SPECIAL ACT ON NATIONAL RESOURCES SECURITY

Article 1(Purpose) #

The purpose of this Act is to prescribe matters regarding promotion systems and early warning systems for resources security, supply and demand management for core resources, crises response systems, emergency response measures, etc. in order to prepare for a resources security-related crisis and effectively respond to a crisis, thereby contributing to the national security, sustainable development of the national economy, and better welfare for citizens.

Article 2(Definitions) #

The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. "Core resources" means any of the following resources which have a significant impact on citizens' lives or have far-reaching ripple effects on the national economy, such as economic activities or industrial production:

a. Petroleum, natural gas, coal, uranium, hydrogen, and other energy sources determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources;

b. Minerals determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources (hereinafter referred to as "core minerals"), other than those referred to in item a among the minerals defined in subparagraph 1 of Article 3 of the Mining Industry Act;

c. Materials and components of renewable energy facilities (referring to facilities for producing renewable energy among new energy and renewable energy facilities defined in subparagraph 3 of Article 2 of the Act on the Promotion of the Development, Use and Diffusion of New and Renewable Energy), which are determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources;

2. The term "supply chain" means all processes from the acquisition of core resources at home and abroad to arrival to an intermediate or end consumer, such as the production, importation, conversion, processing, transportation, storage, and sale of core resources;

3. "Resource security" means a state in which national security and national economic activities are guaranteed by preparing for factors that could impede the stable maintenance and management of supply chains and by securing the capability to respond to such factors to ensure the price stability and uninterrupted supply of core resources;

4. "Resource security crisis" means a situation in which the State needs to urgently respond to serious setbacks or risks to people's livelihoods, economic activities or industrial production due to a limited ability to supply core resources at stable prices without interruption or a failure to stably maintain and manage supply chains;

5. The term "supply infrastructure" means facilities installed to produce, import, convert, process, transport, store, or sell core resources;

6. The term "supplier institution" means an institution, organization, or business entity that engages in the business of producing, importing, converting, processing, transporting, storing, or selling core resources or that installs, operates, or managing supply infrastructure;

7. The term "public supplier institution" means any of the following supplier institutions:

a. The State or local governments;

b. Public institutions referred to in Article 4 of the Act on the Management of Public Institutions;

c. Local public enterprises prescribed in the Local Public Enterprises Act;

8. The term "private supplier institution" means a supplier institution other than public supplier institutions;

9. The term "recycling of resources" means the activities of recovering core resources from materials in a state that can be regenerated from renewable resources defined in subparagraph 1-2 of Article 2 of the Act on the Promotion of Conversion into Environment-Friendly Industrial Structure and using them as industrial raw materials, energy, etc.;

10. The term "end-user institution" means an institution, organization, or business entity that directly uses core resources as fuel, raw materials, or materials or components for its business activities.

Article 3(Responsibilities of the State) #

(1) The State shall be responsible for establishing and implementing comprehensive policies related to resources security.

(2) If regionally tailored resources security policies are required, each local government shall formulate and execute regional resources security policies, taking into account its regional characteristics in accordance with the national resources security policies. In such cases, matters necessary for formulating and executing regional resources security policies may be prescribed by ordinances of relevant local governments.

(3) Supplier institutions shall actively participate and cooperate in resources security policies of the State and local governments and shall endeavor to ensure the stable production, importation, conversion, processing, transportation, storage, use, sale, etc. of core resources.

(4) All citizens shall actively participate and cooperate in resources security policies of the State and local governments and shall endeavor to use core resources in a reasonable and effective manner in their daily lives.

Article 4(Relations with other statutes) #

This Act shall prevail over other statutes with respect to resources security.

Article 5(Formulation of master plan for resources security) #

(1) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall formulate and implement a master plan for resources security (hereinafter referred to as "master plan") every 5 years in consultation with the heads of relevant central administrative agencies in order to efficiently and systematically promote tasks related to resources security, and may have the master plan modified if necessary to respond to the changing domestic and international environment for resources security. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The master plan shall include the matters regarding the following:

