions, with the exception of the subparagraphs of, that paragraph; and if such report is accepted under paragraph (3) of that Article, he or she may keep on using the groundwater. <Amended on May 30, 2011; Jan. 5, 2021>

(7) Deleted. <May 22, 2013>

(8) Items, methods, evaluation criteria of a groundwater impact investigation, and guidelines for and the content of preparation of a groundwater impact investigation report under paragraph (2) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on May 30, 2011>

[Title Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 8(Reporting on development and utilization of groundwater) #

(1) In any of the following cases, notwithstanding Article 7, a person may develop and utilize groundwater after reporting in advance to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Presidential Decree: <Amended on Jun. 22, 2015; Dec. 8, 2020>

1. Where a person develops and utilizes groundwater in facilities installed by national defense and military installations projects under Article 2 of the Act on National Defense and Military Installations Projects;

2. Where a person develops and utilizes groundwater below the scale prescribed by Presidential Decree for the purpose of farming under subparagraph 1 of Article 3 of the Framework Act on Agriculture, Rural Community and Food Industry and fishery business under subparagraph 1 (a) of Article 3 of the Framework Act on Fisheries and Fishing Villages Development and aquaculture business under item (e) of that subparagraph;

3. Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu deems it necessary to urgently develop and utilize groundwater due to an accident or other natural disasters;

4. Where the State or a local government develops and utilizes groundwater for emergency water supply in preparation for the outbreak of war or other emergency;

5. Where a person develops and utilizes groundwater below the scale prescribed by Presidential Decree, in addition to the cases under subparagraphs 1 through 4.

(2) Where a person changes important matters prescribed by Presidential Decree among the matters reported pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall report to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu; provided, where the relevant development and use of groundwater does not fall under any of the subparagraphs of paragraph (1) due to changes of the reported matters, he or she shall obtain permission from the head of a Si/Gun/Gu pursuant to Article 7.

(3) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall, upon receipt of a report under the main clause of paragraph (1) or (2), review the details of such report and accept it if it complies with this Act. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021>

(4) Where the development and utilization of groundwater under paragraph (1) falls under any of the subparagraphs of Article 7 (3), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may limit the water collection volume and the period for collecting water based on the result of a groundwater impact investigation conducted by a groundwater impact investigation agency under Article 27, take necessary measures, such as an order to take corrective measures, an order to suspend the utilization of groundwater or an order to jointly utilize groundwater, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, and order a person who fails to comply with such order without good cause to close down the relevant facilities for the development and utilization of groundwater. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 9-2(Use of groundwater runoff) #

(1) Where there is groundwater runoff exceeding the standards prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, any person who intends to install any of the following facilities or buildings shall report the current status of generation of groundwater runoff to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment: <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021; Jan. 3, 2023; Jan. 23, 2024; Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Underground facilities, such as subway stations and tunnels;

2. Buildings or other facilities of a size not smaller than that prescribed by Decree of the Climate, Energy and Environment;

3. Structures or buildings built by public institutions under the Act on the Management of Public Institutions or local public enterprises under the Local Public Enterprises Act;

4. Other facilities prescribed by ordinance of a Si (including a Special Self-Governing City)/Gun or an autonomous Gu for the management of groundwater runoff.

(2) Where there is groundwater runoff in excess of the standards prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment after the completion of the construction of the ground floor of a relevant facility or building, a person who has constructed such facility or building shall formulate a plan for using groundwater runoff including matters regarding the installation and operation of facilities using groundwater runoff for the purposes prescribed by Presidential Decree, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, and report such plan to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu. The same shall also apply where important matters prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment among the reported matters are modified or the utilization of groundwater runoff is completed.<Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; May 22, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Jan. 5, 2021; Jan. 3, 2023; Jan. 23, 2024; Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu receives a report under paragraph (1) or (2), he or she shall review the details and accept the report if it complies with this Act. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021>

(4) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall order a person who fails to implement the plan for using groundwater runoff under paragraph (2), a person deemed to have a significantly low rate of use, or a person who fails to comply with the criteria for facilities using groundwater runoff and for managing such facilities in accordance with paragraph (6) to improve such conditions within a specified period, as prescribed by Decree of the Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Jan. 5, 2021; Jan. 3, 2023; Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall report the current status of the generation under paragraph (1) and the plan for the use under paragraph (2) to the Mayor/Do Governor, and the Mayor/Do Governor shall report them to the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment each year; provided, a Special Self-Governing City Mayor shall report only to the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

(6) Standards for completion of the construction of underground floors under paragraph (2), the criteria for facilities using groundwater runoff and for managing such facilities, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021; Jan. 3, 2023; Oct. 1, 2025>

(7) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may provide administrative, technical, and financial support to the heads of local governments, or render technical support to a person who installs and operates facilities for using groundwater runoff under paragraph (2), if necessary to promote the use of groundwater runoff. <Added on Jan. 3, 2023; Oct. 1, 2025>

(8) The head of a local government may provide administrative, technical, and financial support to a person who installs and operates facilities for using groundwater runoff under paragraph (2). <Added on Jan. 3, 2023>

(9) A local government may reduce sewage fees for the owners or managers of facilities that install and operate facilities using groundwater runoff, as prescribed by its ordinance. <Added on Jan. 3, 2023>

(10) Where the use of groundwater runoff under paragraph (2) causes or is likely to cause problems in groundwater under Article 6-2 (2) in the surrounding area, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment or the head of a local government may order a person who has installed and operated facilities that use groundwater runoff, such as installation of an observation well, to take necessary measures, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Added on Jan. 23, 2024; Oct. 1, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 9-4(Report on excavation impacting on groundwater) #

(1) A person who intends to excavate land to do any of the following acts shall report the content thereof to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu in advance, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment; the same shall also apply to cases where he or she intends to change important matters prescribed by Presidential Decree among the reported matters or has completed the relevant acts: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

1. A survey of groundwater under Article 5;

2. A groundwater impact investigation under Article 7 (2);

3. The development and utilization of groundwater under Article 8 (1);

4. Measurements of water quality under Article 16-2 (1);

5. Other acts prescribed by Presidential Decree, which have influence on the quality and quantity of groundwater.

(2) Upon receipt of a report under paragraph (1), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall accept the report if he or she finds that the report conforms to this Act after review of its contents. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021>

