South Korea Tightened Power Bank Rules After the Air Busan Fire
In January 2024, a lithium battery caught fire on an Air Busan flight during boarding at Gimhae Airport. 180 passengers had to evacuate, and 7 people were injured. It was a wake-up call -- and South Korea responded with some of the strictest power bank rules in the world.
What Happened on the Air Busan Flight?
A passenger's lithium battery (possibly a power bank) ignited in their bag while the plane was still at the gate. Smoke filled the cabin, triggering an emergency evacuation via slides. The investigation found the fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery that wasn't properly stored.
What Changed?
South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) mandated new rules for all Korean airlines:
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Visibility requirement | Power banks must be kept visible during any use |
| Crew access | Must be within reach of cabin crew at all times |
| No concealment | Cannot be used under blankets, in seat pockets, or between seats |
| Active monitoring | Cabin crew actively check for compliance during flights |
Which Airlines Are Affected?
All Korean carriers now follow these rules:
What This Means for You
If you're flying a Korean airline:
Is This Stricter Than Other Countries?
Yes. Most countries only regulate what you can bring on board, not how you use it once you're seated. South Korea is one of the few that actively monitors in-flight power bank usage.
However, with Lufthansa and Asian carriers now banning usage entirely, South Korea's "you can use it but keep it visible" approach is actually more lenient than the new European and Asian bans.
Check your specific airline's rules with our free power bank checker.
Sources
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