1. Basic direction-setting for resources security policies;

2. Establishment and improvement of systems for resources security;

3. Current status and prospects of supply of and demand for core resources;

4. Diagnosis of resources security crises and countermeasures;

5. Stockpiling of core resources;

6. Measures to secure supply and demand stability of resources in the event of a resources security crisis;

7. Development, expansion, maintenance and management of supply infrastructure;

8. Recycling of core resources;

9. International cooperation in resources security;

10. Development of technologies and training of professionals related to resources security;

11. Others necessary for resources security, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(3) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall formulate and implement an action plan for resources security (hereinafter referred to as "action plan") in order to conduct affairs related to resources security in accordance with the master plan. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources intends to formulate or modify a master plan or an action plan, he or she shall have it undergo deliberation by the Resources Security Council under Article 6; provided, this shall not apply to modifications of minor matters prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) Other matters necessary for the formulation or modification of a master plan and an action plan shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 6(Functions and composition of Resources Security Council) #

(1) The Resources Security Council (hereinafter referred to as the "Council") shall be established under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources to deliberate on the following matters regarding resources security: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Matters regarding a master plan and an action plan;

2. Matters regarding national strategies and policies for improving regulations and systems, such as technology, budget, funds, human resources, etc. related to resources security;

3. Matters regarding the diagnosis and evaluation of resources security under Article 10 and the inspection and analysis of supply chains under Article 11;

4. Matters regarding the designation and public notice of core resources;

5. Matters regarding obligations to stockpile core resources under Article 15 and stockpiling plans under Article 16;

6. Matters regarding recycling of core resources under Article 18;

7. Matters regarding the designation, management, and cancellation of core supplier institutions under Article 21;

8. Matters regarding the designation, management, and cancellation of core end-user institutions under Article 22;

9. Matters regarding the occurrence, or a significant risk of occurrence, of a resource security crisis;

10. Matters subject to deliberation by the Council under this Act or other statutes;

11. Other major policy matters regarding resources security, proposed by the Chairperson as an agenda item for a meeting.

(2) The Council shall be comprised of not more than 20 members, including one chairperson; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall serve as the chairperson of the Council, and persons prescribed by Presidential Decree from among Vice Minister-level public officials of the relevant central administrative agencies (including agencies under the jurisdiction of the President) shall serve as members of the Council. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Where the Chairperson deems it necessary to provide professional and technical advice on resources security, he or she may organize and operate an advisory group comprised of relevant experts.

Article 7(Designation of dedicated institution) #

(1) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may designate one or more institutions or organizations with expertise in resources security as an institution dedicated to resources security (hereinafter referred to as "dedicated institution") and have them perform duties related to resources security, such as the management of information on resources security under Article 8. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may, within budgetary limits, subsidize the expenses necessary for a dedicated institution to perform the duties under paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Where an institution or organization designated as a dedicated institution under paragraph (1) falls under any of the following cases, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may revoke the designation thereof; provided, in cases falling under subparagraph 1, the Minister shall revoke such designation: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Where it has been designated by fraud or other improper means;

2. Where it fails to perform its duties as a dedicated institution without good cause;

3. Other cases prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(4) Standards and procedures for the designation of a dedicated institution and revocation thereof, and other matters necessary for the performance of its duties shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 8(Comprehensive management of resources security information) #

(1) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may establish and operate an integrated national resources security information system (hereinafter referred to as "integrated information system") in order to prepare for resources security crises and manage information on resources security in an efficient and systematic manner. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may request supplier institutions, such as relevant central administrative agencies, local governments, public institutions, etc., end-user institutions, and research institutes related to resources security to provide the following information; in such cases, any person so requested shall comply unless there is a compelling reason not to do so: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Prices of core resources;

2. Stockpiles, inventories, current status and prospects of supply and demand, and exports and imports of core resources;

3. Inventories, and current status and prospects of materials, components, and products utilizing core resources;

4. Supply sources, infrastructure and risk factors for core resources;

5. Current status of domestic reserves and mines of core resources;

6. Where necessary to identify risks related to overseas supply chains of core resources, inventories of core resources of overseas supplier institutions, the current status and prospects of supply and demand, supply sources, supply infrastructure, and supply risk factors (limited to the scope related to the supply to the relevant supplier institution or end-user institution);

7. Other information related to the supply of and demand for core resources, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(3) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall not use the information provided under paragraph (2) for any purpose other than the purpose of resource security. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of the Official Information Disclosure Act and the Act on Promotion of the Provision and Use of Public Data, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may refuse to provide or disclose information provided under paragraph (2), where such disclosure is likely to impede national security or development of the national economy or where it is necessary to protect business activities of enterprises, such as trade secrets (referring to trade secrets defined in subparagraph 2 of Article 2 of the Unfair Competition Prevention and Trade Secret Protection Act). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) Other matters necessary for the establishment and operation of an integrated information system, request for information, and management thereof shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 9(Request for cooperation from relevant institutions) #

