Does Every Korean Have to Go to Military?
Korea has a mandatory military service system, which means that every able-bodied male citizen is required to serve in the military for a certain period of time. This system has been in place since the end of the Korean War in 1953. But what are the specific requirements, and who is exempt from serving? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Korea’s mandatory military service system and explore the answers to these questions.
Who is required to serve?
The Korean government requires all able-bodied male citizens to serve in the military for a certain period of time. This includes Korean citizens, regardless of their nationality. However, there are some exceptions and exemptions that we’ll discuss later.
How long do they have to serve?
In Korea, the mandatory military service period is approximately 18-21 months for men. However, this period can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances. For example:
- Men born between 1993 and 1999: 18 months of service
- Men born between 2000 and 2002: 21 months of service
- Men born before 1993: 24 months of service (although this may be reduced to 21 months in the future)
Who is exempt from serving?
While mandatory military service is the norm in Korea, there are some exceptions and exemptions:
- Men with a physical disability: Those who have a physical disability that prevents them from serving in the military are exempt from service.
- Men with a mental disability: Those who have a mental disability that prevents them from serving in the military are exempt from service.
- Men with a criminal record: Those who have a criminal record are generally exempt from service.
- Men who are pursuing higher education: Men who are pursuing higher education are exempt from service until they complete their studies.
- Men who are aged 35 or older: Men who are 35 or older are generally exempt from service.
- Men who are foreign-born: Foreign-born men are exempt from service, as long as they are naturalized citizens or have Korean nationality.
Who is deferrable?
In addition to those who are exempt from service, there are also those who are deferrable, meaning they can delay their service:
- Students: Students who are enrolled in a university or other higher education institution can delay their service until they graduate.
- Businessmen: Businessmen who own a business or are engaged in a business activity can delay their service for up to 2 years.
What happens if they don’t serve?
Failure to serve in the military can result in serious consequences, including:
- Fines: Those who fail to serve in the military can be fined up to 30 million won (approximately $25,000).
- Imprisonment: Those who fail to serve in the military can be imprisoned for up to 1 year.
- Loss of citizenship: In severe cases, those who fail to serve in the military can have their citizenship revoked.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while every able-bodied male citizen in Korea is required to serve in the military, there are exceptions and exemptions for those who are physically or mentally unfit, have a criminal record, are pursuing higher education, or are aged 35 or older. Deferrable individuals, such as students and businessmen, can also delay their service. Failure to serve can result in serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and loss of citizenship.
Table: Military Service Requirements
| Category | Service Period |
|---|---|
| Men born between 1993 and 1999 | 18 months |
| Men born between 2000 and 2002 | 21 months |
| Men born before 1993 | 24 months (may be reduced to 21 months) |
Bullets List: Exemptions and Deferrals
• Physical disability
• Mental disability
• Criminal record
• Pursuing higher education
• Aged 35 or older
• Foreign-born (naturalized citizens or Korean nationality)
• Students (can delay service until graduation)
• Businessmen (can delay service for up to 2 years)