(3) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu may request a person who has filed a report pursuant to paragraph (1) to submit data necessary for the management of geological features, the volume of water and groundwater following the excavation of land, and the person upon the receipt of the request shall comply with such request unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>

(4) Where excavation under paragraph (1) affects or is likely to affect the quality or quantity of groundwater to the extent prescribed by Presidential Decree, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may order a person who has excavated land to improve facilities or may take the necessary measures. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>

(5) Where the Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu intends to establish a groundwater information system, he or she shall have a prior consultation with the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Added on May 22, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 10(Revocation of permission) #

(1) Where a person who has obtained permission in accordance with Article 7 falls under any of the following cases, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may revoke his or her permission; provided, where the person falls under subparagraphs 1, 7, 8 and 8-2, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall revoke his or her permission: <Amended on Jan. 17, 2012; Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Where the person has obtained permission for the development and use of groundwater by improper means;

2. Where the person falls under any of the subparagraphs of Article 7 (3);

3. Where the person fails to file a report on the completion of construction under Article 9 (1) or files a false report;

4. Where the person fails to commence construction works within three months from the date he or she obtains permission without a justifiable reason or has suspended construction works for more than three consecutive months after the commencement thereof;

5. Where groundwater has not been collected at the place excavated for the development and utilization of groundwater;

6. Where it is impracticable to develop and utilize groundwater due to poor water quality;

7. Where it becomes impracticable to develop and utilize groundwater according to the permitted purposes;

8. Where the person has completed the development and utilization of groundwater;

8-2. Where the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment requests the head of a Si/Gun/Gu to revoke permission because the groundwater level in the area keeps dropping or groundwater quality is continuously deteriorating according to the result of an investigation into the actual conditions of changes in groundwater under Article 17 (1) or (2) and it is necessary to restrict the development and utilization of groundwater according to the result of close scrutiny, as prescribed by Presidential Decree;

9. Where the person has violated an order to suspend the utilization of groundwater or to improve water quality under Article 20 (2).

(2) The level of poor quality of groundwater under paragraph (1) 6 shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(3) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu may issue an order to take corrective measures, or take necessary measures with a specified period, as prescribed by Presidential Decree before he or she revokes permission pursuant to paragraph (1); provided, this shall not apply to cases referred to in paragraph (1) 1, 7, 8 and 8-2. <Amended on Jan. 17, 2012>

(4) Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu revokes permission pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall notify a person who has obtained such permission of the reason for revocation in writing.

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 11(Succession to rights and obligations) #

(1) Where a person who develops and utilizes groundwater transfers facilities for the development and utilization of groundwater, dies, or merges with another corporation, if the transferee, successor, or the surviving or resulting corporation following merger or consolidation intends to succeed to the rights and obligations of the person who develops and utilizes groundwater subject to previous permission, permission for change, reporting, or reporting on change, he or she shall file a report on such fact with the head of a Si/Gun/Gu within 30 days from the date of transfer, inheritance, or merger, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) A person who takes over facilities for the development and utilization of groundwater of a person who develops and utilizes groundwater according to any of the following procedures shall file a report with the head of a Si/Gun/Gu within 30 days after the date he or she takes over such facilities, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment: <Amended on Dec. 27, 2016; Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Auction under the Civil Execution Act;

2. Realization under the Debtor Rehabilitation and Bankruptcy Act;

3. Sale of seized property under the National Tax Collection Act, the Customs Act and the Local Tax Collection Act;

4. Other procedures corresponding to subparagraphs 1 through 3.

(3) Upon receipt of a report under paragraph (1) or (2), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall review the details thereof, accept the report if it complies with this Act, and notify the reporting person of whether the report is accepted. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>

(4) Where the report under paragraph (1) or (2) is accepted, the transferee, successor, surviving or resulting corporation following merger or consolidation, or the person who takes over shall succeed to the rights and obligations stated in the previous permission, permission for change, reporting, or reporting on change from the date of take over, inheritance, merger, or acquisition. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021>

[This Article Added on May 22, 2013]

Article 12(Designation of groundwater preservation zones) #

(1) If necessary for the preservation and management of groundwater, a Mayor/Do Governor may designate any of the following areas as a groundwater preservation zone:

1. An area in the upper stream that is a supply source of groundwater connected for water supply to another area in the downstream where groundwater is used;

2. An area where there are strata containing abundant groundwater serving as the main source of water supply;

3. An area where water quality is apt to be lowered as facilities under Article 13 (1) 2 are installed within a radius prescribed by Presidential Decree from the center of facilities for the development and utilization of groundwater for public water supply prescribed by Presidential Decree;

4. An area where the volume of groundwater developed and utilized is deemed remarkably high in comparison with the amount of exploitable groundwater determined in the master plan or a regional management plan;

5. An area where the excessive development and utilization of groundwater causes or is likely to cause the drain of groundwater, subsidence of ground, or drying up of rivers;

6. An area where the development and utilization of groundwater seriously affects or is likely to affect peripheral ecosystems;

7. Other areas prescribed by Presidential Decree, which are required for the preservation of quality and quantity of groundwater.

(2) Where a Mayor/Do Governor intends to designate a groundwater preservation zone pursuant to paragraph (1) or to change the designation thereof, he or she shall consult with the head of the relevant administrative agency; provided, this shall not apply where he or she intends to change minor matters prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(3) Where it is necessary to designate a groundwater preservation zone extending over the administrative districts under the jurisdiction of more than two Special Metropolitan Cities, Metropolitan Cities, Special Self-Governing Cities or Dos, the relevant Mayors/Do Governors shall jointly designate the groundwater preservation zone or appoint a person who designates it through consultation. <Amended on May 22, 2013>

(4) Where no agreement under paragraph (3) is reached, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall appoint a person who designates a groundwater preservation zone in consultation with the head of the relevant central administrative agency and publicly notify the appointment thereof. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) Where a Mayor/Do Governor has designated a groundwater preservation zone in accordance with paragraph (1) or has changed the designation thereof, he or she shall announce such designation or change thereof without delay and report it to the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, and notify the head of a Si (excluding a Special Self-Governing City Mayor) or the head of a Gun/Gu. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; May 22, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(6) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall offer the fact of designation of a groundwater preservation zone or alteration of the designation thereof and the details thereof for public perusal. <Added on May 22, 2013>

(7) Where an area falling under any of the subparagraphs of paragraph (1) falls under any of the following, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may order the Mayor/Do Governor to designate such area as a groundwater preservation zone: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; May 22, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

1. An area which is deemed likely to cause difficulty in the preservation and management of groundwater because the area has not been designated as a groundwater preservation zone though it is necessary to designate the groundwater preservation zone for the preservation and management of groundwater;

2. An area deemed necessary for the preservation of water quality;

3. Other areas prescribed by Presidential Decree, which are deemed necessary for the preservation and management of groundwater.

