ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE POSTAL SERVICE ACT
Wholly Amended by Presidential Decree No. 11218, Aug. 31, 1983
Amended by Presidential Decree No. 11742, Aug. 19, 1985
Presidential Decree No. 13070, Aug. 8, 1990
Presidential Decree No. 13655, May 30, 1992
Presidential Decree No. 13675, Jun. 30, 1992
Presidential Decree No. 14342, Jul. 23, 1994
Presidential Decree No. 15539, Dec. 15, 1997
Presidential Decree No. 16046, Dec. 31, 1998
Presidential Decree No. 16999, Nov. 9, 2000
Presidential Decree No. 18312, Mar. 17, 2004
Presidential Decree No. 19008, Aug. 19, 2005
Presidential Decree No. 19767, Dec. 21, 2006
Presidential Decree No. 20016, Apr. 20, 2007
Presidential Decree No. 20678, Feb. 29, 2008
Presidential Decree No. 21214, Dec. 31, 2008
Presidential Decree No. 22367, Sep. 10, 2010
Presidential Decree No. 22940, May 30, 2011
Presidential Decree No. 22985, Jun. 27, 2011
Presidential Decree No. 23340, Dec. 2, 2011
Presidential Decree No. 24442, Mar. 23, 2013
Presidential Decree No. 25532, Aug. 6, 2014
Presidential Decree No. 25706, Nov. 11, 2014
Presidential Decree No. 26306, Jun. 9, 2015
Presidential Decree No. 28044, May 8, 2017
Presidential Decree No. 28210, Jul. 26, 2017
Presidential Decree No. 29102, Aug. 21, 2018
Presidential Decree No. 30106, Oct. 8, 2019
Presidential Decree No. 30992, Sep. 8, 2020
Presidential Decree No. 31380, Jan. 5, 2021
Presidential Decree No. 33013, Dec. 6, 2022
The purpose of this Decree is to prescribe matters mandated by the Postal Service Act and matters necessary for the enforcement thereof. <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997; Aug. 19, 2005>
Article 2 Deleted. <Apr. 20, 2007> |
Article 3 (Articles Excluded from Letters) |
"Those prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as newspapers, periodicals, books, and product catalogs" in the proviso of subparagraph 7 of Article 1-2 of the Postal Service Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Act") means any of the following articles: <Amended on Aug. 21, 2018> 3. | A book satisfying all of the following requirements: |
(a) | It shall have been printed and bound into a book in the form of a booklet, the total page count of which excluding covers shall be at least 48; |
(b) | It shall have been published with any one indication among the name of a publisher, publishing company, or printing house; |
(c) | It shall have been published with pagination; |
4. | A product catalog in the form of a booklet, wherein the prices, functions, characteristics, etc., of goods are printed in letters, photographs and pictures, and the total page count of which is at least 16 (including the cover page); |
5. | An unsealed document or invoice appended to a cargo; |
6. | An international document sent to or received from a foreign country; |
7. | A commercial document sent and received between a main office and branch office or between branch offices of a company (including public institutions under the Act on the Management of Public Institutions) in Korea, the delivery of which is required to be made within 12 hours after sending it as a postal item; |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 2, 2011]
Article 3-2 (Basic Charges for Letter-Post Items) |
“Charge for a letter-post item prescribed by Presidential Decree” in Article 2 (3) of the Act means a general postal charge for a standard postal item which weighs more than five grams but not more than 25 grams among charges for letter-post items publicly notified under Article 12. <Amended on Aug. 21, 2018> [This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 2, 2011]
Article 4 (Entrustment of Postal Services) |
(1) | The Minister of Science and ICT shall entrust any of the following services to a person designated under Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT pursuant to the proviso of Article 2 (5) of the Act: <Amended on Dec. 31, 1998; Apr. 20, 2007; Feb. 29, 2008; Sep. 1, 2010; Dec. 2, 2011; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
1. | Receipt of postal items by visiting mail users; |
2. | Collection, delivery or transport of postal items, or dispatch and receipt thereof (referring to affairs related to categorizing and arranging postal items; hereinafter the same shall apply) in an area where the traffic is inconvenient or in other areas where such entrustment is deemed especially necessary in the light of the services for the collection, delivery, or transport of postal items, or for dispatch and receipt thereof; |
3. | Services of manufacturing postal stamps and the like (referring to the postal stamps, certificates stamp books indicating the postal charges, and envelopes and international reply coupons necessary for the special handling of postal items; hereinafter the same shall apply); |
4. | Other services prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT for the convenience of the use of postal services, smooth delivery of postal items, and efficiency improvement of postal services. |
(2) | In entrusting the services of receiving postal items by visiting mail users and services of collecting and delivering them under paragraph (1) 1 and 2, the methods of entrustment may be determined differently by dividing districts where the relevant entrusted services are performed, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT. <Amended on Dec. 31, 1998; Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
(3) | The Minister of Science and ICT may pay a person entrusted with services under paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as “entrusted person") charges and expenses directly required for the relevant services. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
(4) | Matters necessary for dealing with services entrusted to a third party and the payment of fees and expenses to entrusted persons shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
(5) | "Period prescribed by Presidential Decree" in the provisions, with the exception of the items, of Article 2 (6) 1 of the Act means the following: <Newly Inserted on Dec. 6, 2022> |
9. | Crimes under the subparagraphs of Article 63 (1) of the Narcotics Control Act and attempts to commit the crimes under paragraph (3) of that Article (limited to attempts to commit the crimes under paragraph (1) 2 through 5, 11, and 12 of that Article): Four years; |