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may request the heads of relevant central administrative agencies, local governments, public organizations, and other relevant institutions to provide cooperation, such as provision of data and information or submission of opinions, if necessary to perform the affairs under this Act. In such cases, the heads of institutions or organizations so requested shall comply unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 10(Diagnosis and evaluation of national resources security) #

(1) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall regularly diagnose and evaluate resources security at the national level, including the following matters: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Current status and trends of resources security;

2. Risk factors for resources security at home and abroad;

3. Capability to respond to resources security crises;

4. Vulnerabilities in the supply chains of core resources and countermeasures;

5. Other matters prescribed by Presidential Decree, regarding the diagnosis and evaluation of resources security.

(2) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may request the heads of relevant agencies, including the heads of central administrative agencies and the heads of supplier institutions, to take necessary measures regarding matters that require correction or supplementation as a result of the diagnosis and evaluation of resources security under paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Where necessary to prepare for a resources security crisis, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may fully or partially subsidize expenses incurred in taking corrective or supplementary measures under paragraph (2). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) Other matters necessary for the frequency, methods, and procedures for the diagnosis and evaluation of resource security under paragraph (1) and for the corrective or supplementary measures under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 11(Inspection and analysis of supply chains) #

(1) In order to prepare for resources security crises, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may require the heads of supplier institutions prescribed by Presidential Decree to inspect and analyze vulnerabilities in the supply chains of the relevant supplier institution, such as the supply of and demand for core resources and the operation of supply infrastructure, and to report the results thereof. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may request the heads of supplier institutions to take necessary measures with respect to matters requiring correction or supplementation upon inspection and analysis of vulnerabilities in their supply chains under paragraph (1). In such cases, the heads of the relevant supplier institutions so requested shall comply unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Where necessary to prepare for a resources security crisis, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may fully or partially subsidize expenses incurred in taking corrective or supplementary measures under paragraph (2). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) Other matters necessary for the frequency, methods, and procedures for the inspection and analysis of vulnerabilities in the supply chains under paragraph (1) and corrective or supplementary measures under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 12(Development, purchase and procurement of core resources) #

(1) The Government shall actively endeavor to ensure the stable development, purchase, and procurement of core resources and the establishment of supply chains, taking into consideration the status of national resources security.

(2) In developing, purchasing, or procuring core resources, or establishing and operating supply chains, a supplier institution shall fully reflect resource security factors, such as the diversification of supply sources and the stability and reliability of the supply chains, etc.

(3) Where necessary to prepare for resources security crises, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may recommend that the heads of supplier institutions take measures necessary for the development, purchase, and procurement of core resources or the supplementation and reinforcement of domestic and overseas supply chains, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may provide full or partial support to supplier institutions which have complied with the recommendation under paragraph (3) for the associated expenses. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 13(Support for expansion of domestic and overseas infrastructure for core minerals) #

(1) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may formulate and implement policies to expand the production infrastructure for core minerals in order to ensure resources security and prepare for resources security crises. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) In order to implement the policies under paragraph (1), the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may support the following projects within budgetary limits: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Installation and expansion of domestic and overseas core minerals production facilities;

2. Investment in, and acquisition of, overseas core minerals producers;

3. Projects prescribed by Presidential Decree, which are necessary to expand the infrastructure for the production of core minerals at home and abroad.

Article 14(Diversification of core resources supplier countries) #

(1) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may formulate and implement policies necessary to diversify countries that supply core resources (hereinafter referred to as "supplier countries") to prepare for resource security crises and to stabilize supply chains. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) In order to facilitate the diversification of supplier countries, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may provide full or partial support to enterprises which implement such diversification of supplier countries in accordance with the policies under paragraph (1) for the associated expenses. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 15(Stockpiling) #

(1) Supplier institutions prescribed by Presidential Decree shall stockpile core resources to prepare for a resource security crisis and to stabilize the supply of and demand for core resources and the prices thereof, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) Notwithstanding the obligations to stockpile core resources under other statutes or regulations, such as the obligations to stockpile petroleum under Article 17(1) of the Petroleum and Alternative Fuel Business Act, and the obligations to stockpile natural gas under Article 10-10(1) of the Urban Gas Business Act, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may order the heads of supplier institutions to temporarily stockpile core resources or increase the stockpiles thereof, if deemed necessary to stabilize the supply of and demand for core resources for which a resource security crisis warning is issued under Article 23. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) The heads of supplier institutions required to fulfill stockpiling obligations under paragraph (1) or (2) (hereinafter referred to as "mandatory stockpiling institution") shall report to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources on the items, quantity, and management status of core resources and other matters related to stockpiling. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may provide administrative and financial support to mandatory stockpiling institutions. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) or (2), where a private supplier institution among mandatory stockpiling institutions has reached an agreement with a public supplier institution, it may have the relevant public supplier institution perform all or part of the obligations to stockpile core resources on its behalf.