(8) Where a Mayor/Do Governor designates an area as a groundwater preservation zone, he or she shall establish and implement measures for the preservation and management of groundwater of such area. <Amended on May 22, 2013>

(9) Where an area falls under any of the subparagraphs of paragraph (1) and the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment deems it necessary to secure stable groundwater resources for such area, he or she may hear opinions of the Mayor/Do Governor in advance, and formulate and implement measures for the preservation and management of groundwater. <Added on May 22, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(10) The scope of and procedure for the designation of groundwater preservation zones and other necessary matters therefor shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on May 22, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 13(Restrictions on acts within groundwater preservation zone) #

(1) A person who intends to perform any of the following acts within a groundwater preservation zone shall obtain permission from the head of a Si/Gun/Gu; provided, where he or she has installed facilities under subparagraph 2 after obtaining approval or permission in accordance with the related statutes, he or she shall be deemed to have obtained permission: <Amended on Jun. 4, 2013; Jan. 17, 2017; Feb. 6, 2024>

1. Developing and utilizing groundwater a scale prescribed by Presidential Decree or larger within the extent of the scale that must be reported pursuant to Article 8 (1) 5;

2. Installing facilities prescribed by Presidential Decree, which discharge, manufacture or store any of the following substances:

(a) Specific substances that are hazardous to water quality under subparagraph 8 of Article 2 of the Water Environment Conservation Act;

(b) Wastes under subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Wastes Control Act;

(c) Sewage and excreta under subparagraphs 1 and 2 of Article 2 of the Sewerage Act and livestock excreta under subparagraph 2 of Article 2 of the Act on the Management and Use of Livestock Excreta;

(d) Substances subject to permission under subparagraph 3 of Article 2 of the Chemical Substances Control Act, restricted substances under subparagraph 4 of that Article, prohibited substances under subparagraph 5 of that Article, and hazardous chemical substances of subparagraph 7 of that Article;

(e) Soil pollutants under subparagraph 2 of Article 2 of the Soil Environment Conservation Act;

3. Other acts prescribed by Presidential Decree, which cause apparent dangers, such as the lowering of the groundwater level, the pollution of groundwater, or ground subsidence.

(2) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu may prohibit the development and utilization of new groundwater within a groundwater preservation zone, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(3) Article 7, 9, 9-2 through 9-7, 10 and 11 shall apply mutatis mutandis to permission under paragraph (1). <Amended on May 22, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 15(Restoration to original state) #

(1) Where a person who develops and utilizes groundwater after obtaining permission, approval, etc. or filing a report under this Act or other statutes (including a person who performs an act falling under any of the subparagraphs of Article 13 (1) after obtaining permission under Article 13) falls under any of the following cases, he or she shall restore the relevant facilities and land to the original state; provided, this shall not apply to cases prescribed by Presidential Decree, which are not required to be restored to the original state:

1. Where permission, approval, etc. under this Act or other statutes has been revoked;

2. Where the period for development and utilization with permission, approval, etc. under this Act or other statutes has expired;

3. Where groundwater is not collected at the place that is excavated for the development and utilization of groundwater;

4. Where he or she cannot develop or utilize groundwater due to poor water quality;

5. Where he or she has completed the development and utilization of groundwater;

6. Where the effect of a report has been lost under Article 8-2;

7. Where he or she has excavated land after filing a report pursuant to Article 9-4 and has completed an act falling under any of the subparagraphs of Article 9-4 (1);

8. Other cases prescribed by Presidential Decree, for which the restoration to original state is required.

(2) When a person who should restore facilities or land to the original state pursuant to paragraph (1) fails to perform his or her duties without any justifiable reason, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall order him or her to restore such facilities or land to the original state within a specified period.

(3) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall order any of the following persons to restore facilities or land to the original state within a specified period:

1. A person who develops and utilizes groundwater without permission, approval, etc. where he or she should obtain permission, approval, etc. for the development and utilization of groundwater pursuant to this Act or other statutes;

2. A person who develops and utilizes groundwater without filing a report or after filing a false report where he or she should file a report on the development and utilization of groundwater pursuant to this Act or other statutes; provided, this shall not apply to a person who files a report pursuant to this Act in order to continuously use groundwater before the head of a Si/Gun/Gu orders him or her to restore facilities or land.

(4) In any of the following cases, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall directly restore relevant facilities and land to the original state on behalf of a person liable for the restoration to the original state, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may use a performance guarantee under Article 14 for restoration to the original state under subparagraph 1:

1. Where the restoration of facilities and land to the original state is urgently required as the person liable for the restoration to the original state has not complied with an order to restore the relevant facilities and land to the original state under paragraph (2);

2. Where facilities for the development and utilization of groundwater or facilities for the excavation of land have been abandoned as the person liable for restoration to the original state is unclear.