10 Crimes under Article 63 (2) of the Narcotics Control Act and attempts to commit the crimes under paragraph (3) of that Article (limited to attempts to commit the crimes under paragraph (2) of that Article): Six years; [This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 15, 1997]
Article 4-2 (Requests for Carriage of Postal Items) |
(1) | When the Minister of Science and ICT requests the carriage of postal items under Article 3-2 (1) of the Act, he or she shall issue a written request for carriage of postal items stating the following matters by no later than five days before the commencement of the carriage: Provided, That such request may be made immediately in the event of a natural disaster or in urgent cases: <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
1. | Carriage section and frequency of carriage; |
2. | Date and time of departure and arrival; |
3. | Quantity or weight of postal items; |
4. | Place and method of handover; |
5. | Carriage charge and payment method thereof; |
6. | The amount of damages payable to the State when postal items are lost or damaged during the carriage; |
7. | Other matters necessary for the speedy and safe carriage of postal items. |
(2) | In the amount of compensation to be paid under Article 3-2 (2) of the Act, the transport fee, etc. applied to the relevant carriage section shall be taken into consideration. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 15, 1997]
Article 5 (Designation of Postal Districts and Postal Codes) |
(1) | The Minister of Science and ICT may designate postal districts and postal codes to sort delivery areas. <Amended on Aug. 8, 1990; Dec. 15, 1997; Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
(2) | When the Minister of Science and ICT designates postal districts and postal codes under paragraph (1), he or she shall publicly notify them in advance. The same shall also apply when any change is made thereto. <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997; Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
Article 6 (Matters to Be Stated in Outside of Postal Items) |
(1) | On the outside of a postal item, names, addresses and postal codes of a sender and an addressee shall be stated: Provided, That the name of the addressee may be omitted in cases of postal items other than those for which the processing procedures are recorded (hereinafter referred to as "registered postal items"). <Amended on Sep. 1, 2010> |
(2) | Necessary matters to be stated other than those prescribed in paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT. <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997; Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
Article 7 (Experimental Provision of Postal Services) |
The Minister of Science and ICT may implement a new system (including alteration of a system) relating to postal services on experiment. <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997; Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
Article 7-2 (Handling of Entrusted Services) |
Where necessary for the convenience of citizens, the Minister of Science and ICT may be entrusted with affairs that can be handled by means of postal services among affairs of other national agencies, local governments, or public institutions prescribed in the Act on the Management of Public Institutions. <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997; Feb. 29, 2008; Sep. 1, 2010; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> [This Article Newly Inserted on Aug. 8, 1990]
Article 8 (Remuneration and Compensation for Losses) |
Matters concerning the remuneration for a helper of a mail carrier, etc. under Article 4 (1) of the Act and the compensation for a loss incurred by the passage of a mail carrier, etc. under Article 5 of the Act shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT. <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997; Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
Article 8-2 (Restrictions on Utilization and Suspension of Services) |
(1) | In cases of a war, insurrection, or national emergency similar thereto, or natural disaster or other unavoidable circumstances under Article 6 (1) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as “emergency, etc.”), the Minister of Science and ICT may assign a risk level to postal areas by classifying them from first to third grade depending on the level of risk of safety accidents, etc. |
(2) | In cases of emergency, etc., the Minister of Science and ICT may suspend postal services or limit the use of postal items incidental thereto in accordance with the following classifications, and release them sequentially in consideration of the circumstances of the relevant postal area: |
1. | 1st grade postal area, and 2nd grade postal area where the degree of emergency is deemed severe: All services of collecting and delivering postal items and services determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Science and ICT; |
2. | 2nd grade postal area (excluding the 2nd grade postal area set out in subparagraph 1) and 3rd grade postal area: Services of collecting and delivering postal items within the scope determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Science and ICT and services determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Science and ICT. |
(3) | Necessary matters concerning the criteria for classifying the level of risk under paragraph (1), the criteria for determining severity of emergency, etc. under paragraph (2) 1, and the restrictions on utilization of postal items and the partial suspension of postal services, other than those prescribed in paragraphs (1) and (2), shall be determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Science and ICT. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Aug. 21, 2018]
Article 9 (Persons Eligible to Receive Support for Efficiency of Postal Services) |
(1) | Persons, etc. who are related to the work or use of postal services under Article 12-2 (1) of the Act shall be any of the following persons: <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Aug. 21, 2018> |
1. | A person who is entrusted with services under Article 4 (1); |
2. | A person who carries postal items under Article 4-2 (1); |
3. | A person who conducts sending, manufacturing, etc. of postal items as an agent; |
4. | A person who manufactures and sells instruments, equipment, containers, etc. related to handling of postal items; |
5. | A person who is in charge of development of post-related equipment and technology; |