(6) Matters necessary for the core resources to be stockpiled, the quantity stockpiled, the reasons for stockpiling, and the period of stockpiling under paragraphs (1) and (2), the management of and reporting on the actual status of core resources stockpiled under paragraph (3), the delegation of stockpiling obligations under paragraph (5), etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 16(Core resources stockpiling plan) #

(1) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall formulate a stockpiling plan for core resources (hereinafter referred to as "stockpiling plan") to prepare for a resource security crisis and to stabilize the supply of and demand for core resources and the prices thereof, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) A stockpiling plan shall include the following matters:

1. Matters regarding stockpiling targets;

2. Matters regarding types of core resources subject to stockpiling and the quantity stockpiled;

3. Matters regarding stockpiling facilities;

4. Other important matters regarding stockpiling.

(3) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may modify the stockpiling plan referred to in paragraph (1), if deemed necessary due to significant changes in the supply of and demand for core resources or other economic conditions. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) Paragraphs (1) through (3) shall not apply to core resources for which matters regarding a stockpiling plan are prescribed by other statutes.

(5) Other matters necessary for the formulation or modification of a stockpiling plan shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 17(Designation of emergency mobilized mine) #

(1) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may designate mines and facilities for the production and processing of core resources to prepare for resource security crises (hereinafter referred to as "emergency mobilized mine"). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may provide financial support to extraction right holders, mining concession holders or operators under the Mining Industry Act to cover expenses incurred in the maintenance and management of emergency mobilized mines. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Other matters necessary for the designation, and cancellation of designation, of emergency mobilized mines shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 18(Recycling) #

(1) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall formulate and implement policies to promote the recycling of core resources in order to prepare for resources security crises. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may promote projects necessary to facilitate the recycling of core resources in accordance with the policies under paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may designate an area to promote the clustering and convergence of industries that recycle core resources and industries related to recycling of core resources and to support research and development, demonstration, etc. related thereto (hereinafter referred to as "recycling industry cluster"). In such cases, he or she shall undergo deliberation by the Council after hearing the opinions of the competent Special Metropolitan City Mayor, Metropolitan City Mayor, Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Do Governor, or Special Self-Governing Province Governor (hereinafter referred to as "Mayor/Do Governor") and having consultation thereon with the heads of relevant central administrative agencies. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources and the heads of local governments may provide financial and technical support necessary for facilitating the recycling industry, or may offer loans, etc. under finance-related statutes. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) Other matters necessary for the formulation and implementation of recycling policies under paragraph (1) and the designation, and cancellation of designation, of a recycling industry cluster under paragraph (3) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 19(Development of alternatives to core resources) #

(1) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may formulate and implement policies necessary for facilitating the development of alternatives to core resources in order to ensure resources security and prepare for resources security crises. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may, within budgetary limits, provide full or partial support for expenses incurred by enterprises in developing alternatives to core resources referred to in paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Matters necessary for the standards, procedures, etc. for providing support under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 20(Establishment and operation of supply infrastructure) #

(1) A supplier institution that installs, expands, maintains, and manages supply infrastructure (excluding facilities prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as overseas production facilities; hereafter the same shall apply in this Article) (hereinafter referred to as "supply infrastructure management institution") shall operate such infrastructure in a safe and stable manner.

(2) A supply infrastructure management institution shall appropriately establish and operate cybersecurity prevention and response systems to maintain the security of the relevant facilities in the face of cybersecurity threats and to respond promptly and efficiently to cybersecurity breaches, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(3) Where necessary to prepare for resources security crises, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may recommend that the heads of supply infrastructure management institutions take measures necessary for the installation, expansion, maintenance and management of supply infrastructure, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may provide full or partial support for expenses incurred by supply infrastructure management institutions in the installation, expansion, maintenance and management of supply infrastructure. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 21(Designation and management of core supplier institution) #

(1) In order to efficiently and systematically prepare for resources security crises, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may designate and manage a supplier institution as a core supplier institution or cancel the designation thereof, after deliberation by the Council, taking into account the following matters: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Impact of core resources on the people's livelihood and their national economic importance;