(5) Matters necessary for the criteria, method, period, etc. for restoration to the original state under paragraphs (1) through (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 16(Orders to prevent pollution of groundwater) #

(1) A person who develops and utilizes groundwater after obtaining permission, approval, etc. or filing a report pursuant to this Act or other statutes (including a person who performs an act falling under any of the subparagraphs of Article 13 (1) after obtaining permission under Article 13) shall take necessary measures, such as the installation of facilities for preventing pollution of groundwater, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) Where the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu deems it particularly necessary to prevent the pollution of groundwater, he or she may order a person who installs or manages facilities which pollute or are likely to significantly pollute groundwater to take measures for preventing the pollution of groundwater, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Where an installer or manager of facilities causing groundwater pollution fails to comply with an order under paragraph (2) or, after compliance with the order, the level of groundwater pollution of the relevant site and surrounding areas is not lowered within standards for purification of polluted groundwater prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may order him or her to suspend the operation and use of the relevant facilities causing groundwater pollution or to close, dismantle, or relocate such facilities. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) Where it is unclear who is the installer or manager of facilities causing groundwater pollution or where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu deems that it is impracticable for the installer or manager of facilities causing groundwater pollution to perform water purification works, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may directly perform the relevant water purification works. In such cases, the relevant installer or manager shall bear the expenses incurred in purifying groundwater, and Articles 5 and 6 of the Administrative Vicarious Execution Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the collection thereof. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021>

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 16-3(Measures on manager of facilities causing groundwater pollution) #

(1) Where the quality of groundwater does not conform to standards prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment according to the result of the measurement of water quality under Article 16-2 (1), the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall order the manager of facilities which have provided a cause of the pollution thereof to perform water purification works that may restore groundwater quality and to take other necessary measures, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) Where the manager of facilities causing groundwater pollution fails to comply with an order under paragraph (1) or, after compliance with the order, the level of groundwater pollution of the relevant site and surrounding areas is not lowered within standards for purification of polluted groundwater prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may order him or her to suspend the operation and use of the relevant facilities causing groundwater pollution or to close, dismantle, or relocate such facilities. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Matters necessary for the procedure for issuing orders to the manager of facilities causing groundwater pollution under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(4) Where it is unclear who is the manager of facilities causing groundwater pollution which have provided a cause of groundwater pollution, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu deems that it is impracticable for the manager of facilities causing groundwater pollution which have provided a cause of groundwater pollution to perform water purification works, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may directly perform the relevant water purification works. In such cases, the relevant installer or manager shall bear the expenses incurred in performing purification works, and Article 5 and 6 of the Administrative Vicarious Execution Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the collection thereof. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 17(Measurement of groundwater) #

(1) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall install nationwide groundwater measurement facilities (hereinafter referred to as "national measurement networks") and conduct a survey on the actual conditions of changes in groundwater level, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall install regional groundwater measurement facilities supplementing the national measurement networks (hereinafter referred to as "ancillary measurement network") in order to grasp and analyze the actual conditions of changes in groundwater level, etc. in the area under his or her jurisdiction, conduct a survey on the actual conditions of changes in groundwater and report the result thereof to the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu intends to install an ancillary measurement network in accordance with paragraph (2), he or she shall formulate a plan for installation of the ancillary measurement network including the location of the measurement network, structural drawings, measuring equipment, etc. and notify the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Mayor/Do Governor of such plan; provided, where a Special Self-Governing City Mayor installs an ancillary measurement network, he or she shall notify the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment only of the installation thereof. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; May 22, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment and the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall determine and publicly notify a plan for installation of the measurement networks (where the master plan that includes a plan for installation of the measurement networks has been publicly announced, the plan for installation of the measurement networks shall be deemed publicly notified), specifying the location of the measurement networks, structural drawings, items to be measured, etc. under paragraphs (1) and (2), and offer it for public perusal. The same shall also apply where he or she intends to modify the plan for installation of the measurement networks. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) Where any problem in groundwater under Article 6-2 (2) is found according to the result of an investigation into the actual conditions of changes in groundwater under paragraphs (1) and (2), the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment and the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall take necessary measures, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

(6) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may require an institution specialized in surveys of groundwater to perform affairs regarding investigations into the actual conditions of changes in groundwater under paragraphs (1) and (2) on his or her behalf. <Added on Apr. 18, 2017; Jun. 8, 2018; Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

(7) Matters necessary for the installation standards for and the number of measurement networks, methods of measurement, etc. under paragraphs (1) through (3) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on May 22, 2013; Apr. 18, 2017; Jan. 5, 2021; Oct. 1, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

[Title Amended on Jan. 5, 2021]

Article 21(Access and inspections) #

(1) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu may have a person who develops and utilizes groundwater after obtaining permission pursuant to Article 7 or 13 or filing a report pursuant to Article 8 and a manager of facilities causing groundwater pollution submit data or file a report on whether he or she has undergone water quality testing under Article 20, water quality testing results, and the conditions of the development and utilization of groundwater, or the conditions of taking measures for the prevention of groundwater pollution under Article 16-2, within a specified period not exceeding one month.

(2) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu may require a person who files a report in accordance with Article 9-2 to submit or report data on the current status of the occurrence of groundwater runoff, the formulation of a plan for the use thereof, etc. under the same Article within a specified period not exceeding 1 month. <Added on Jan. 23, 2024>

(3) Where it is impracticable to achieve the purpose of inspection according to the result of the examination of the content of submitted data and a report under paragraphs (1) and (2), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may have the relevant public officials have access to the relevant place of business to inspect the relevant matters. <Amended on Jan. 23, 2024>

(4) Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu conducts an inspection under paragraph (3), he or she shall inform a person subject to inspection of a plan for inspection including date and time of, reasons for and details of the inspection not later than 7 days before he or she conducts the inspection; provided, this may not apply in cases of emergencies or to cases where he or she deems that the purpose of inspection may not be achieved due to the destruction of evidences if he or she is notified in advance. <Amended on Jan. 23, 2024>

(5) A public official who conducts an inspection in accordance with paragraph (3) shall produce an identification card indicating his or her authority to the relevant persons, and when he or she has access to a place of business, he or she shall deliver a document stating his or her name, the time and the purpose of having access to the place of business, etc. to the relevant persons. <Amended on Jan. 23, 2024>

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 24(Transfer and takeover of construction business for development and utilization of groundwater) #

(1) Where a construction contractor for the development and utilization of groundwater transfers or takes over the construction business for the development and utilization of groundwater or merges with another corporation, he or she shall report such transfer, takeover or merger to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu within one month from the date of transfer, the date of takeover or the date of merger, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on May 22, 2013; Jan. 5, 2021>