6. | A person who manufactures and sells goods, etc. used for postal services; |
7. | Other persons whom the Minister of Science and ICT deems necessary for improving efficiency of postal works and contributing to the convenience of mail users. |
(2) | The following support may be provided to persons falling under paragraph (1): <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
1. | Technical support for improving performance and functions of instruments and equipment related to postal works; |
2. | Support for research expenses and provision of technical know-how for the development of postal technology; |
3. | Rental of equipment, containers, etc. related to the handling of postal items; |
4. | Other matters that the Minister of Science and ICT deems necessary for efficiency of postal works. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 15, 1997]
Article 9-2 (Delegation of Authority) |
(1) | The Minister of Science and ICT shall delegate the following authority to the President of the Korea Post pursuant to Article 12-3 of the Act: <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Dec. 2, 2011; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 11, 2014; May 8, 2017; Jul. 26, 2017; Aug. 21, 2018; Sep. 8, 2020; Dec. 6, 2022> |
2. | To issue an order to carry postal items under Article 3-2 of the Act (excluding affairs referred to in paragraph (2) 1); |
8. | To determine (including determination of changes; hereinafter the same shall apply) and publicly notify prohibited postal goods and the volume, weight, and packaging of postal items; and to refuse or restrict the provision of postal services under Article 17 of the Act; |
12. | To determine and publicly notify the amount of compensation for damage incurred in relation to an international postal item under Article 38 (3) of the Act; |
14. | Deleted; <Aug. 19, 2005> |
15. | To designate and publicly notify postal codes under Article 5; |
16. | To implement an experimental new system related to postal services (including alteration of a system) under Article 7; |
18. | To acknowledge persons eligible to receive support for the efficiency of postal services, and matters requiring support, under Article 9 (1) 7 and (2) 4; |
19. | To receive military postal charges under Article 10-3 (1); |
20. | To perform related to military post in overseas special areas under Article 10-5; |
21. | To publicly announce the issuance and sale of postal stamps under the former part of Article 13 (1); |
22. | To determine and publicly notify the kinds and quantity of postal items, the postal charges of which may be separately paid, post offices handling such service, and other necessary matters in Article 25 (2); |
23. | To acknowledge cases where a postal item can be delivered by collecting postal charges, etc. from an addressee under Article 33 (2); |
24. | To determine and publicly notify the following: |
(a) | Postal items, excluded from registered postal items for which the confirmation of receipt can be substituted by a proof of delivery provided by a postal item self-collection station or a letter box with electronic lock pursuant to the proviso of Article 42 (3) 1; |
(b) | Methods for delivering registered postal items, proof of delivery, applicable periods, etc. under the latter part of Article 42 (3) 2; |
24-2. | To determine and publicly notify the methods of confirming the fact of delivery of parcel postal items, which are registered parcel items under Article 42 (4); |
25. | To determine and publicly notify the method of identifying the principal, method of giving notice to an addressee, storage period, etc., where a postal item is delivered at a postal item self-collection station under subparagraph 3-2 of Article 43; |
26. | To determine and publicly notify postal items, for which an addressee may request delivery to a place other than that indicated on the surface thereof under subparagraph 10 of Article 43; |
27. | To acknowledge exceptional areas for delivery of postal items pursuant to Article 43 (4). |
(2) | The Minister of Science and ICT shall delegate the following authority to the heads of regional offices of Korea Post pursuant to Article 12-3 of the Act: <Amended on Aug. 19, 2005; Feb. 29, 2008; May 30, 2011; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 11, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017> |
1. | To issue an order to carry domestic postal items within their jurisdictions among orders to carry postal items pursuant to Article 3-2 of the Act; |
1-2. | Deleted; <Nov. 11, 2014> |
2. | To accept reports on the business of delivering letters and reports on modification thereto pursuant to Article 45-2 of the Act; |
3. | To accept reports on closedown, shutdown, or resumption of the business of delivering letters pursuant to Article 45-4 of the Act; |
4. | To issue an order to improve business for business operators engaging in delivering letters pursuant to Article 45-5 of the Act; |
5. | To issue an order to close down a business place or suspend business to a business operator engaging in the business of delivering letters under Article 45-6 of the Act; |
6. | To require a report by a business operator engaging in delivering letters or a person who entrusted the business of delivering letters to a third party and inspection of his or her business facilities, books, or others under Article 45-7 of the Act; |
9. | To designate and publicly notify postal districts under Article 5 (including authority to make changes). |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Nov. 9, 2000]
Article 9-3 (Digitization of Postal Services) |
(1) | When dealing with a document subject to digitization under Article 15-2 (1) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as “document subject to digitization”) by converting it into a form that can be processed by the data processing system, the Minister of Science and ICT shall be equipped with all the following devices or facilities: |
1. | A scanner and other devices used to prepare a digitized document defined in Article 15-2 (2) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as “digitized document”); |
2. | The digitized postal document management system defined in Article 15-2 (4) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as “digitized postal document management system”); |