2. Quantity of core resources supplied by the relevant supplier institution;

3. Sales volume of the relevant supplier institution;

4. Other matters necessary for the maintenance and management of supply chains, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) If core resources fall under any of the following subparagraphs, the head of a core supplier institution designated under paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as "core supplier institution") shall notify the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources of the fact without delay and provide relevant data and information: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Serious disruptions in supply and demand due to sharp fluctuations in domestic or overseas supply;

2. Sharp fluctuations in domestic or international prices;

3. Occurrence, or the possibility of occurrence, of a resource security crisis.

(3) Other matters necessary for the designation, management, and cancellation of designation, of core supplier institutions under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 22(Designation and management of core end-user institution) #

(1) In order to efficiently and systematically prepare for resources security crises, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may designate and manage an end-user institution as a core end-user institution or cancel the designation thereof, after deliberation by the Council, taking into account the following matters: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Impact of core resources on the people's livelihood and their national economic importance;

2. Quantity of the demand of the relevant end-user institution for core resources;

3. Sales volume of the relevant end-user institution;

4. Other matters necessary for the maintenance and management of supply chains, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) If core resources fall under any of the following subparagraphs, the head of a core end-user institution designated under paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as "core end-user institution") shall notify the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources of the fact without delay and provide relevant data and information: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Serious disruptions in supply and demand due to sharp fluctuations in domestic or overseas demand;

2. Sharp fluctuations in domestic or international prices;

3. Occurrence, or the possibility of occurrence, of a resource security crisis.

(3) Other matters necessary for the designation, management, and cancellation of designation, of core end-user institutions under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 23(Issuance of resources security crisis warning) #

(1) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may issue a resource security crisis warning for core resources where a resource security crisis occurs or is likely to occur, in order to effectively and systematically respond to such crisis. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) Matters necessary for the requirements, procedures, methods, etc. of issuing a resources security crisis warning shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 24(Resources Security Crisis Countermeasures Headquarters) #

(1) Where a resource security crisis occurs or is highly likely to occur, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may organize and operate the Resource Security Crisis Countermeasures Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as "Countermeasures Headquarters") to take such measures as analysis of the causes of the resource security crisis, implementation of emergency response, etc. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall serve as the head of the Countermeasures Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the "head of the Countermeasure Headquarters"). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), if the Prime Minister deems it necessary to take a pan-governmental integrated response, the Prime Minister or the head of a central administrative agency designated by the Prime Minister shall serve as the head of the Countermeasures Headquarters and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources and heads of the central administrative agencies to which the Council members belong shall serve as the members of the Countermeasures Headquarters. In such cases, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall serve as the secretary. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) The head of the Countermeasures Headquarters shall represent the Countermeasures Headquarters and exercise overall control over the affairs regarding responses to resources security crises under this Chapter.

(5) In order to organize and operate the Countermeasures Headquarters, the head of the Countermeasures Headquarters may request the heads of relevant central administrative agencies to second public officials related to the affairs of the Countermeasures Headquarters.

(6) The head of the Countermeasures Headquarters may request the heads of relevant agencies, such as the heads of relevant central administrative agencies, the heads of supplier institutions, and the heads of core end-user institutions, to provide cooperation and support for responding to resource security crises. In such cases, the heads of the relevant agencies so requested shall comply unless there is a compelling reason not to do so.

(7) Other matters necessary for the organization and operation of the Countermeasures Headquarters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 25(Preparation of resources security crisis response manual) #

(1) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources shall prepare and manage a crisis response manual to prepare for resources security crises at the national level (hereinafter referred to as "national crisis response manual"). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The head of a core supplier institution shall prepare and manage a crisis response manual to prepare for resource security crises at the institutional level (hereinafter referred to as "institutional crisis response manual").

(3) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may inspect the preparation and management of an institutional crisis response manual and, if necessary, may order the head of a core supplier institution to make improvements thereto. In such cases, the head of the relevant core supplier institution so requested shall comply unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) Matters necessary for the preparation, management and inspection of national and institutional crisis response manuals shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 26(Implementation of response training) #

(1) Where necessary for preparing for resource security crises, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may conduct training for responding to resource security crises (hereinafter referred to as "response training") to supplier institutions, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) Supplier institutions referred to in paragraph (1) shall undergo response training, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so.