(2) Where a construction contractor for the development and utilization of groundwater is deceased, if his or her successor intends to continue to engage in construction business for the development and utilization of groundwater, the successor shall report thereon to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu within three months from the date of succession, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>

(3) Upon receipt of a report under paragraph (1) or (2), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall not accept such report if a person who intends to succeed to construction business for the development and utilization of groundwater falls under a ground for disqualification prescribed in any of the subparagraphs of Article 23. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>

(4) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall notify a reporting person of whether to accept the report within seven days from the date of receipt of the report under paragraph (1) or (2). <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>

(5) If the head of a Si/Gun/Gu fails to notify a person who has filed a report of whether to accept such report or of the extension of the processing period thereof under statutes and regulations concerning the processing of civil petitions, within the relevant period specified in paragraph (4), the report shall be deemed accepted on the day following the end of the period (referring to the extended or re-extended period if the processing period is extended or re-extended under the statutes and regulations concerning the processing of civil petitions). <Added on Jan. 5, 2021>

(6) Where a report filed under paragraph (1) is accepted (including cases in which a report is deemed to have been accepted pursuant to paragraph (5)), a transferee, or a surviving or resulting corporation following merger or consolidation shall succeed to the status of the previous construction contractor for the development and utilization of groundwater on the date such take over or merger takes place. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021>

(7) Where a report filed under paragraph (2) is accepted, the successor shall succeed to the status of construction contractor for the development and utilization of groundwater, and the registration of the construction business for the development and utilization of groundwater filed for the decedent during the period between the date of the decedent's death to the date of receipt of the report shall be deemed registration for the successor. <Added on Jan. 5, 2021>

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 25(Revocation of registration) #

(1) Where a construction contractor for the development and utilization of groundwater falls under any of the following cases, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may revoke his or her registration; provided, where he or she falls under any of subparagraphs 1, 4, 5 and 7, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall revoke his or her registration: <Amended on Dec. 27, 2016>

1. Where he or she has registered his or her business under Article 22 (1) by improper means;

2. Where he or she ceases to meet the criteria for registration under Article 22 (1);

3. Where he or she fails to register changes under Article 22 (1) or registers changes by improper means;

4. Where he or she falls under any of the subparagraphs of Article 23; provided, this shall not apply to cases where a corporation any of whose executive officer falls under any of subparagraphs 1 through 5 of Article 23 replaces such executive officer within three months;

5. Where he or she allows another person to conduct construction business for the development and utilization of groundwater by using his or her trade name or name, or lends a certificate of registration, in violation of Article 26;

6. Where he or she fails to conduct business for at least two consecutive years;

7. Where he or she performs faulty construction works on facilities for the development and utilization of groundwater by intent or gross negligence;

8. Where the State or a local government requests the revocation of registration pursuant to the related statutes, such as the National Tax Collection Act or the Local Tax Collection Act.

(2) A construction contractor for the development and utilization of groundwater, who is subject to the revocation of registration pursuant to paragraph (1), may continue to perform the construction works which he or she commenced before such cancellation, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(3) Matters necessary for procedures, etc. for the revocation of registration under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 26-2(Establishment of trade association) #

(1) Enterprises and experts related to the development and utilization of groundwater may establish an association (hereinafter referred to as the "Association") for the development of technology and institutional improvement related to the development and utilization of groundwater and for the sound development of the industry.

(2) The Association shall be a juristic person.

(3) In order to establish the Association, the industry related to the development and utilization of groundwater and 10 or more related experts shall promote the Association and prepare the articles of association at the inaugural general meeting, and file an application for authorization with the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) When the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment authorizes an application under paragraph (3), he or she shall publicly announce the authorization thereof. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) The Association shall conduct the following affairs: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Investigation and research on the development and utilization of groundwater;

2. Technical development and education on the development and utilization of groundwater and the preservation of water quality;

3. Publication of various published materials concerning the development and utilization of groundwater;

4. Affairs entrusted by the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment;

5. Public relations with the people for the preservation and management of groundwater, and inspiration of awareness for environmental protection;

6. Other activities necessary to achieve the purposes of the establishment of the Association.

(6) Matters necessary for the articles of incorporation of the Association, and guidance and supervision of the Association shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

(7) Except for matters provided for in this Act, the provisions on incorporated associations of the Civil Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Association.

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 30-2(Establishment of special account for groundwater management) #

(1) A Si (including a Special Self-Governing City; hereinafter the same shall apply)/Gun/autonomous Gu may establish a special account for the management of groundwater (hereinafter referred to as "special account") in order to raise funds, etc. required for the proper development and utilization and preservation and management of groundwater and the quality control of drinking water within its jurisdiction. <Amended on May 22, 2013; Dec. 31, 2024>

(2) The special account shall be created by the following revenue sources: <Amended on Dec. 31, 2024>

1. Subsidies from a Special Metropolitan City, Metropolitan City or Do;

2. Charges for using groundwater and additional charges under Article 30-3 (1) 1;

2-2. Charges for using groundwater and additional charges paid in accordance with Article 30-3 (8) among charges for using groundwater and additional charges under paragraph (1) 2 of that Article; provided, in cases of a Special Self-Governing City, it shall be an amount equivalent to 2/3 of the charges for using groundwater and additional charges under paragraph (1) 2 of that Article;

3. Money transferred from the general account and other special accounts;

4. Loans;

5. Gains generated from the management of funds referred to in subparagraphs 1 through 4;

6. Deposits of performance guarantees under paragraph (3);

7. Administrative fines under Articles 39 and 40.

(3) Where performance guarantees deposited pursuant to Article 14 are cash, they shall be deposited in the special account.

(4) The special account shall be used for the following purposes: <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021; Dec. 31, 2024>

1. Surveys on groundwater and surveys on the actual conditions of the use of groundwater under Article 5;

2. Formulation and execution of regional management plans;

3. Management of groundwater preservation zones;

4. Restoration under Article 15;

5. Purification works for polluted groundwater under Article 16-3;

6. Installation and operation of ancillary measurement networks under Article 17;

7. Redemption of loans under paragraph (2) 4;

8. Repayment of deposits of performance guarantees under paragraph (3);

9. Making up fees for water quality testing under Article 33 (2);

10. Promotion of drinking water quality management policies under Article 5 (1) of the Drinking Water Management Act;

11. Other projects for the purposes prescribed by Presidential Decree, which are necessary for the preservation and management of groundwater and the quality control of drinking water.