(2) | The Minister of Science and ICT shall prepare a digitized document by using devices such as a scanner under paragraph (1) 1, and keep it in the digitized postal document management system with technical measures to ensure the identity between the prepared digitized document and the document subject to digitization. |
(3) | The Minister of Science and ICT shall confirm the identity of a printed output of a digitized document when it is requested by the sender, recipient, etc. thereof to confirm whether the printed output is identical to the digitized document kept in the digitized postal document management system. |
(4) | The Minister of Science and ICT shall take administrative and technical measures such as designating access authority, installing a firewall, and using encryption software in order to prevent leakage, damage, falsification, alteration, etc. of digitized documents kept in the digitized postal document management system. |
(5) | Matters necessary for the digitization of postal services, other than those prescribed in paragraphs (1) through (4), shall be determined by the Minister of Science and ICT. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Aug. 21, 2018]
Article 10 (Management of Personally Identifiable Information) |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Aug. 6, 2014]
Article 10-2 (Military Postal Items) |
1. | Letter-post items sent by a military unit (including agencies; hereinafter the same shall apply) in an area designated by the Minister of National Defense and soldiers and civilian military employees belonging to such military unit; |
2. | Parcel postal items of personal belongings, clothes, etc. sent by a person who enters into service at a military unit referred to in subparagraph 1. |
(2) | A person who sends a military postal item shall indicate "military post" on the outside of the military postal item. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 15, 1997]
Article 10-3 (Payment of Military Postal Charges) |
(1) | No postal charge for a military postal item shall be paid by a sender but by the Minister of National Defense to the Minister of Science and ICT each quarter. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
(2) | Amounts paid under paragraph (1) may be replaced by the budget for revenues under the special accounts of postal services for the budget for expenditures under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of National Defense. <Amended on Dec. 21, 2006; Nov. 11, 2014> |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 15, 1997]
Article 10-4 (Provision of Conveniences Necessary for Performing Military Postal Services) |
1. | Lending clothes and providing meals for employees working at military post offices in wartime operation areas; in such cases, meal costs shall be deducted from charges to be paid under Article 10-3 (1); |
2. | Providing preferably emergency medical treatment to employees working at military post offices who are wounded in the course of performing their official duties in wartime operation areas, and evacuating and admitting them to medical care institutions in rear areas; |
3. | Issuance of a certificate for accompanying the army to employees working at military post offices. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jan. 5, 2021]
Article 10-5 (Military Post in Overseas Special Areas) |
Matters concerning the military post for military units stationed in overseas special areas and soldiers and civilian military employees belonging thereto shall be determined by the Minister of Science and ICT following a consultation with the Minister of National Defense. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 15, 1997]
Article 11 (Fees for Use of Postal Services) |
A person who uses postal services shall pay a fee in the following cases: <Amended on Aug. 19, 2005; Sep. 1, 2010; Dec. 2, 2011; May 8, 2017>
3. | Handling of a postal item, the postal charge for which is to be borne by an addressee, under Article 29 (1); |
4. | Requests for the change of an addressee and the address of an addressee, or return of a postal item under Article 36-2; |
5. | Installation and use of a private letter box under Article 38 (1); |
6. | Requests for the delivery of a postal item under subparagraph 10 of Article 43. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 15, 1997]
[Title Amended on Dec. 2, 2011]
Article 12 (Public Notice of Postal Charges) |
The Minister of Science and ICT shall publicly notify the postal charges and fees for using postal services under Article 19 of the Act (hereinafter referred to as "postal charges, etc."). <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997; Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
Article 13 (Issuance of Postage Stamps) |
(1) | When the Minister of Science and ICT intends to issue and sell postage stamps and certificates indicating the amount of postal charges under Article 21 (1) and (2) of the Act, he or she shall publicly announce the kinds, nominal value, forms, date and place of sale, etc. each time they are issued and sold. In such cases, an envelope on which a seal indicating a postal charge is printed shall be sold at an aggregate of the expenses incurred in relation to the issuance thereof and the postal charge. <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997; Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
(2) | Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 14 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 15 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 15-2 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 16 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 17 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 18 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 19 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 20 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 21 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 22 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 23 Deleted. <Aug. 19, 2005> |
Article 24 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 25 (Separate Payment of Postal Charges) |
(1) | When the same person simultaneously sends a large quantity of the same postal items, the kind and postal charge, etc. of which are the same, he or she may separately pay the relevant postal charge, etc. |
(2) | The kinds, quantity of postal items, the postal charges of which may be separately paid under paragraph (1), post offices handling such service, and other necessary matters shall be determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Science and ICT. <Amended on May 8, 2017; Jul. 26, 2017> |
