# MOLIT Revises Pilot Licensing Requirements in South Korea

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) in South Korea is advancing revisions to the Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL) acquisition process, mandating that pilots complete training and examinations exclusively at approved training organizations (ATOs). This initiative aims to harmonize South Korea's pilot licensing standards with international norms ahead of an upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit. However, the proposed changes have met resistance from pilots, including representatives from Jeju Air, who express concerns about increased training costs and additional burdens, particularly impacting younger pilots.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should anticipate increased demand for certified pilot training services from approved training organizations, potentially creating new contracting opportunities for aviation training providers.
- The alignment with ICAO standards signals a shift toward more regulated and standardized pilot training procurement, affecting airline operators and training vendors.
- Airlines and training organizations may need to adjust procurement strategies to comply with MOLIT's updated licensing framework, including potential investments in approved training facilities.
- Industry stakeholders should evaluate the cost implications and operational impacts of these licensing changes on pilot workforce development and training budgets.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Transportation
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** June 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT)
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

### Vendors
- Jeju Air (airline operator)

### Sources
- [MOLIT pushes education-based pilot licensing as pilots decry high costs - CHOSUNBIZ](https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-industry/2026/06/08/3UBSVS7DMFELDCG3Z7T7NKY2TM) - Chosunbiz