(5) Matters necessary for the compilation of the budget, settlement of accounts and management of the special account shall be prescribed by municipal ordinance of a Si/Gun/autonomous Gu.

(6) Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu formulates a plan for the use of the special accounts every year or modifies such plan he or she has formulated (excluding modification of insignificant matters prescribed by Presidential Decree), he or she shall report such plan or modified plan to the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Presidential Decree; provided, a Special Self-Governing City Mayor shall report such plan or modified plan to the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment only. <Amended on May 22, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 30-3(Imposition and collection of charges for using groundwater) #

(1) The Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may impose and collect charges for using groundwater according to the following classifications in order to raise revenue sources necessary for the proper development, utilization, preservation, and management of groundwater and the quality control of drinking water: <Added on Dec. 31, 2024>

1. Where charges for using groundwater are imposed on and collected from a person who develops and utilizes groundwater after obtaining permission in accordance with Article 7 or filing a report in accordance with Article 8: The head of a Si/Gun/Gu;

2. Where charges for using groundwater are imposed on and collected from a person who has obtained permission to develop spring water or saline groundwater (hereinafter referred to as "spring water, etc.") in accordance with Article 9 of the Drinking Water Management Act, a person who has obtained permission to manufacture drinking spring water or drinking saline groundwater (hereinafter referred to as "drinking spring water, etc.") in accordance with Article 21 (1) of that Act, and a person who has registered import-sale business of drinking spring water, etc. in accordance with paragraph (3) of that Article: The Mayor/Do Governor.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may reduce or exempt charges for using groundwater (limited to charges for using groundwater under paragraph (1)) in any of the following cases: <Amended on Jun. 22, 2015; Dec. 8, 2020; Jan. 5, 2021; Dec. 31, 2024>

1. Cases falling under Article 8 (1) 1, 3 and 4;

2. Where groundwater is developed and utilized for the purpose of farming under subparagraph 1 of Article 3 of the Framework Act on Agriculture, Rural Community and Food Industry and fishery business under subparagraph 1 (a) of Article 3 of the Framework Act on Fisheries and Fishing Villages Development and aquaculture business under item (e) of that subparagraph;

3. Where groundwater is developed and utilized, aiming at engaging in general water supply business under subparagraph 19 of Article 3 of the Water Supply and Waterworks Installation Act;

4. Where a fee for using river water is imposed in accordance with Article 50 (7) of the River Act;

5. Where groundwater is developed and utilized for purposes and on a scale prescribed by Presidential Decree, other than the cases referred to in subparagraphs 1 through 4.

(3) Charges for using groundwater under paragraph (1) shall be the amount classified as follows: <Amended on Dec. 31, 2024>

1. Charges for using groundwater under paragraph (1) 1: The amount prescribed by municipal ordinance of a Si/Gun/autonomous Gu within the limits of 50/100 of the amount equivalent to charges for using water under Article 19 of the Act on the Improvement of Water Quality and Support for Residents of the Han River Basin, in consideration of volume of groundwater collection, purposes, etc.;

2. Charges for using groundwater under paragraph (1) 2: The amount prescribed by Presidential Decree not exceeding 3 times the total sum of the following amounts calculated on the basis of water intake volume for persons who have obtained permission to develop spring water, etc. in accordance with Article 9 of the Drinking Water Management Act and persons who have obtained permission for business of manufacturing drinking spring water, etc. under Article 21 (1) of that Act and on the basis of import volume of drinking spring water, etc. for persons who have registered import-sale business of drinking spring water, etc. under Article 21 (3) of that Act:

(a) Costs of tap water and costs of sewerage under Article 21 of the Local Public Enterprises Act;

(b) Charges borne by causers under Article 71 of the Water Supply and Waterworks Installation Act;

(d) The average of the following water use charges:

1) Water use charges under Article 19 (1) of the Act on the Improvement of Water Quality and Support for Residents of the Han River Basin;

2) Water use charges under Article 32 (1) of the Act on Water Management and Residents Support in the Nakdong River Basin;

3) Water use charges under Article 30 (1) of the Act on Water Management and Resident Support in the Geum River Basin;

4) Water use charges under Article 30 (1) of the Act on Water Management and Resident Support in the Yeongsan and Seomjin River Basins;

(e) Expenditure in the category of waterworks and water quality conservation of the national environmental improvement projects under Article 47 (1) 1 of the Framework Act on Environmental Policy.

(4) A person who has obtained permission to develop spring water, etc. in accordance with Article 9 of the Drinking Water Management Act shall install and maintain measuring instruments capable of measuring intake water volume, and submit the results of measurement to the Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Added on Dec. 31, 2024; Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) Matters necessary for the detailed methods of calculation, imposition and collection, and procedures for payment of charges for using groundwater under paragraphs (1) through (3) shall be determined in accordance with the following classifications: <Amended on Dec. 31, 2024>

1. Charges for using groundwater under paragraph (1) 1: Municipal ordinance of a Si/Gun/autonomous Gu;

2. Charges for using groundwater under paragraph (1) 2: Presidential Decree.

(6) Where a person liable to pay charges for using groundwater in accordance with paragraph (1) fails to pay the charges for using groundwater by the deadline for payment, the Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall collect additional charges prescribed by Presidential Decree within the limit not exceeding 3/100 of the charges for using groundwater in arrears for the period from the day following the deadline for payment to the day before the payment date. <Amended on Dec. 31, 2024>

(7) Where a person who is liable to pay charges for using groundwater under paragraph (1) or additional charges under paragraph (6) fails to pay such charges by the deadline for payment, a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall collect the charges in accordance with the Act on the Collection of Local Administrative Penalty Charges. <Amended on May 22, 2013; Aug. 6, 2013; Mar. 24, 2020; Dec. 31, 2024>