Article 26 (Sending Postal Items Using Postage Meters) |
(1) | The sender of a postal item may send his or her postal item without attaching a postage stamp but by using an indicator that prints a seal certifying the payment of a postal charge (hereinafter referred to as "postage indicator"). <Amended on Aug. 21, 2018> |
(2) | Matters necessary for using and handling a postage indicator under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Aug. 21, 2018> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 15, 1997]
[Title Amended on Aug. 21, 2018]
Article 27 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 28 (Using Postage Indicators Installed at Post Offices) |
The head of a post office dispatching postal items may have the relevant postal charges paid by utilizing postage indicators installed at the relevant post office. <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997; Aug. 21, 2018>
[Title Amended on Aug. 21, 2018]
Article 29 (Postal Charges to Be Borne by Addressee) |
(1) | Any of the following postal items may be sent by charging the postal charges, etc. to an addressees: <Amended on Aug. 19, 2005; Sep. 1, 2010> |
1. | Letter-post items sent by a person who receives a large quantity of postal items, to receive them at his or her own expense; |
2. | Registered postal items for which a sender has obtained approval from an addressee on that the postal charges, etc. shall be paid by the addressee: Provided, That in cases of letter-post items, the same shall apply only where a separate contract is concluded between the head of a post office and a sender. |
(2) | Postal charges, etc. under paragraph (1) shall be paid when an addressee receives the postal items: Provided, That the same shall not apply when a subsequent payment of the postal charges, etc. is made under Article 30. <Amended on Aug. 19, 2005> |
(3) | When an addressee fails to pay a postal charge, etc. under the main clause of paragraph (1) 2, the postal item shall be returned to the sender. In such cases, the sender shall pay the postal charge, etc. and a fee for handling the return. <Newly Inserted on Aug. 19, 2005; Sep. 1, 2010; May 8, 2017> |
(4) | Matters necessary for the handling of a postal item, the postal charge, etc. of which is to be borne by an addressee under paragraph (1), shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT. <Amended on Aug. 19, 2005; Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 15, 1997]
[Title Amended on Aug. 19, 2005]
Article 30 (Subsequent Payment of Postal Charges) |
The sender of a postal item may choose not to pay postal charges, etc. of the postal item determined by the Minister of Science and ICT at the time he or she sends it; but may make a subsequent payment thereof within a fixed period. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 15, 1997]
Article 31 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 32 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 33 (Postal Items for Which Postal Charges Are Unpaid or Paid Deficiently) |
(1) | A postal item for which postal charges, etc. are unpaid or partially unpaid shall be returned to a sender. <Amended on May 8, 2017> |
(2) | In cases falling under paragraph (1), if a postal item is unable to be returned due to an unknown name or address or by any other cause, or if a postal item is sent from a domestic place through an overseas sojourner or overseas traveler who has returned home, or if the Minister of Science and ICT deems it necessary, the relevant postal item may be delivered after the aggregate of the postal charge, etc. unpaid or partially unpaid and the surcharge in an amount equivalent thereto from an addressee is collected. <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997; Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; May 8, 2017; Jul. 26, 2017> |
(3) | If any failure of the payment or partial payment of postal charges, etc. is caused by mistake of a post office, such postal charges, etc. shall not be collected. |
Article 34 (Arrearage Charge) |
(1) | When a person liable to pay a postal charge, etc. fails to pay the full amount by the due date, he or she shall pay an arrearage charge equivalent to 3/100 of the postal charge, etc. in arrears under Article 24 (2) of the Act in addition to the postal charge, etc.; and shall pay an additional arrearage charge equivalent to 12/1,000 of the delinquent postal charge, etc. every one month after the lapse of the due date. |
(2) | Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if a postal charge, etc. in arrears is less than one million won, an arrearage charge equivalent to 3/100 of the postal charge, etc. in arrears shall be collected, regardless of the period of delinquency; and no arrear charge shall be collected if the person liable to pay it is a foreign mission or agency of the United Nations in Korea. |
(3) | The additional arrearage charge under paragraph (1) shall not be collected for longer than 60 months. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 21, 2018]
Article 35 (Refund of Postal Charges) |
(1) | Postal charges, etc. to be refunded at the request of a payer under Article 25 of the Act shall be as follows: <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997; Sep. 1, 2010; May 8, 2017> |
1. | Postal charges, etc. overpaid by mistake of a post office; |
2. | Where a postal office fails to specially handle a postal item by mistake after receiving a fee for special handling of the postal item, such fee for special handling of the postal item; |
3. | Where the use of a private letter box terminates or is terminated, the remaining balance of paid fees from the day immediately following such termination; |
4. | Where a payer cancels the receipt of a postal item, which has not been sent by the relevant post office, after the postal item was received. |
(2) | Requests for the refund of postal charges, etc. under paragraph (1) shall be made, within the following periods, to a post office to which they are paid: <Amended on May 8, 2017> |
1. | In cases falling under paragraph (1) 1 or 2, 60 days from the date the payment is made; |
2. | In cases of termination or cancellation under paragraph (1) 3, 30 days from the date of termination or cancellation. |
[Title Amended on May. 8, 2017]
Article 36 Deleted. <Nov. 11, 2014> |