Article 27(Order for inbound shipping of overseas developed core resources in crisis) #

(1) Where a resource security crisis occurs or is likely to occur, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may order the head of a supplier institution that has developed or secured core resources overseas (hereinafter referred to as "overseas developed core resources") to ship all or part of such core resources into the Republic of Korea on appropriate and reasonable terms and conditions for purposes of stabilizing the supply of and demand for core resources and the prices thereof. In such cases, the head of the relevant supplier institution so ordered shall comply unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may compensate for any loss suffered by the relevant supplier institution due to an order issued under paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Matters necessary for issuing orders for inbound shipping of overseas developed core resources into the Republic of Korea and compensating for losses under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 28(Discharge and use of stockpiled resources) #

(1) Where a resource security crisis occurs or is likely to occur, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may require the head of a mandatory stockpiling institution to release and use core resources stockpiled under Article 15(1) and (2), in order to stabilize the supply of and demand for core resources and the prices thereof. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may compensate for any loss suffered by the relevant mandatory stockpiling institution due to the measures taken under paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Matters necessary for the release and use of stockpiled core resources and compensation for loss under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 29(Extraction in emergency mobilized mine) #

(1) Where a resource security crisis occurs or is likely to occur, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may order the extraction right holders, mining concession holders, or operators of emergency mobilized mines to commence or expand the production and processing of core resources or to sell core resources produced or processed in the Republic of Korea in order to stabilize the supply of and demand for core resources and the prices thereof. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) Where an extraction right holder or mining concession holder of an emergency mobilized mine complies with an order issued under paragraph (1), he or she shall be deemed to have obtained authorization for an extraction plan or authorization for modification thereof under Article 42(1) of the Mining Industry Act (including cases applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 61 of that Act); and notwithstanding Article 43(2) of the Mining Industry Act (including cases applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 61 of that Act), the relevant extraction right holder or mining concession holder shall be deemed to have obtained permission, etc. under the subparagraphs of Article 43(1) of the Mining Industry Act (including cases applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 61 of that Act), even without consultation by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy with the heads of other administrative agencies. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may compensate for any loss suffered by the relevant extraction right holder, mining concession holder, or operator due to an order issued under paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) Matters necessary for the commencement and expansion of the production and processing of emergency mobilized mines, the procedures and methods for domestic sale under paragraph (1), and the compensation for losses under paragraph (3) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 30(Measures for stabilzing supply and demand) #

(1) Where a resource security crisis occurs or is highly likely to occur, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may, subject to deliberation by the Council, issue an order to adjust the following matters to supplier institutions and end-user institutions of core resources, to the extent necessary for stabilizing the supply of and demand for core resources and the prices thereof: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

1. Allocation of core resources by region and major beneficiaries;

2. Operation of supply infrastructure;

3. Introduction, export, import, and consignment processing of core resources;

4. Exchange or distribution of core resources among supplier institutions;

5. Distribution facilities for core resources, the use thereof, and distribution channels;

6. Rationing of core resources;

7. Restriction or prohibition on the transfer of core resources;

8. Matters prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as the timing and method of using core resources, etc.;

9. Other matters prescribed by Presidential Decree to stabilize the supply of and demand for core resources and the prices thereof.

(2) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may request the heads of relevant central administrative agencies or local governments to provide cooperation necessary for executing an order for adjustment under paragraph (1). In such cases, the heads of the central administrative agencies or local governments shall comply unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources deems that the grounds for issuing an order for adjustment under paragraph (1) no longer exist, he or she shall cancel the order without delay. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(4) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may compensate for any loss caused by the measures under paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) Matters necessary for the procedures for cancellation under paragraph (3) and compensation for losses under paragraph (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 31(Setting ceiling on sales prices of core resources) #

(1) Where a resource security crisis occurs or is highly likely to occur, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may set a ceiling on the sales prices of core resources of the relevant supplier institution upon deliberation by the Council, taking into account international prices of such core resources and domestic and global economic conditions. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) When the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources has set a ceiling on the sales prices of core resources pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall give pubic notice thereof. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) No supplier institution shall sell core resources in violation of the price ceiling under paragraph (2).

(4) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may compensate for any loss suffered by the relevant supplier institution due to the designation of a ceiling on the sales prices of core resources under paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(5) Matters necessary for compensation for losses under paragraph (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 32(Measures regarding environmental preservation) #

Where a resources security crisis occurs or is likely to occur, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may submit to the competent authority referred to in Article 8 of the Act on the Allocation and Trading of Greenhouse-Gas Emission Permits opinions on the measures for stabilizing markets for trading emission permits under that Act, in order to ensure stable supply of and demand for core resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 33(Special cases concerning disposal of urban gas) #

(1) In accordance with Articles 8-3, 8-4, 10-6 and 10-14 of the Urban Gas Business Act, any of the following persons may dispose of the quantity stockpiled pursuant to the order issued under Article 15(2):