(8) The Mayor/Do Governor shall disburse an amount equivalent to 2/3 of the charges for using groundwater and additional charges collected from persons prescribed by Presidential Decree, among persons who have obtained permission to develop spring water, etc. and permission to manufacture drinking spring water, etc. in accordance with paragraphs (1) 2 and (6), to a Si (excluding a Special Self-Governing City), Gun, or autonomous Gu where the relevant spring is located. <Added on Dec. 31, 2024>

(9) Charges for using groundwater imposed and collected in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be used for the purposes prescribed in the subparagraphs of Article 30-2 (4). <Added on Jan. 5, 2021; Dec. 31, 2024>

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 30-5(Deferment of collection or installment payment of charges for using groundwater) #

(1) Where a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu deems that a person liable to pay charges for using groundwater is unable to pay the charges for using groundwater due to any of the following grounds before the deadline for payment of the charges for using groundwater, he or she may defer the collection thereof or allow him or her to pay the charges in installments:

3. Where it is deemed inevitable to defer the payment of such charges or to pay them in installments on the grounds, etc. corresponding to those referred to in subparagraphs 1 and 2.

2. Where he or she is in a serious business management crisis after suffering a business loss;

3. Where it is deemed inevitable to defer the payment of such charges or to pay them in installments on the grounds, etc. corresponding to those referred to in subparagraphs 1 and 2.

(2) Where a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu defers the payment of charges in accordance with to paragraph (1), he or she may ask the person liable to pay such charges to provide security equivalent to the amount deferred.

(3) Where the person liable to pay charges falls under any of the following cases, a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may revoke the deferment of payment of the charges under paragraph (1) and collect the charges in arrears in a lump sum. In such cases, the Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall notify the person liable to pay the charges of the fact in advance:

1. Where he or she fails to pay the charges in arrears by the specified deadline;

2. Where he or she refuses to comply with a just request of the Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu to replenish the security, including an exchange of such security;

3. Where the deferment is deemed no longer necessary on the grounds of a favorable change in his or her property situation or other changes in circumstances.

(4) Matters necessary for the period of deferment of collection of charges, the frequency of the payments in installments, methods of filing an application for the deferment of collection under paragraph (1), and other matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Dec. 31, 2024]

Article 31(Access to land of others) #

(1) When it is necessary for investigation, purification, or measurement under Article 5, 7 (including cases applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 13 (3)), 16-4, or 17 the head of the relevant administrative agency, an institution specialized in surveys of groundwater, a groundwater impact investigation agency, or a groundwater purification contractor may have access to land of others or may temporarily use land of others, and, if specially necessary, may alter or remove bamboos and trees, earth and rocks, or other obstacles. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2021>

(2) Where an institution specialized in surveys of groundwater, a groundwater impact investigation agency, or a groundwater purification contractor intends to have access to land of others pursuant to paragraph (1), it shall obtain permission from the head of a Si/Gun/Gu and notify the owner, occupant, or manager of the relevant land of the date and time and place of such access not later than three days before it intends to have access to such land.

(3) Where the head of the relevant administrative agency, an institution specialized in surveys of groundwater, a groundwater impact investigation agency, or a groundwater purification contractor intends to temporarily use land of others or to alter or remove bamboos and trees, earth and rocks, or other obstacles pursuant to paragraph (1), it shall obtain consent from the owner, occupant, or manager of the relevant land; provided, where it cannot obtain consent from the owner, occupant or manager of land or obstacles because he or she is not at the spot or his or her domicile or residence is unclear, it may temporarily use land of others or may alter or remove obstacles by obtaining permission from the head of a Si/Gun/Gu.

(4) No person shall have access to land of others, enclosed by a wall or fence, without consent from the occupant of land before sunrise and after sunset.

(5) A person who intends to perform an act under paragraph (1) shall produce an identification card indicating his or her authority or permit card to the relevant persons.

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 33(Fees) #

(1) A person who intends to file an application for permission, testing, or registration falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall pay fees to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu (in cases of subparagraph 3, referring to an institution specialized in testing related to groundwater under Article 20 (1)), as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 8, 2018; Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Permission for the development and utilization of groundwater under Article 7 (1) or permission for changes under Article 7 (6);

2. Permission for the development and utilization of groundwater under Article 13 (1) 1;

3. Water quality testing under Article 20 (1);

4. Registration of construction business for the development and utilization of groundwater or registration for changes under Article 22 (1);

5. Registration of a groundwater impact investigation agency or registration of changes under Article 27 (1);

6. Registration of groundwater purification business or registration of changes under Article 29-2.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in any of the following cases, fees under the said paragraph may be reduced or exempted; provided, fees referred to in paragraph (1) 3 may be reduced or exempted, as prescribed by ordinance of a local government, however, the relevant local government shall make up the difference of expenses for water quality testing due to the reduction of or exemption from fees to an institution specialized in testing related to groundwater by utilizing the special account for the management of groundwater under Article 30-2: <Amended on May 26, 2020>

1. Where a person who intends to apply for permission, testing or registration referred to in the subparagraphs of paragraph (1) is the State or a local government;

2. Where a person who intends to apply for testing referred to in paragraph (1) 3 uses groundwater as drinking water in his or her daily life for home use in an area where tap water is not supplied.

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 37-3(Penalty provisions) #

Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for at least 1 year or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won: <Amended on Jan. 6, 2015; Jan. 5, 2021; Dec. 31, 2024;>

1. A person who fails to observe the limits of the collection volume of groundwater under Article 7 (3);

2. A person who develops and utilizes groundwater without obtaining permission for changes under Article 7 (6) (including cases applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 13 (3)) or after obtaining permission for changes by improper means;

3. A person who fails to observe the limits of the volume and period of water collection, or to comply with an order to take a corrective action, an order to suspend the utilization of groundwater, an order to jointly utilize groundwater, or an order to close down facilities under Article 8 (4);

4. A person who fails to comply with an order to close down facilities under Article 9 (3) (including cases applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 13 (3));

5. A person who fails to formulate or implement a plan for using groundwater runoff under Article 9-2 (2) or to comply with an order to make improvements under paragraph (4) of that Article;

5-2. A person who fails to take necessary measures under Article 9-2 (10);

6. A person who fails to comply with an order to improve facilities or fails to take necessary measures under Article 9-4 (4);

7. A person who performs purification works without obtaining approval of a purification plan or approval for changes under Article 16-4 (1);

8. A person who engages in construction business for the development and utilization of groundwater, groundwater impact investigation, or groundwater purification business without filing for registration of changes under Article 22 (1), 27 (1) or 29-2 (1) or after filing for registration of changes by improper means;

9. A construction contractor for the development and utilization of groundwater who violates Article 26 (including cases applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 29-2 (3)), a groundwater impact investigation agency that violates Article 30, or the other party to whom a groundwater purification contractor lends his or her name or lends his or her certificate of registration.