Article 36-2 (Requests for Change of Address and Return of Postal Items) |
The sender of a postal item may request a post office that sends the postal item to change an addressee and the address of the addressee or to return the postal item only before it is delivered by a post office or delivered to the addressee at the window of the delivering post office under subparagraphs 6 and 7 of Article 43. In such cases, the head of the relevant post office may choose not to comply with such request if he or she judges that such act would cause considerable inconvenience to its business. <Amended on May 8, 2017> [This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 15, 1997]
[Title Amended on May. 8, 2017]
Article 36-3 (Scope of Postal Items to Be Returned without Opening) |
"Sealed postal items prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 28 (2) of the Act means sealed letter-post items containing letters or currency. <Amended on Dec. 2, 2011> [This Article Newly Inserted on Apr. 20, 2007]
[Title Amended on May 8, 2017]
Article 37 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 38 (Installation and Use of Private Letter Boxes) |
(1) | The sender of postal items may send postal items by using a private letter box installed at his or her own cost. |
(2) | Matters necessary for the installation and use of a private letter box under paragraph (1) shall be determined by contract between a person who installs a private letter box and the head of a post office collecting postal items from the relevant letter box. <Amended on Dec. 31, 1998> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 15, 1997]
Article 39 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 40 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 41 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 42 (Delivery of Postal Items) |
(1) | In accordance with the main clause of Article 31 of the Act, a postal item shall be delivered by a delivering post office to a place indicated on the surface of the postal item. In such cases, postal items, the addressees of which are at least two persons, shall be delivered to any one of them. <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997> |
(2) | A postal item on which a post office box (hereinafter referred to as "PO Box") number is indicated shall be delivered to the relevant PO Box. |
(3) | A registered postal item shall be delivered upon receiving confirmation on the fact of the receipt thereof from an addressee, cohabitant (including a person working at the same workplace), or recipient under subparagraph 1 or 5 of Article 43: Provided, That in any of the following cases such confirmation on the fact of the receipt can be substituted by the relevant proof of delivery: <Amended on Jul. 23, 1994; Dec. 15, 1997; Sep. 1, 2010; Mar. 23, 2013; May 8, 2017; Jul. 26, 2017; Aug. 21, 2018; Sep. 8, 2020> |
1. | Where a registered postal item (excluding postal items determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Science and ICT, which contain documents to be delivered by a court, cash, securities, etc.; hereafter in subparagraph 2 of this paragraph and subparagraph 8 of Article 43, the same shall apply) is delivered to a postal item self-collection station (referring to a device that receives postal items without face-to-face contact; hereinafter the same shall apply) or a letter box with electronic lock pursuant to subparagraph 8 of Article 43, and a proof of delivery is provided by the postal item self-collection station or the letter box with electronic lock; |
2. | Where a registered postal item is delivered to a letter box (excluding postal item self-collection stations and letter boxes with electronic lock) without face-to-face contact for the prevention of breakout and spread of infectious diseases in an area declared as a special disaster area under Article 60 of the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety due to the spread of infectious diseases under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, and a proof of delivery is provided in the form of a delivery notice, photo of the postal item being delivered, phone call, e-mail, etc.; in such cases, details of delivery methods, proof of delivery, and applicable periods for relevant provisions, etc. shall be determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Science and ICT. |
(4) | Notwithstanding paragraph (3), the method of confirming the fact of delivery of a parcel postal item which is a registered parcel item, may be separately determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Science and ICT. <Newly Inserted on Aug. 21, 2018> |
Article 43 (Special Provisions concerning Delivery of Postal Items) |
Cases where a postal item can be delivered to a place other than an address indicated on the surface thereof under the proviso of Article 31 of the Act shall be as follows: <Amended on Jul. 23, 1994; Dec. 15, 1997; Feb. 29, 2008; Dec. 31, 2008; Sep. 1, 2010; Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 9, 2015; May 8, 2017; Jul. 26, 2017; Aug. 21, 2018> 1. | Where a postal item to be delivered to an addressee in the same building or premises is delivered to the management office, reception desk, or a janitor; |
2. | Where a postal item to be delivered to an addressee using a PO Box is delivered to the relevant PO Box despite that the PO Box number is not indicated thereon; |
3. | Where a postal item is delivered at the window of a delivering post office at the request of an addressee on a day when postal items are not to be delivered; |
3-2. | Where a postal item is delivered at a window in a delivering post office or at a postal item self-collection station (referring to a postal item self-collection station meeting the standards for the method of identifying the principal, method of giving notice to an addressee, storage period, etc., which are determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Science and ICT), because the postal item has not been delivered due to temporary absence of the addressee or any other reason; |
4. | Where a postal item to be delivered to an island area, an area of agricultural or fishing village where the traffic is inconvenient, or an area the Minister of Science and ICT deems necessary, is delivered to an individual letter box or a shared letter box installed as prescribed by an ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT; |