1. A producer of byproduct gas from naphtha or biogas under the Urban Gas Business Act;

2. A synthetic natural gas producer under the Urban Gas Business Act;

3. A direct importer for self-consumption defined in subparagraph 9 of Article 2 of the Urban Gas Business Act;

4. A natural gas shipping business entity defined in subparagraph 9-3 of Article 2 of the Urban Gas Business Act;

5. A user of liquefied natural gas cold heat defined in subparagraph 9-4 of Article 2 of the Urban Gas Business Act;

6. A natural gas business entity for ships defined in subparagraph 9-6 of Article 2 of the Urban Gas Business Act.

(2) Where the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources deems it difficult to dispose of urban gas under paragraph (1), he or she may, upon deliberation by the Council, determine the quantity and period for disposal and require a third party in the Republic of Korea to dispose of such urban gas. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(3) Where a person falling under any subparagraph of paragraph (1) disposes of the quantity stockpiled pursuant to paragraph (2), he or she shall file a report thereon with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 34(Special cases concerning purchase of core resources) #

(1) Notwithstanding the Act on the Management of Public Institutions and other statutes and regulations related to contract procedures, the head of a public supplier institution may conclude a contract necessary for the purchase and supply of core resources or alternative resources and goods after deliberation by the Council where a resource security crisis occurs or is highly likely to occur. In such cases, the objects and procedures of the contract and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources in consultation with the Minister of Economy and Finance. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) Where there is no intentional or gross negligence in any act committed by a public official or an executive officer or employee of a public supplier institution in the course of proactively performing affairs related to the conclusion and execution of a contract for responding to resources security crises under paragraph (1), he or she shall not be held accountable, such as being subjected to a request for disciplinary action or reprimand under relevant statutes, such as the State Public Officials Act, etc. or the internal regulations of the relevant public supplier institution.

Article 35(Reduction of or exemption from charges) #

(1) In the event of falling under the grounds prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as the occurrence or probable occurrence of a resource security crisis, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may decide not to impose charges on the import and sale of petroleum under Article 18 of the Petroleum and Alternative Fuel Business Act, charges on the import and sale of alternative fuels under Article 37 of that Act, charges on the import and sale of liquefied petroleum gas under Article 64(1) of the Safety Control and Business of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act, charges on import and sale of minerals under Article 87(1) of the Mining Industry Act, charges on safety control of high-pressure gas under Article 34-2 of the High-Pressure Gas Safety Control Act, and charges on persons responsible for preventing mining damage under Article 24 of the Mining Damage Prevention and Restoration Act. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) The Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service may simplify or expedite customs clearance procedures for core resources or alternative resources and goods under the Customs Act after deliberation by the Council due to the occurrence, or probable occurrence, of a resources security crisis.

Article 36(International cooperation) #

(1) In order to facilitate international cooperation necessary for resources security, the Government may promote the following:

1. Negotiations and conclusion of agreements with foreign governments and international organizations related to resource security;

2. Exchange of information with foreign governments, international organizations, etc. for the collection and analysis of overseas information related to resources security;

3. International cooperation related to resource security, such as joint policy studies and research;

4. International cooperation related to resource security, such as joint technology development and training of experts;

5. Other matters necessary for international cooperation related to resources security.

(2) The Government may provide necessary support to institutions, organizations, business entities, etc. that perform the duties referred to in the subparagraphs of paragraph (1).

Article 37(Research and development) #

(1) In order to develop and improve policies and technologies necessary for resources security, the Government may promote the following:

1. Establishment and implementation of policy research and development plans related to resources security;

2. Survey of technological needs related to resource security and analysis of relevant trends;

3. Development, dissemination and diffusion of technologies related to resources security;

4. Other matters necessary for the development and improvement of technologies, etc. related to resources security.

(2) The Government may provide necessary support to institutions, organizations, business entities, etc. that perform the duties referred to in the subparagraphs of paragraph (1).

Article 38(Human resource training, education, and public relations) #

(1) In order to train experts and enhance public awareness necessary for resource security, the Government may promote the following:

1. Training of experts in resources security;

2. Public relations activities and education related to resources security;

3. Other matters necessary for the training of experts, education, public relations, etc. related to resources security.

(2) The Government may provide necessary support to institutions, organizations, business entities, etc. that perform the duties referred to in the subparagraphs of paragraph (1).