10. A person who fails to install measuring instruments under Article 30-3 (4) or a person who fails to submit measurement results or submits false measurement results.

[This Article Wholly Amended on May 30, 2011]

Article 40(Administrative fines) #

Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 3 million won: <Amended on Jan. 23, 2024>

1. A person who fails to report changes or files a false report on changes, in violation of Article 8 (2);

2. A person who fails to file a report on completion of construction, in violation of Article 9 (1) (including cases applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 13 (3));

3. A person who fails to report the status of groundwater runoff, in violation of Article 9-2 (1);

4. A person who fails to report a plan for using groundwater runoff or a plan for the modification thereof, or to report the completion of use of groundwater runoff, in violation of Article 9-2 (2);

5. A person who fails to report the completion of the development and utilization of groundwater, in violation of Article 9-3 (1);

6. A person who fails to report a change or completion, in violation of the latter part, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 9-4 (1);

7. A person who fails to report succession or files a false report, in violation of Article 11 (1) or (2);

8. A person who fails to deposit a performance guarantee, in violation of Article 14 (1);

9. A person who fails to undergo water quality testing, in violation of Article 20 (1);

10. A person who fails to file a report or submit data under Article 21 (1) or (2), or 34 (1), or files a false report or submits false data;

11. A person who fails to report succession to construction business for the development and utilization of groundwater or groundwater purification business under Article 24 (1) or (2) (including cases applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 29-2 (3)), or files a false report;

12. A person who refuses, interferes with, or evades access, etc. under Article 31 (1);

13. A person who performs an act under Article 31 (1) without obtaining permission or giving advance notification, in violation of Article 31 (2);

14. A person who engages in an activity under Article 31 (1) without obtaining consent or permission from the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, in violation of Article 31 (3).

[This Article Wholly Amended on Jan. 5, 2021]

GROUNDWATER ACT

Article 1(Purpose) #

Article 2(Definitions) #

Article 2-2(Basic principles of groundwater management) #

Article 3(Responsibilities of the State) #

Article 4(Relationship to other statutes) #

Article 5(Surveys of groundwater) #

Article 5-2(Informatization of preservation and management of groundwater) #

Article 5-3(Establishment and operation of national groundwater information center) #

Article 6(Formulation of master plan for management of groundwater) #

Article 6-2(Formulation and execution of regional groundwater management plans) #

Article 7(Permission for development and utilization of groundwater) #

Article 7-2(Permission for development and utilization of groundwater in vicinity of rivers) #

Article 7-3(Effective period of permission for development and utilization of groundwater) #

Article 8(Reporting on development and utilization of groundwater) #

Article 8-2(Invalidation of report) #

Article 9(Reports on completion of construction works) #

Article 9-2(Use of groundwater runoff) #

Article 9-3(Report on completion of development and utilization of groundwater) #

Article 9-4(Report on excavation impacting on groundwater) #

Article 9-5(Post management of facilities for development and utilization of groundwater) #

Article 9-6(Installation of facilities for securing groundwater resources) #

Article 9-7(Utilization of groundwater as source of energy for cooling and heating) #

Article 9-8(Support for areas with vulnerable water supply) #

Article 10(Revocation of permission) #

Article 11(Succession to rights and obligations) #

Article 12(Designation of groundwater preservation zones) #

Article 12-2(Hearing opinions of residents) #

Article 13(Restrictions on acts within groundwater preservation zone) #

Article 14(Deposit of performance guarantee) #

Article 15(Restoration to original state) #

Article 16(Orders to prevent pollution of groundwater) #

Article 16-2(Prevention of pollution by facilities causing groundwater pollution) #

Article 16-3(Measures on manager of facilities causing groundwater pollution) #

Article 16-4(Approval of plan for purification of polluted groundwater) #

Article 17(Measurement of groundwater) #

Article 18 #

Article 18-2(Expropriation and use of land) #

Article 19 #

Article 20(Water quality testing) #

Article 21(Access and inspections) #

Article 22(Registration of construction business for development and utilization of groundwater) #

Article 23(Grounds for disqualification) #

Article 24(Transfer and takeover of construction business for development and utilization of groundwater) #

Article 25(Revocation of registration) #

Article 26(Prohibition of name lending) #

Article 26-2(Establishment of trade association) #

Article 27(Registration of groundwater impact investigation agency) #

Article 28(Grounds for disqualification of groundwater impact investigation agency) #

Article 29(Cancellation of registration of groundwater impact investigation agency) #

Article 29-2(Registration of groundwater purification business) #

Article 30(Prohibition of name lending) #

Article 30-2(Establishment of special account for groundwater management) #

Article 30-3(Imposition and collection of charges for using groundwater) #

Article 30-4(Special cases concerning filing objections to charges for using groundwater) #

Article 30-5(Deferment of collection or installment payment of charges for using groundwater) #

Article 31(Access to land of others) #

Article 32(Compensation for loss) #

Article 33(Fees) #

Article 34(Reporting and inspection) #

Article 34-2(Education) #

Article 34-3(Reporting on business results) #

Article 35(Hearings) #

Article 36(Delegation of authority) #

Article 36-2(Vicarious execution) #

Article 37(Penalty provisions) #

Article 37-2(Penalty provisions) #

Article 37-3(Penalty provisions) #

Article 38(Joint penalty provisions) #

Article 38-2 #

Article 39(Administrative fines) #

Article 40(Administrative fines) #

Article 40-2(Administrative fines) #

Article 41(Procedures for imposition and collection of administrative fines) #