5. | If an addressee has designated a person residing in the same postal area (referring to an area where a postman collects and delivers postal items; hereinafter the same shall apply) as his or her substitute recipient and reported thereon to the delivering post office, where a registered postal item is delivered to such substitute recipient; |
6. | Where a postal item with indication of "To be kept at post office" is delivered to an addressee at the window of the relevant delivering post office as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT; |
7. | Where a postal item to be delivered to an area where it is impractical to deliver postal items in the normal manner due to traffic inconvenience is delivered to an addressee at the window of the relevant delivering post office as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT; |
8. | Where a registered postal item is delivered to a postal item self-collection station located at the same postal area as an addressee's, in receipt of request or approval therefor from the addressee; |
9. | Where an addressee has reported on residential relocation pursuant to Article 31-2 of the Act and postal items are delivered to a place reported by an addressee; |
10. | Where an addressee requests a postal item determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Science and ICT to be delivered to a place other than that indicated on the surface thereof. |
[Title Amended on Jun. 9, 2015]
Article 44 (Charges for Delivering Postal Items) |
Charges for delivering postal items pursuant to Article 31-2 (2) of the Act shall be determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Science and ICT, in consideration of expenses required depending on the distance of transmitting postal items to a place to which an addressee is relocated. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017> [This Article Newly Inserted on Jun. 9, 2015]
Article 45 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 46 (Installing and Using PO Boxes) |
(1) | Post offices may install PO Boxes at delivering post offices pursuant to Article 37 of the Act: Provided, That where the head of the competent regional office of Korea Post deems it necessary, even the post offices that do not deal with the delivery services may install PO Boxes. <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997; May 30, 2011> |
(2) | Matters necessary for the use, management, etc. of PO Boxes shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 15, 1997; Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
Article 47 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 48 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 49 Deleted. <Dec. 15, 1997> |
Article 50 (Installation of Letter Boxes in Multi-Story Buildings) |
(1) | The owner or manager of a building under Article 37-2 of the Act shall install letter boxes for each dwelling facility, office or any other work place of the building at an easily visible place inside the relevant building that is close to the entrance thereof. |
(2) | Matters necessary for the installation, management, etc. of letter boxes under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Science and ICT. <Amended on Dec. 15, 1997; Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017> |
Article 51 (Delivery of Postal Items to Multi-Story Buildings) |
(1) | Postal items to be delivered to a building under Article 50 (1) shall be delivered to letter boxes installed in the relevant building: Provided, That the same shall not apply to cases falling under subparagraph 1 of Article 43. <Amended on Aug. 8, 1990; Aug. 21, 2018> |
(2) | Where no letter box is installed in a building in Article 37-2 of the Act, postal items may be kept and delivered at a delivering post office. <Amended on May 30, 1992; Dec. 15, 1997; Nov. 9, 2000> |
(3) | To keep and deliver postal items under paragraph (2), the manager and occupants of the relevant building shall have been requested to install letter boxes, and notified of a reason for and a place of keeping the postal items, method of receiving postal items, etc. by no later than five days before doing so. |
Article 52 (Compensation for Damage) |
(1) | Deleted. <Aug. 19, 2005> |
(2) | The amount of damages under Article 38 (4) of the Act may be preferentially paid out of funds possessed by the relevant post office within budgetary limits and replenished afterwards. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 15, 1997]
[Title Amended on Aug. 19, 2005]
Article 53 (Refund of Compensation for Damage) |
The amount of compensation for damage to be refunded under Article 45 of the Act by a person who intends to request for delivery of a postal item shall be as follows: 1. | Where no damage is caused to a postal item, whole amount of compensation for damage; |
2. | Where any damage is caused to a postal item, an amount obtained by deducting actual damages from the amount of compensation for damage. |
Article 53-2 (Exemption from Reporting by Business Operators Engaging in Small-Scale Business of Delivering Letters) |
"Person who intends to engage in small-scale letter delivery business satisfying standards prescribed by Presidential Decree" in the proviso of Article 45-2 (1) of the Act means a business operator governed by the provisions concerning simplified taxable persons prescribed in Article 61 of the Value-Added Tax Act, who intends to deliver letters. [This Article Newly Inserted on Nov. 11, 2014]
Article 53-3 (Re-Examination of Regulation) |
The Minister of Science and ICT shall examine the validity of standards for imposing administrative fines pursuant to Article 54 and the attached Table every three years as of January 1, 2015 (referring to the date before January 1 of every third year) and take measures, including the improvement thereof. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017> [This Article Newly Inserted on Nov. 11, 2014]
Article 54 (Criteria for Imposition of Administrative Fines) |
The criteria for imposition of administrative fines under Article 54-2 of the Act shall be as prescribed in attached Table. [This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 2, 2011]
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 11218, Aug. 31, 1983>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on the date determined by Ordinance of the Ministry of Communications within three months after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 and 3 Omitted.