Article 39(Delegation of authority and entrustment of duties) #

(1) The Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may delegate part of his or her authority under this Act to a Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

(2) Some of the duties of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources under this Act may be entrusted to institutions or organizations prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources may subsidize the expenses incurred in the performance of entrusted affairs. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 40(Duty of confidentiality) #

Any of the following persons shall neither disclose or divulge any confidential information on resource security he or she has learned in the course of performing his or her duties, nor use such information for any purpose other than for the enforcement of this Act:

1. A current or former member of the Council;

2. A current or former public official of an administrative agency;

3. A current or former executive officer or employee of the dedicated institution;

4. A person who performs or has performed the business affairs listed in Article 36 or 37, or a current or former executive officer or employee of the institution or organization entrusted with the business affairs under Article 39(2).

Article 41(Legal fiction as public officials in application of penalty provisions) #

Any of the following persons shall be deemed a public official for the purpose of Articles 129 through 132 of the Criminal Act:

1. An executive officer or employee of the dedicated institution engaged in the business affairs prescribed in Article 7(1);

2. A person who performs or has performed the business affairs listed in Article 36 or 37, or an executive officer or employee of the institution or organization entrusted with the business affairs under Article 39(2).

Article 42(Penalty provisions) #

(1) Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than 3 years or by a fine not exceeding 30 million won:

1. A person who violates the obligations to stockpile under Article 15(1) (a person falling under subparagraph 2 of Article 45 of the Petroleum and Alternative Fuel Business Act, a person falling under subparagraph 9 of Article 45 of that Act, a person falling under Article 66(2)1 of the Safety Control and Business of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act, or a person falling under Article 54(1)2-2 of the Urban Gas Business Act shall be governed by the relevant penalty provisions);

2. A person who violates an order issued under Article 15(2);

3. A person who violates an order issued under Article 29(1);

4. A person who violates an order issued under any subparagraph of Article 30(1) (a person falling under subparagraph 3 of Article 45 of the Petroleum and Alternative Fuel Business Act, a person falling under subparagraph 5 of Article 46 of that Act, a person falling under Article 66(2)2 of the Safety Control and Business of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act, a person falling under Article 66(3)9 of that Act, a person falling under subparagraph 17 of Article 68 of that Act, a person falling under subparagraph 15 of Article 50 of the Urban Gas Business Act, or a person falling under Article 43(1)3 of the Coal Industry Act shall be governed by the relevant penalty provisions);

5. A person who sells core resources in violation of Article 31(3) (a person falling under subparagraph 10 of Article 45 of the Petroleum and Alternative Fuel Business Act shall be governed by the relevant penalty provisions).

(2) Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than 2 years or by a fine not exceeding 20 million won:

1. A person who fails to ship overseas developed core resources into the Republic of Korea without any special reason even after receiving an order for inbound shipping, in violation of Article 27(1) (a person falling under subparagraph 4 of Article 24-2 of the Overseas Resources Development Business Act shall be governed by the relevant penalty provisions);

2. A person who discloses or divulges any confidential information on resources security that he or she has learned in the course of performing his or her duties, or uses such information for any purpose other than the enforcement of this Act, in violation of Article 40.

(3) Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won:

1. A person who refuses or fails to comply with a request for provision of information under Article 8(2) without any justifiable grounds;

2. Any person who fails to comply with the measures under Article 11(2) without good cause;

3. A person who fails to make a report under Article 15(3) or has made a false report;

4. A person who disposes of the stockpiles, in violation of Article 33(1) and (2).

Article 43(Joint penalty provisions) #

If the representative of a corporation, or an agent or employee of, or any other person employed, by a corporation or an individual commits an offense under Article 42 in connection with the business affairs of the corporation or individual, not only shall such offender be punished, but also the corporation or individual shall be punished by a fine under the relevant provisions; provided, this shall not apply to cases where such corporation or individual has not been negligent in giving due attention and supervision regarding the relevant duties to prevent such offense.

Article 44(Administrative fines) #

Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 20 million won; provided, this shall not apply to the State and local governments:

1. A person who violates the duty to cooperate under Article 9 without any justifiable grounds;

2. A person who fails to make a report under Article 11(1) or has made a false report;

3. A person who fails to give notice of the fact under Article 21(2) or gives false notice, or fails to provide relevant data and information;

4. A person who fails to give notice of the fact under Article 22(2) or gives false notice, or fails to provide relevant data and information;

5. A person who fails to prepare and manage an institutional risk response manual under Article 25(2);

6. A person who violates an order issued under Article 25(3);

7. A person who fails, or refuses, to undergo a response training under Article 26(2) without good cause;

8. A person who fails to make a report under Article 33(3) or makes a false report.