Article 4 (Transitional Measures concerning Domestic Sellers, etc.)
A person who has obtained permission for a domestic seller or overseas distributor under the previous Regulations on the Management and Sale of Postal Stamps before this Decree enters into force shall be deemed to have obtained permission for a domestic seller or overseas distributor under this Decree.
Article 5 (Transitional Measures concerning Postal Items Containing Currency)
Handling of postal items that contain currency and are sent by other means than those prescribed in the amended provisions of Article 10 (2) before this Decree enters into force shall be governed by the previous provisions. Article 6 (Transitional Measures concerning Use of Postage Meters)
Postage meters authorized for use under the previous provisions before this Decree enters into force may be used continuously.
Article 7 (Transitional Measures concerning Compensation for Damage)
Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Articles 52 and 53, the damage of postal items incurred before this Decree enters into force shall be governed by the previous provisions.
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 11742, Aug. 19, 1985>
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 13070, Aug. 8, 1990>
(1) | (Enforcement Date) This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. |
(2) | (Applicability to Postal Items at Places Where They Are Kept and Distributed) The amended provisions of Article 45 (2) shall apply to postal items received at places where postal items are kept and distributed after this Decree enters into force. |
(3) | (Applicability to Compensation for Damage) The amended provisions of Article 52 (1) shall apply to postal items received after this Decree enters into force. |
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 13655, May 30, 1992>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on June 1, 1992.
Articles 2 through 6 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 13675, Jun. 30, 1992>
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 14342, Jul. 23, 1994>
This Decree shall enter into force on October 1, 1994: Provided, That the amended provisions of Article 10 (1) 5 shall enter into force on September 1, 1994.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 15539, Dec. 15, 1997>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on January 1, 1988.
Article 2 Omitted.
Article 3 (Transitional Measures concerning Postal Items Containing Currency)
Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Article 10, the handling of postal items which contain currency and are sent as at the time this Decree enters into force shall be governed by the previous provisions. Article 4 (Transitional Measures concerning Domestic Sellers, etc.)
Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Articles 14 through 20, the duties of persons who have obtained permission for domestic sellers, domestic distributors, and overseas distributors shall be governed by the previous provisions. Article 5 (Transitional Measures concerning Compensation for Damage)
Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Article 52, the amount of damages of postal items filed as at the time this Decree enters into force shall be governed by the previous provisions. Article 6 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 16046, Dec. 31, 1998>
This Decree shall enter into force on January 1, 1998.
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 16999, Nov. 9, 2000>
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 18312, Mar. 17, 2004>
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 19008, Aug. 19, 2005>
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 19767, Dec. 21, 2006>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on December 28, 2006. (Proviso Omitted.)
Article 2 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 20016, Apr. 20, 2007>
This Decree shall enter into force on April 27, 2007.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 20678, Feb. 29, 2008>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 21214, Dec. 31, 2008>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 5 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 22367, Sep. 1, 2010>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Refund of Fees for Using PO Boxes)
Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Article 35 (1) 3, the refund of fees for PO Boxes which have been used under the previous provisions as at the time this Decree enters into force shall be governed by the previous provisions.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 22940, May 30, 2011>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 and 3 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 22985, Jun. 27, 2011>
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 23340, Dec. 2, 2011>
This Decree shall enter into force on the date when the Free Trade Agreement between the Republic of Korea and the United States of America becomes effective.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 24442, Mar. 23, 2013>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 12 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 25532, Aug. 6, 2014>
This Decree shall enter into force on August 7, 2014.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 25706, Nov. 11, 2014>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on December 4, 2014.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Administrative Fines)
(1) | The application of standards for imposing administrative fines against acts committed before this Decree enters into force, shall be governed by the previous provisions, notwithstanding the amended provisions of the attached Table. |
(2) | The disposition of imposing administrative fines against acts violating the provisions of Article 2 (4) of the Act before this Decree enters into force under the previous provisions of 2 (a) of the attached Table, shall not be included in calculating the frequency of violations under the amended provisions of 2 (a) of the attached Table. |
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 26306, Jun. 9, 2015>
This Decree shall enter into force on July 21, 2105.
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 28044, May 8, 2017>
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Articles 9-2 (1) 22 and 25, 25 (2), and subparagraph 3-2 of Article 43 shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation; and the amended provisions of Article 9-2 (1) 26, subparagraph 6 of Article 11, and subparagraph 10 of Article 43 shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 28210, Jul. 26, 2017>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 6 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 29102, Aug. 21, 2018>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability concerning Arrears Charge)
The amended provisions of Article 34 shall begin to apply from the first postal charge, etc. for which due date arrives on or after the date this Decree enters into force.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 30106, Oct. 8, 2019>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 5 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 30992, Sep. 8, 2020>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Delivery of Registered Postal Items)
The amended provisions of Article 42 (3) 2 shall begin to apply to registered postal items received on or after the date this Decree enters into force.
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 31380, Jan. 5, 2021>
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 33013, Dec. 6, 2022>
This Decree shall enter into force on December 11, 2022.